Creating Exceptional Designs by Blending Art and Technology

by | Dec 12, 2020

We’ve had several designs and printing types for centuries, and contrary to some opinions, letterpress is still essential today. It’s an aspect of relief printing that served many purposes for an extended period. Though it’s not the primary method anymore, we still use it to produce exceptional designs like debossing. They make things like business cards, personalized stationery, front page specifications, and invitations.

People prefer it over traditional printing because it communicates a certain level of elegance, especially for invitations. It offers an excellent visual definition and is, therefore, also a form of art. This type of printing shows class, and to stay relevant, some aspects evolve with the times. Thus, though it’s majorly a handiwork, it also requires creativity and technology.

The Importance of Creativity

Now that you understand how we can see this type of design printing as an art form, it’s easy to establish the need for creativity. Despite it being similar to regular calligraphy-types where you have various templates, uniqueness is also essential. That’s because it’s the addition of unpredictable elements that increases the appeal and aesthetic effect.

As with any design, there are points for originality. General concepts may be similar for various people, but outright copying discredits the work. That’s why there must be creativeness in producing results. It matters because, in this age, innovation is paramount. Although some ideas aren’t hard to think of, there have to be specific distinguishing elements.

Creating Art with Technology

Technology affects all areas of life and enhances the effect of specific things to create better results. A good example is making a bbq at home. More modern equipment like a propane grill makes your backyard bbq even better. Similarly, incorporating it with art improves the quality of a design. As it applies in various areas, so does it with letterpress printing.

For a while, it became extinct because of the advent of other forms of printing. However, thanks to Martha Stewart, it gained popularity again in the 90s. That’s one of the reasons why we can’t afford to lag regarding technology. It has several applications and advantages in this industry. Therefore we must utilize it fully and purposefully to get better results.

Beyond the functionality, this type of lettering is also fashionable. As discussed earlier, it shows elegance and class because of the aesthetic appeal and the rareness. It’s also because of the skill and manual effort required, compared to regular printing presses. So besides learning the basics and peculiarities of letterpress, one also has to be familiar with the digital tools.

Besides computer software, some of them include things like photopolymers and using lasers in engraving. Tech also evolves, and though it’s not necessary to flow with each new emergence, it’s vital to stay abreast of changes to remain relevant. Therefore, letterpress studios like Western Editions and others must embrace the use of technology.

Digital Designing in Letterpress Printing

People love the designs for the vintage effect; thus, it generally requires effort. There are digital methods that ease the process, even though there are older ones used. In the same way, printing requires specialized equipment, and this step also needs specific things. Therefore, we use various software like InDesign and others to produce the desired design and results.

Carrying out these tasks digitally expands the concept options and provides you with modern templates. It also gives room for a broader range of creative processes and adds specific effects that may be difficult to add manually. It’s instrumental in logo designing, which shows the broadness of a letterpress studio’s work. There’s no restriction to what you can do digitally.

Tips for Exceptional Designs

One of the foremost tips for letterpress printing is having the right tools and equipment. We can’t overemphasize the necessity because you may as well gear up for substandard results without it. Even if it’s a DIY project, there are specifications of the device that would be appropriate. That also involves knowing how to use them. It’s pointless to have something you can’t operate. Also, your designs must be exact before printing. That especially applies if you’re using a digital format, and experts recommend EPS and press-ready PDF files. It would also be best if your font size isn’t one that tiny (below 6pt.). Due to the peculiarity of letterpress, you may end up with unclear letters. For this reason, avoid fonts with tight letter spacing.

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