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:

• Why traditional letterpress technology forces us to design with straight lines
• Methods for introducing curves and angles with traditional quads and furniture
• How to use “Daredevil Furniture” and other non-traditional tools for type composition
• Shopping your local hardware store for letterpress paraphernalia
• The special demands of printing designs with curves and angles
• Other experimental printing techniques, as time permits

All participants will receive a copy of the class project via snail mail as a tangible reminder of the experience.

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.

About the Instructor

Jessica Spring

Tacoma, WA

Founded in 1999, Springtide Press is located in Tacoma, Washington. We design, print and bind artist books, broadsides and ephemera incorporating letterpress printing and handmade paper. Small finely-crafted editions and one-of-a-kind books explore historical topics, popular culture and typography from a unique perspective. Our shop motto, “where we always print damp” recognizes the Pacific Northwest as a fine place to print, where the damp climate helps make a good impression.