What makes letterpress stationery cards so special?
My little girl’s elementary class is having an awards ceremony today and is hoping to win the Most Creative award. This unlocked a forgotten core memory from when I won the same award in the sixth grade. Flashback to 1999, when Lisa Frank was a lifestyle, the boombox was always on, and Giga Pets were the ultimate accessory. It started when I doodled my name in bubble letters and carefully outlined it with my crayola markers in rainbow order. My classmates were fascinated and asked if I could make each of them one too.
Creating lettered artwork for friends in elementary school became a way to express my creativity and make my friends feel special. I would spend hours perfecting the swirls and curves of each letter, making sure every detail was just right. I'd use a rainbow of markers and milky jelly roll gel pens to bring each design to life. My friends would beam with excitement when they received their personalized artwork, and I loved seeing the pride in their eyes as they showed off their one-of-a-kind creations on their lockers, and 3 ring binders. Who knew that something as simple as a letter could bring so much joy?
I get that same feeling now when you guys receive your letterpress stationery and I feel your sense of excitement, anticipation building. I imagine the look on your face when you receive this little piece of typography art that I’ve created for you. It's a feeling I'm familiar with, one that I experience every time I create a new design, and it's a thrill that never gets old.