Do you rent out your workshop space and equipment to designers?  Do you take on interns? Do you give one-to-one tuition?

In these health and safety obsessed times, 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 and St Bride Foundation Letterpress Workshop  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 in conjunction with St Bride Foundation Institute, just off Fleet St. Please email if you wish to know more.  Eye Magazine booked a letterpress session for  their Office Christmas Party 2010. You can read about it in their blog here.

What founts of type do you have?

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 mostly salvaged from out of business print companies.  I use paper with 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.