~ A labor of love ~
Over the last 5 or 10 years there's been a lot of hoopla about folks making things again. Laborers, crafters, artisans and just plain old makers are sexy nowadays. Being letterpress printers we appreciate this newfound interest in handmade crafts. That said, we also believe final production and execution rely heavily on the thinking, planning and creative work that comes first.
The very best finished work depends on the choices and decisions the designer makes. Conceptualizing, sketching and noodling away on the computer may not be physical labor but it is hard work to get right and crucial for a project to turn out its very best.
Here's a look at what goes into 'making' and ways of making a letterpress project better.
- MAKE IT ORIGINAL. We all rightly look to the past and our peers for inspiration but work is rarely excellent unless it displays unique character and style. Inspired ideas, meticulous planning, refinements and originality matter most in all great graphic design work.
- MAKE IT APPROPRIATE. As commercial artists, it's our job to make work that is suitable for the client and audience. Appropriateness comes into play in design and production decisions as well. Final artwork must also be well suited for letterpress printing or whatever medium is being used. Not all ideas, images or projects are the right fit for letterpress.
- MAKE GOOD DECISIONS. Once you have decided on the best method of production you must craft the artwork for the medium. This often means fine tuning your art for the printing process and making the right choices to fully realize your design intentions.
- MAKE IT A TEAM EFFORT. It is best to bring your printer into the picture as early as possible in the design process. Sharing rough sketches and layouts before the artwork is complete allows you and the printer to discuss any potential problem areas so they can be addressed early and before you prepare the final artwork files.
- MAKE IT REASONABLE. Sure, handing out a die-cut 3-color over 2-color business card with foil stamping and painted edges might be the most flashy calling card ever, but are you or the client prepared to pay the price? Besides, the best letterpress work often comes from beautifully simple design.
- MAKE IT SPECIAL. We believe print is best saved for the right projects. Beautiful printed matter can be thought provoking, entertaining, inspiring and hard to put down when its well worked out.
We hope you are refreshed and productive as we head into the busy creative season.
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