Got questions about the studio & Printing? This is a good place to start:

• I’d like to try letterpress printing. Where do I start?
  Because letterpress printing isn’t taught as a trade anymore, most printers piece together their experiences between reading books, monitoring online support groups, attending classes and/or events. I’d recommend looking for amateur press groups in your area or those with a national presence (like APA) and try to attend events such as shows or a wayzgoose (a traditional letterpress gathering) like the annual one at Hamilton. There are book arts centers that offer classes and information as well, and printing text books aren’t terribly hard to find. A few other resources are Briar Press, Letterpress Commons and this handy map of printing places of interest.

• I have started printing and need some help. Can I ask you questions?
  The Weekend Printer blog is a great place to start for many topics, and I’m happy to take suggestions if there’s something missing that you’d like to see. Most printers learn by research, collecting books on printing and listening to those with more experience. I can answer individual questions only as I have the time to do so. Consider classes either in person or online (PIP has some great ‘long distance letterpress’ offerings), especially if you’re at the beginning of your printing adventures. I am NOT currently teaching any workshops; please see contact page for local Chicago places that are.

• Can I visit the Starshaped studio?
  The studio is only open by appointment, given the press schedule. If you’d like to visit either to see the studio or chat about a project, please contact me first. We have a few open studio events each year, usually in the fall, when the public is invited to visit; join the mailing list for advance warning of these times!

• Are you hiring? Do you accept interns?
  We are not; Starshaped is a one-woman shop with help from Printers Devil Jo. While I’ve had interns in the past, I am currently unable to support any in the studio.

• Do you give interviews, do talks, school visits, etc.?
  Yes! There are limitations given time commitments to press projects and parenting, however. If interested, please reach out for more details on the pricing structure for group visits to the studio as well as speaking engagements. Please understand that group visits that involve preparing the studio to show the process, including setting up presses or demonstration materials, takes a considerable amount of time, as does preparing a talk or presentation. I love my job, but it IS my job, and I expect to be paid for the work.

• Do you create pro-bono work or pieces for charity?
  Yes, but usually this is for people and places of our choosing. Many of the prints for sale in the shop benefit local charities and that is noted in the listing. If you’re looking for items or gift certificates for non-profit fundraising, please fill out this form about your request and I’ll get back to you.

• I reserve the right at any time to refuse work that is not in keeping with the mission of the studio.