Letterpress has been a part of my life in a big way the past week or two.

I have been working with the Maine College of Art in printing their Commencement materials. Both an invitation and a program cover were created by designers at MECA (Thanks Jennifer, Beth, Kelsey, and Chris) then printed by myself and an incredibly helpful team of people at Pickwick Independent Press (again, I can’t thank you all enough). When I started this project, I was skeptical that I could manage printing two large editions with such intimidating techniques.

I am happy to say that the decision to take on this challenge has been one of the best experiences I have ever had. Even with all problems aside, the knowledge I gained was invaluable and I had a blast.

Learning that my design practice really does need to involve print to make me happy was a fantastic realization. It could be a small part like being part of a place like Pickwick and producing personal work, or in a large way like these MECA print jobs. All I know is that I enjoyed myself the most when I was pulling prints in the studio. I need to make sure that I am creating what I love, even if it is a small part of what I do.

My own definition of “Studio Practice” is more clear to me as well. I have learned the value of creating time to be making, even if it is just an hour a day doing anything. Being out of a school setting for a year now, I have realized I need this to grow as an artist. If I really want to keep making and doing exciting new things, I need to persevere and keep creating. There are many things I have yet to try my hand at in the design and print world, and I know that if I continue to find things that make me smile, I’ll be happy.