Long-Distance Letterpress: Daredevil Typesetting

Why you should take this class

Jessica Spring of Springtide Press coined the term Daredevil Typesetting to describe work that defies the conventions of straight and perpendicular traditional letterpress printing. Demonstrations with laser-cut furniture and found objects for typographic composition will give you confidence to find your inner daredevil.

What you’ll learn

In this online demonstration, Jessica will focus on typesetting and printing techniques that move beyond straight lines and right angles to set type that curves, loops, and bounces. We’ll explore both traditional methods of employing circular and angle quads, as well as tools adapted from art supply and hardware stores for manipulating type. She’ll also show off with “Daredevil Furniture,” sets of lasercut furniture designed for type composition at Springtide Press. Here’s an overview of the topics we’ll cover:

• Inspiring examples of historic devices for advanced typographic composition
• Introducing curves and angles with traditional quads and furniture
• Using “Daredevil Furniture” and other non-traditional tools for type composition
• Shopping your local hardware store for letterpress paraphernalia
• Locking up forms with curves and angles
• Other experimental printing techniques, as time permits

Attendees will receive a copy of Jessica’s daredevil demo print in the mail.

Prerequisites

This workshop consists of a demonstration and interactive Q&A, with no advance preparation or supplies necessary to participate.

Who should take this class?

This demonstration is for any designer or printer who is interested in exploring typesetting beyond the grid. Some experience with hand composition is helpful, but not necessary.

Will this class be recorded?

All of PiP’s classes are live and unrecorded — you’ll find it’s a lot more fun and interactive this way.

Visit our FAQ page to learn more about PiP’s class policies.