Where did the name of your studio come from?

Very simply, I liked the way it sounded. And I wanted a name that alluded to the process of letterpress printing. In this case, the softness of the paper in contrast with the power of the machinery involved.

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

Kat is my studio manager. She's been with me since July 2015. She responded to my add on craigslist and her experience was a perfect fit. I also have a rotating seasonal internship program. Every three months we take on a new intern in the studio to help with any of the tasks from packaging cards, shipping out orders and learning how to print on the presses. I also have a part-time shipping assistant, Erika, who comes in once a week to help pack orders, package cards and get orders out the doors and shipped.

How did you get into design and letterpress printing?

I’ve been letterpress printing since 2004, when I was first introduced to it while earning my Fine Art degree at San Francisco Art Institute. I took a yearlong book arts class where I learned the basics of artist book making, everything from hand paper making, book binding and letterpress printing. I’m drawn to the way text interacts with images to tell a story.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I am inspired by humanity, connection, friendships, relationships and communication. My ideas come from things I would want to communicate myself. Those ideas and phrases becomes the basis of my greeting card ideas. Once I have a list of ideas, I play around with the phrasing and typography to create a design that speaks accurately to what I am trying to say. I’ve found my most successful cards are the most authentic to my own voice.

What kind of press(es) do you use?

I have a Chandler and Price 10x15 model-n for all my high production greeting card work. I use my Vandercook SP-15 for posters and wedding invitations.

Which press was used to print the Nicely Noted cards?

The C&P, my production press and work horse.