Introduction to Letterpress Printing

Discover the Art of Traditional Printing

A Beginner-Friendly Workshop with award-winning artist Todd Thyberg

November 21, 1:00 – 5:00pm

Maximum class size: 10

For artists aged 15 and up, Beginner to Intermediate

Designed for beginners and intermediate printmakers ages 15 and up, this four-hour workshop introduces participants to the creative possibilities of letterpress printing using a small tabletop press. Whether you're completely new to printmaking or looking to expand your skills, you'll learn the fundamentals of creating printing plates, working with ink, and producing your own single-color printed designs.

With enrollment limited to just 10 participants, the workshop offers a welcoming, small-group environment with opportunities for individualized instruction.

What You'll Learn

Todd will guide participants through the fundamentals of letterpress printing, including:

• How a tabletop letterpress works and the basics of operating it

• Creating printing plates using digital files and photopolymer technology

• Printing from hand-carved linoleum blocks (linocuts)

• Preparing the press, applying ink, and mixing colors

• Printing techniques and proper cleanup procedures

Participants will gain practical experience with both traditional and contemporary relief printing methods.

No previous letterpress experience is required. Beginners will receive an introduction to the process, while those with some printmaking experience can build on their existing skills.

What to Expect

This is a hands-on learning experience, not simply a demonstration. Participants will learn to operate a tabletop press and create their own printed work.

All essential printing supplies will be provided, including ink, paper, and printing plates for creating a notecard.

Linoleum blocks will also be made available before the workshop for participants who would like to carve their own designs in advance and print them during class.

Because the tabletop press is small, printed designs will be limited in size, and participants will begin with one color of ink. This allows everyone to concentrate on the essential techniques of letterpress printing.

A note from Todd:

"Think about what you'd like to print once you've learned the basics. I'll do my best to help you achieve that goal."

Meet Your Instructor: Todd Thyberg

Todd Thyberg is an award-winning book artist, designer, and master printer whose work combines traditional letterpress techniques with imaginative storytelling and innovative book design.

Through his creative studio, Angel Bomb, Todd has been creating distinctive letterpress artist books since 2012. His work has received significant recognition, including a 2023 McKnight Book Arts Fellowship, a Jerome Book Arts Grant from the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and an Artist Initiative Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. His book American Manifesto also received a Minnesota AIGA Design Award in 2014.

Todd has served as Master Printer for two editions of the Minnesota Center for Book Arts' acclaimed Winter Book series. His artist books celebrate the tactile experience of printed materials, combining craftsmanship, visual design, and storytelling in ways that invite readers to interact with the books themselves.

In this workshop, Todd brings his extensive knowledge of letterpress printing to an accessible, small-group setting, sharing both the traditional techniques and creative possibilities of this enduring art form.

Learn more about Todd and his work at Angel Bomb.

Reserve Your Place

Experience the satisfaction of creating printed artwork by hand while learning from an accomplished letterpress artist.

Space is limited to 10 participants, and advance registration is required.

Register below to reserve your place in this special workshop at Alexandria Art Guild.