Even though traditional, letterpress is a timeless, beloved printing method that dates back centuries. Leaving a unique, crisp impression; this method of relief printing truly shows off the craftsmanship of the print industry. Even though the techniques involved with letterpress printing have been adapted to be more contemporary, it still excludes the elegance of old-world charm and handcrafted quality. For us, choosing letterpress printing for your brand’s business card - whether an art dealer or a graphic designer - shows that you value craftsmanship and quality.
With hours of labor behind this delicate process, business cards created this way can be considered works of art. There is truly nothing more beautiful to look at or feel than a letterpress business card. If you’ve ever seen and felt a letterpress business card, you’ve probably wondered how it was made. Well, to help you understand the artistry that goes into making letterpress, we give you a look behind-the-scenes with an insightful, step-by-step video.
What is letterpress printing?
Unlike conventional printing, where ink is laid flat on the surface of the paper, letterpress printing leaves a tactile and visual impression on paper. During the printing process, the paper is physically pressed, resulting in an impression that you can see and feel. Depending on your business card requirements, the impressions can be made with or without ink.
Even though colorless letterpress printing is beautiful, the true art and craftsmanship of this method are showcased when color is added to a design. Letterpress printing is one color at a time process, so it is incredibly time-consuming. But the time put in is all made worth it as the end result is truly incredible. The method of adding one color to a business card involves the following:
- Mixing ink according to Pantone matching system
- Creating and mounting the printing plate
- Setting up the letterpress with the ink
- Quality checks
Once all of the above is done, the printing begins and leaves you with a beautiful, color-filled impression. To add more color, the process needs to be repeated for each color and involves additional quality checks before cutting the final product.
Even though colorless letterpress printing is beautiful, the true art and craftsmanship of this method are showcased when color is added to a design.
Why we love letterpress
There is so much more to love about letterpress printing than just the fantastic look and feel. Here is why we love this unique printing method:
The detail
To ensure that you receive the highest quality business cards, we pride ourselves on the time and energy we take to examine each card delicately. Our team of master letterpress operators works hard to ensure every detail - from color matching to setting the print plate - is perfect.
The history
Dating back to 1040 AD, the history of letterpress printing was first invented in China using ceramic type. Johannes Gutenberg was later credited with the development of the method in the western hemisphere in 1440. Even though the way of producing letterpress has changed, this printing method has stood the test of time.
The quality
From the workmanship to the final product, the quality of the letterpress printing method is genuinely one of a kind. Combined with our master letterpress operators and expert advice, the quality can not be matched by any other printing method.
Try it for yourself
Enhance your design by using letterpress printing and turning an ordinary business card into a real work of art. Check out some of the creative and unique designs we've created here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lara Moses
Lara Moses is the founder of Copy In The Cloud, a social media and blog management agency for wedding professionals. For almost 10 years, she worked in corporate business as an editor, copywriter, and writer for brands including Seventeen Magazine and Traveller24. In 2014, after leaving her 9-5 job, she co-founded Freemadic while freelancing as a writer and social media manager.
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