Comments on: Letterpress? What do you think?

By: admin

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:49:25 +0000

Comments for this post will now be closed. The comments are going off topic from the merits of this particular product to something else entirely that’s not in line with what ILL is about.

The purpose of this blog is to celebrate letterpress no matter what machine it’s made on. We don’t discriminate against C&P or Kelsey or Kluge or Heidelberg or whatever nor do we tolerate personal attacks or passive-aggressive remarks regarding the tools used in letterpress or the people that use them.

This is also not a place to argue what a “True Artist/Designer” is. Nor is it a place to slam anyone for any reason. Please find a more suitable outlet for those kinds of discussions.

-Khris

By: Elly

Elly — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:27:47 +0000

I just love how art, design and print are so easily trivialized by people. Yes, lets put equipment in civilian hands and let them create something that is less than unique and of mediocre quality. People actually went to school to learn how to design and print. By simply saying that people can buy this machine and “design” things you are indirectly calling these people Designers. By calling random, untrained, people designers you have now belittled real designers. Making a product from this machine doesn’t create the same kind of product that a real letterpress machine can.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:17:02 +0000

I’m excited to see some close-up samples of L! I have taken letterpress classes and love the art. I think the way to look at this is the democratization of the letterpress. I have a BFA in Photography and while everyone has a camera, it doesn’t make everyone a photographer. Digital photo is not a threat to fine art photo as this machine is not a threat to traditional letterpress. This machine will provide access to people that might not otherwise have it. Letterpress for all!

By: Jenn

Jenn — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:32:01 +0000

This product looks very interesting to me! I am like Jeannie – I LOVE letterpress but do not have the resources to buy my own machine at this time. I think a product like this will enable those of us who ARE interested in letterpress to learn something about what it is about. This machine looks like it will suffice for now, but eventually I’d love to get my own true antique letterpress. I appreciate companies like Lifestyle who realize that there’s a need in the market

By: Jeannie

Jeannie — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:08:25 +0000

Hi! I would love to know the estimated cost of this home DIY system. While letterpress is something that I lust after and would love to learn for my wedding invites, it’s not really practical for me to set up shop in my garage with the real deal. I would love for a budget friendly platform in which I can learn in my own living room.

By: Erik

Erik — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:41:00 +0000

My name is Erik Adams. I am the President of the L brand and one of the creators of this new exciting product line. I hope that my comments will be taken in the right light. We are very excited for all of you to try this new product and weigh in as it is available. The product line has been developed over the past several years with a lot of love and respect for the art of letterpress. We recognize that this is not a Chandler and Price machine and that there are limitations to what we can do compared to other more professional machines that are within the letterpress community. But don’t be confused, this is a letterpress machine.

Our company has a passion and love for letterpress. We are students of the art. We developed this product line so that the common person could design and create in this art form. We are a company that has built tools to enable a creative lifestyle. This is the beauty of L.

You will find that this product is much more than a “stamping machine.” Creative people will find that our letterpress tool will enable them to be a part of a unique creative process. They will experience, like those who have already seen the product, that this is a product innovation. Innovation is always met with criticism and controversy, however, it can not be stopped. As we have market tested the product line we have found that letterpress fanatics see this as one of the most innovative products to arrive in the craft and stationery market in years. We think that as you experience it yourselves, you will agree. We look forward to your feedback.

By: kelly

kelly — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:20:11 +0000

oh judy… it is a shame that you consider quality and craftsmanship to be the same as “snobbery”. there is such a thing as ‘real letterpress’ because it is a whole process that involves specific techniques and equipment. there is a whole history behind letterpress… gutenberg, ben franklin…
having respect and appreciation for that doesn’t make someone a snob.

i do agree that owning a printing press doesn’t make you an amazing printer nor does the lack of a press mean that you couldn’t be one… but this machine is not a true printing press. talk about mediocre. this just simply can not produce the same quality as a large printing press and should not be passed off as letterpress when it is simply a glorified stamping machine.

By: Judy G

Judy G — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:52:33 +0000

I like the idea. The snobbery of
“true artists” is disgusting. Just because you learned or use a “real” letterpress doesn’t mean that a lot of people don’t produce mediocre products.

By: michele

michele — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:30:56 +0000

What a great way to build appreciation for the art of letterpress. When we understand the process, we understand its value.

Sure, someone out there will buy that kit and create something pretty darn good. This has nothing to do with the kit and everything to do with the talent of the individual. Most people who buy that kit will spend hours (days even) creating something that is mediocre at best. In the process, however, they will gain better understanding of the talent, skill, and labor required to create great letterpress.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:36:23 +0000

As someone who wants to learn real letterpress, I wasn’t thrilled at seeing those kind of kits. The lack of custom place doesn’t thrill me, but more than that, I want to learn the art of letterpress, not just produce something *like* letterpress.