i have a confession. i’m a linocut hacker. mostly because i’m cheap and a little bit lazy (a little bit. i still prefer to execute projects rather than just talk about them). i can’t shell out a few grand for a vandercook. i really really, like this conrad monotype press (the 24″ of course) but still not in the budget (for now). i could rent and have rented time up at the arm letterpress, and the arm is completely awesome. but still, it’s a little far for me to schlep my stuff back and forth, plus i find myself short on time with a family and business.

so i hack, using the speedball “printmasters press” (hardly). it retails for $450; i bought one off craigslist for $250. it comes with a bit of a flimsy press bed, so i made one of my own which worked a little better, but is still flimsy. so, i’m in the process of making an even better with more rigid materials. and honestly, i really like doing it this way. i learn a lot about what works, and what really doesn’t; really.

it doesn’t matter how fancy the equipment i’m using is. what matters is whether or not i’m getting results that i like. i am, and as i figure out new and better ways to hack my setup, my results get better. but the biggest reason that i get results that i’m pleased with is that before i ever start cutting linoleum, i take the time and effort and thoughtfulness to make sure that the design is rock solid.

thoughtful design. expect to hear a lot from us on this.