{ CUSTOM / CREATIVE / CREAKY LETTERPRESS }

    To dispel any romantic images, we are not standing there pumping your printing by foot. And though we have some pedal-powered models around the joint, our main production letterpresses are motorized. However, your printing is still carefully crafted and requires the pressman’s constant attention and adjustment throughout the run. Subtle variations from piece to piece are inevitable and indeed part of the visual appeal of letterpress.
    Actually the hardest work is done by the designer. Developing outstanding concepts, graphics, illustrations, typography and artwork for letterpress production is a job in itself. Designer and printer working together ultimately produces the best results.
    Cranky Pressman is a dedicated jobbing printer offering a full range of letterpress tools and services for creative professionals.

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Mouse-over above for selection of our work or visit flickr for more examples.

CRANKY CUSTOM LETTERPRESS

    Cranky Pressman is set up to do just about anything possible with a letterpress. We provide a very personalized service for a bunch of old gits. Phone 330-337-3341 for a quote or to discuss your project. If you prefer to reduce the time enduring our annoying voices at the other end of the horn you may want to do the business by e-mail which suits us fine. 
   Paper choice is crucial in letterpress print design and we will help you source the ideal stock for the job. We should point out however that our House Paper Selections are available and will save money on most projects should they suit your design.

SHOW YOUR SKILLS WITH OUR PRINTERY & BINDERY LINES

    In the Printery & Bindery section of this site you’ll find simple pre-priced and pre-formatted lines ready for online ordering and letterpress imprinting with your original graphic designs. Currently included are 3 ranges of business card packages to suit anybody's fancy. Coasters and cheap folded card and envelope sets can also be ordered now. We are currently working on an improved Printery & Bindery which will have many more everyday stationery-type items to use for your letterpress printed projects. Flat postcards, folded greeting cards, envelopes, invitation sets and so on will be available. The idea is to give designers economical options for creating in letterpress. Printery & Bindery packages are only available in the House Paper Selections and specified standard sizes. If you want special order papers or other eccentric requests, that would be a Cranky Custom service.

  See current Printery & Bindery lines. Check back occasionally for new introductions.

Base art templates for Printery & Bindery lines are available for downloading.

LONG IN THE TOOTH BUT NOT STUCK IN THE PAST

    All these whizbang computers and digital artwork work well with letterpress. E-mail us your artwork files and they are sent back in time where metal printing plates are made. Cranky Pressman prefers metal for the quality of impression. Polymer plates just don't cut it with us. 

JOLLY NICE PAPER SELECTED BY SOURPUSS HIMSELF

    Printers have always kept house papers in stock for use on all-purpose projects, rush jobs and the like. Cranky Pressman carries a fetching range of house paper, card and board stocks chosen for their creative possibilities and environmental responsibility. Special order papers can also be sourced.

INK CHOICES TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

    We know today’s young designers are all ginned up on color. To remedy this condition Cranky Pressman includes special mix PMS ink colors in our quoted price as standard. It is the opposite of how normal printers work but seems to make sense when most letterpress projects include special Pantone Ink Colors in the specs.
    However, should your taste be less flamboyant and the only color you require is plain old black, you can save a bit of dough with our Basic Black packages. Look for Basic Black offerings in Printery & BIindery lines. All our prices are quite competitive, you’ll find Basic Black even more so. More info on our ink »

LETTERPRESS FOR SHOW-OFFS

    For those who can’t bring themselves to just use black ink on plain paper, Cranky Pressman will accommodate your more way-out ideas. Custom services can include techniques such as foil stamping, blind impressions, split fountains, color washing and other flashy letterpress trickery along with many interesting bindery capabilities. Remember though, this fancy stuff does cost more and probably will take longer to complete.

LEARN LETTERPRESS IN OUR TRADE SCHOOL

    Picking your favorite color is the easy part of working with letterpress. For more to keep in mind when designing, check into the online Letterpress Trade School section of this site. It’s a free service from old taskmaster and a way to help the uninitiated use this specialist old craft. Stop back occasionally for updated information.