A Showcase of Impressed Print Designs

Apr 6 2010 17 Comments By Isaac Gube

Embossing is a technique for creating three-dimensional designs on paper. Embossing paper produces either a raised or a lowered surface, with the latter referred to as impressing or, in some circles, “debossing”. Print work with embossing creates a unique and tactile design that embodies a subtle but memorable element that ensures that you’ll make an impression.

Author: Isaac Gube

Isaac is the Co-Founder and Chief Editor of Design Instruct. He has experience in various design and art related fields including design, illustration, and photography. He's in charge of making sure that Design Instruct publishes high quality content that professional designers and digital artists demand and expect. Get in touch via email and on Twitter as @designinstruct or @IAMTHEGUBE.

The embossing process is done by a letterpress—a printing machine with raised plates that is covered with ink and pressed onto paper. The letterpress methodology dates back to the 15th century. Press hard enough and it will produce a depression on the paper.

In this showcase, we highlight some great examples of impressed print designs for your inspiration, printed by some of the best letterpress shops.

Studio on Fire

Studio on Fire is a letterpress printing workspace and design agency in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They also run the design blog called Beast Pieces, where they feature posts about their letterpress work.

Live Current Vol.02 CD

Erik Brandt "Sometimes" CD

2010 Studio On Fire Letterpress Calendar

2009 SOF Calendar

Iron Beast Poster

200 Year Calendar

Augmented Reality Drink Coaster

Sublimio Unique Design Formula

Falling Deer

2008 AIGA MN Design Camp System

Boxcar Press

Established in 1997, Boxcar Press is a leading letterpress based in Syracuse, New York. They’ve worked with companies such as Domino’s Pizza, Barnes & Nobles, Sony BMG, and AOL Time Warner. Their business revolves around a sustainable printing model, using materials that reduce the impact on the environment.

P22 Type Foundry

Boxcar Press open studio invitation

A modern letterpress shop’s identity

A historic train car rendezvous

Papermint press

lake effect holiday card

The Mandate Press

The Mandate Press is a modern letterpress shop based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have a saying in their workshop, "Everything looks better letterpressed."

Adam Taylor

The Mandate

Amelia Lyon Photography

McGrew

MINDPUNCH

Cowboy Christmas

Cranky Pressman

Cranky Pressman is the online letterpress shop of Graphic Touch Letterpress Company in Ohio. The print shop dates back to 1934. Cranky Pressman works with designers such as Mikey Burton, an illustrator and graphic designer who has produced work for clients such as The Sundance Channel, Wired Magazine, and MTV2.

Cranky Depression

Sarah Marie

Don’t Lose Heart

IJM Letterpress Identity C/U

Art Finger Close-up

Reddy Or Knot

UnDisign

Jackson Hill Photographer

Jason Lindsey

Peculiar Pair Press

Peculiar Pair Press is the graphic design studio and letterpress printing shop of Mary Beth Fiorentino and Amy Hayson.

Jingle & Mingle

Bayer & Borlase

Your Wedding Day Magazine

Splendora

Dovecote

Taste of Ink Studios

Taste of Ink Studios offers a wide range of design and printing services, but they are most known for their expertise in premium and specialty cards, including silk, die-cut and other unique print mediums and techniques.

Bella Figura

Bella Figura is an eco-friendly print shop in Syracuse, New York with a client list that includes Barnes & Noble, New York Fashion Week, and Sony BMG.

Palais