Questions & Answers |
Do you rent out your workshop space and equipment to designers? Do you take on interns? Do you give one-to-one tuition? |
| Sorry - I'm not in a position to rent studio space or equipment, or take on interns at the moment. However, I'm a highly qualified graphic designer myself with many years of experience in the printing industry, so I'm happy to talk to you about your job or collaboration. I teach short courses in Central London through Central St Martins Artscom. I will occasionally give one-to-one tuition, if circumstances permit. I have been approached by companies on many occasions, asking if I can tailor a short introductory course to their needs. I am now able to do this at a central London location, in conjunction with the Short Courses office at London Metropolitan University. Please email if you wish to know more. |
What founts of type do you have? |
| I am currently putting together a list which should be online soon. Metal type ranges from 6pt to 72pt - I have both serif and sans book and display faces in over 80 type cases. Woodletter ranges from 3 Pica to 60 Pica in over 40 type cases. (A pica is a unit of 12pt) |
What presses do you have? What sizes can you print? |
| I have a Cropper Charlton treadle platen, a Vandercook no4 proof press, a Farley proof press, several Adana 8x5's for smaller work and runs and finishing. I can print runs from 1 to 2000, from business cards to A3. The Farley will print one-offs or proofs up to 22 x13 inches. |
Can you print from my artwork? |
| Yes. I can get a block made from your digital or hand drawn artwork. This means you can use your own fonts from your computer. I am also a highly qualified designer, so I can do this for you if required. In addition, I am a skilled lino-cutter and have excellent hand drawing and lettering skills. |
How much will a print run cost? |
| All work is 'bespoke', so there is no exact answer. Like other forms of print, each project is priced with quantities, inks, papers, die-cuts, binding or assembly taken into consideration. Unlike offset or digital printing, letterpress printing lays down a single solid colour at a time, requiring more passes through the press and hands-on attention. The result is a distinctive, high quality product. When asked to quote, I will email you a series of questions to determine an accurate costing, also feel free to send me preliminary designs and any specifications. As they say - it doesn't hurt to ask! |
What kind of projects can you do? |
| I am open to your challenging projects. I specialise in niche projects for creative firms, businesses and individuals, working closely with clients to push the limits of traditional letterpress in creative design and production. I have plenty of experience in all aspects of the music industry too, so fully understand its needs. I have many contacts in the reprographic industry, so there are a wide range of production processes at my disposal. If you have an idea, contact me and I'll be happy to talk it through. |
Is letterpress a 'green' process? |
| Yes, it is in comparison to other print processes. The presses I use are largely powered by hands and feet, apart from the Vandercook which is hand fed and has a small electric motor for the ink reservoir. Unlike other printing methods letterpress uses minimal ink - I have tins of ink dating from the 1970s which are still usable. The ink I use is usually reconstituted from out of business print companies. I use paper with high green credentials, or 'bin ends' and offcuts from other companies which saves cutting down extra trees. I use my own paper offcuts for smaller jobs, such as business cards. Metal type, once it is worn out can be re-cast in some cases. |
Are you a fine-artist or a designer? |
| I am both. I trained as a fine artist very early in my career, then went to work in an offset-litho printers as a paper paste-up artist, while continuing to draw and paint in my spare time. This developed my interest in type forms. I am interested in language and graphic communication within fine art. I feel printing presses, Apple Macs and pencils and brushes can all fulfil the same function. |