Learn and practice the basics of letterpress printing and typesetting. You will use the Common Press collection of metal typefaces to create a simple postcard design using words that you provide and then print a small edition on the Vandercook printing press.
This orientation is required as one of two prerequisites for working on independent projects at Common Press. It can be taken multiple times. Registration is required.
Related LibGuide:
CommonPress by Kathryn Reuter
Date:
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Location:
Common Press whole space
Campus:
Fisher Fine Arts Library
More information:
What to bring with you:
Please bring one to fifteen words you would like to print on a postcard.
As this is a training exercise, there are many constraints to your design:
- You will select a typeface from 1 of the 330 typefaces in the Common Press collection. You can see a type specimen book here:
- Postcard size: 6 x 4.25 inches.
- Ink color: black
- Layout: horizontal lines
- Images: optional decorative ornaments can be added. More information about this provided on the day of the workshop.
- Paper: your choice, from the Common Press stock paper collection.
- Because this is an introductory group workshop, additional design constraints may be introduced to ensure the training is completed within the allotted time.
Registrations open at 10:00am Thursday, February 19, 2026
