The Art of Letterpress Printing: A Look Inside Starshaped Press
A Small Business with a Big History
Starshaped Press in Ravenswood is part business, part museum. During this year’s Small Business Saturday, patrons not only perused greeting cards, prints, and posters in the studio, but also viewed the 100-year-old machines used to create them.
The Craft of Letterpress Printing
As part of the letterpress printing craft, ink is placed on engraved metal or wood blocks referred to as “type,” which is then pressed on paper. Most impressive in the shop was the electric-powered platen press that is operated in part by spinning a giant rubber wheel. Another draw are the job cases: wooden boxes of “movable type,” or individual letters neatly housed in drawers.
A Tactile Experience
Jennifer Farrell, principal designer and founder of Starshaped Press, demonstrates how to make business cards using a letterpress printing style on a platen press. “I feel like 95% of the people that email or call want something because of the process,” she said. “We’re preserving a craft that’s hundreds of years old.”
A Resurgence in Interest
Though Johannes Gutenberg is credited with the development of letterpress printing during the 1400s in present-day Germany, movable type has origins in Asia. Farrell said the craft has seen a resurgence over the last couple of decades, and she is part of a community of people printing for a living in the Chicago area.
A Passion for the Craft
Farrell’s interest in the process was sparked in college. She originally studied set design at DePaul University before transferring to Columbia College Chicago, where she graduated with a degree in graphic design. When she was in school, everything was web design, and she was like, “I kind of hate this. I want something tangible.” She gained experience in letterpress printing at Fireproof Press in Bucktown, where she produced music packaging, posters, and stationery. When the business closed, she struck out on her own, amassing a collection of old equipment over the years.
A Community of Printers
Starshaped Press doesn’t operate as a traditional storefront, but customers can go to the studio to pick up orders placed online at starshaped.com. People can also get a peek inside during the Holiday Open House on December 14.
The Future of Letterpress Printing
In addition to creating, Farrell also has taught others the craft. She said she has especially enjoyed preparing women to work in the male-dominated field. “We’ve had some really great people come through and work here and then go on to set up their own shops,” she said. One of those former trainees is Raychel Steinbach, owner of Current Location Press, who is currently setting up a new studio in Hyde Park.
Conclusion
Farrell has been able to sustain a living through letterpress printing, even though it’s not the most lucrative career choice. “But it’s comfortable,” she said. “And I love coming here. I’d rather be happy every day than make more money at a job I hate.”
FAQs
Q: What is letterpress printing?
A: Letterpress printing is a traditional printing process that involves placing ink on metal or wood blocks, known as “type,” and then pressing it onto paper.
Q: How did you get started in letterpress printing?
A: I originally studied set design at DePaul University before transferring to Columbia College Chicago, where I graduated with a degree in graphic design. I gained experience in letterpress printing at Fireproof Press in Bucktown.
Q: What’s the most impressive machine in the shop?
A: The electric-powered platen press is operated in part by spinning a giant rubber wheel.
Q: Can I visit the studio?
A: Yes, customers can go to the studio to pick up orders placed online at starshaped.com. People can also get a peek inside during the Holiday Open House on December 14.
