Pepper Press

Ursula Jaroszewicz has shared her elegant dot designs with us before. The blind impression tree rings on her featured card seem fitting for the turn of the calendar year and to celebrate a sincere birthday wish.

• Where did the name of your studio come from?

  Originally, a friend and I wanted to start a design and printing business together. I love spicy food, and she has a fiery personality that will tell you what's on her mind. It also helped that we're both graphic designers so, while going off a long list of possible names we came up with, ideas for logos started formulating and this one greatly resonated.

• Who is on your team, and how did you come together?

  I'm mostly a one-woman show, with rotating help from part-time assistants, and occasional help from friends and family. I work out of a tiny studio in Brooklyn, where if there are more than 2 people in it, it feels crowded, so keeping it small.

• How did you get into design and letterpress printing?

  I studied graphic design all the way back in college, and have been working in the field for years in various industries: publishing, packaging, branding, etc. I got into letterpress printing on the recommendation of the above mentioned friend - and she was totally right. I think letterpress really clicked with me as I was missing working with my hands on tangible end-product. The design process and the hands-on aspects of letterpress printing go hand-in-hand.

• Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

  New York City living provides an endless supply of discovery of new (and old) concepts and ideas (where else can you see the original Gutenberg Bible by randomly walking into the New York Public Library around lunchtime?). Also, wanderlust - I can't get enough of traveling to new places near and far, and just getting out of the city into the outdoors - into nature, as often as I can - into the simplicity and calm that it provides have a huge impact on my work.

• What kind of press(es) do you use?

  A Vandercook Universal 1, and a small C&P Pilot press at the moment.

• Which press was used to print the Nicely Noted cards?

  The Birthday Tree Rings card has been printed on the Vandercook press.

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Dots