LETTERPRESS LIVE : A free opportunity for a maximum of 2 visitors (or you might think of yourself as a letterpress spy) intrigued by Lead Graffiti’s work to observe us printing one of our projects. This is intended as a live, in-studio experience for anyone curious about the art of letterpress printing. We think designers, people looking for a creative outlet, history buffs, writers could and should find the experience as a free jolt to your everyday routine. While you must register to let us know you are coming, you are welcome to take photos, ask questions while we work, and leave when you’ve seen enough. There are no requirements on your part. We often say we want to give back and this is a way to do that.

You’ll be able to see the work behind the scenes that goes into whatever project is scheduled for that day. Activities could include hand setting type, adjusting packing on the press to create the desired depth of impression, mixing custom ink colors, hand rolling the print form for special effects, troubleshooting and correcting the image to achieve a particular look, and any number of other activities that go into a handcrafted letterpress print.

These first-hand experiences are not intended to replace our workshops which follow a set outline,

Designers, history buffs, printmakers, students, etc with no age or letterpress experience requirement.

PROJECT : Ray’s 2023 calendar page for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Printing History Association for the past 12 years. The accompanying 3 images show past solutons. Typically, Ray tends to know the layout ahead of printing, but there are always elements changed, added, or modified.

At least generally, Ray’ll be printing an edition of about 150 working from photopolymer plates. Paper will likely be French Paper.

You can come and stay for as much of the session as you like. Ray’s project may not be completed in this session.