I’m proud to say that I’m now the co-owner of a beautiful Kelsey 3×5 letterpress. It may be small, but big dreams are wrapped up in its metal plates.

When I set out to alter the path of my design career (i.e. waving goodbye to employment), there were three major goals I had in mind for the first year. I list them here in no particular order: screen print a poster, design a typeface and learn how to letterpress (surviving helps too). I’m happy to say my typeface is well under way, and thanks to a fieldtrip to Wayne on Tuesday, my letterpress goal is within reach.

The Infantree boys and I took a trip down the turnpike to visit Louella Press and Two Paperdolls. Big thanks go out to Colleen Walsh for showing us around the new studio and letting us see some of the bigger presses.

Louella Press was just featured in HOW Magazine (October 2008) for some incredible promotional stationery they created. It’s the kind of stuff that makes you kick yourself and say, “Wish I thought of that.”

Check out Louella’s blog for some more pics. And make sure to drop by Briar Press for some letterpress goodness, circa 1820. I’m sure I’ll be hanging out there a lot more.

Take my advice: Get out of the office for a day and go meet some other creative people. Spend some time around people smarter and more driven than you; it’s sure to rub off.