the
magic
is in the
process
And we take that responsibility seriously
It’s why we’re constantly (read: obsessively) aiming to elevate the artistry of letterpress, while still honoring the process behind this centuries-old craft.
We love the ink-stained, tactile experience of this work. Between the grit of the machines and the permanence of the ink, there’s beauty in the mess of it all. For us, it’s a magic that can’t be reproduced.
so how does it work?
01
Designs are transformed into polymer plates, (essentially a fancy, highly detailed stamp). This process involves exposing a reverse negative of the design onto UV-sensitive polymer, creating raised areas that will transfer ink to paper. Each color in the design requires its own plate. For letterpress, the plate is flexible with an adhesive backing, while for foil stamping, the plate is metal to allow heat conduction.
01
Designs are transformed into polymer plates, (essentially a fancy, highly detailed stamp). This process involves exposing a reverse negative of the design onto UV-sensitive polymer, creating raised areas that will transfer ink to paper. Each color in the design requires its own plate. For letterpress, the plate is flexible with an adhesive backing, while for foil stamping, the plate is metal to allow heat conduction.
02
The letterpress plate is adhered to a base and secured onto the press. This base serves two key functions: its grid system aids in precise placement, and it elevates the plate to a standardized height called "Type High" (.918 inches), the magic number in letterpress printing. Just as math enthusiasts celebrate Pi Day, letterpress printers celebrate Type High Day on September 18th.
02
The letterpress plate is adhered to a base and secured onto the press. This base serves two key functions: its grid system aids in precise placement, and it elevates the plate to a standardized height called "Type High" (.918 inches), the magic number in letterpress printing. Just as math enthusiasts celebrate Pi Day, letterpress printers celebrate Type High Day on September 18th.
03
In a meticulous process known as 'makeready,' the press is fine-tuned for perfection. Placement, impression depth and inking are carefully adjusted to ensure crisp, flawless prints. Each design, color and paper type requires a custom makeready process —because in letterpress, precision is everything.
03
In a meticulous process known as 'makeready,' the press is fine-tuned for perfection. Placement, impression depth and inking are carefully adjusted to ensure crisp, flawless prints. Each design, color and paper type requires a custom makeready process —because in letterpress, precision is everything.
04
Ink is hand-mixed in-house using the Pantone formula guide to achieve custom colors. Since letterpress prints one color at a time, each color requires a separate plate, a separate ink application, and a separate pass through the press. This layering process gives letterpress its signature richness and texture.
04
Ink is hand-mixed in-house using the Pantone formula guide to achieve custom colors. Since letterpress prints one color at a time, each color requires a separate plate, a separate ink application, and a separate pass through the press. This layering process gives letterpress its signature richness and texture.
05
Each sheet of paper is individually fed through the press, with careful attention to alignment, impression depth, and ink coverage and consistency. Unlike modern digital printing, letterpress is as much an art as it is a science, requiring constant adjustments and a watchful eye.
05
Each sheet of paper is individually fed through the press, with careful attention to alignment, impression depth, and ink coverage and consistency. Unlike modern digital printing, letterpress is as much an art as it is a science, requiring constant adjustments and a watchful eye.
06
Once printed, the paper is carefully trimmed to its final size. Every piece then undergoes a rigorous quality control check, ensuring that each invitation, card, or print meets our exacting standards. No smudges, no inconsistencies—just perfectly pressed paper, ready to impress.
06
Once printed, the paper is carefully trimmed to its final size. Every piece then undergoes a rigorous quality control check, ensuring that each invitation, card, or print meets our exacting standards. No smudges, no inconsistencies—just perfectly pressed paper, ready to impress.
we believe that everything looks better in letterpress. This is why we’ve poured our time and hearts into not only embracing this antique and intricate printing approach but mastering it.
Britt’s love for letterpress was born from a hobby-in-the-garage-turned-side-hustle. Her advice? Build it and they will come.
And she did. And they did.
Having spent years in film production, it’s no surprise that Britt has a keen eye for the end result, looking at creative design and letterpress through a lens of perceived-effortless execution—meticulously and masterfully pushing the envelope* of her craft.
While many find their comfort zone between painted lines of possibility, Britt cozies up to the guardrails, ever-so-thoughtfully expanding and forging her own path. No (tactile) dream too big, Britt is daring and hungry.
In this same vein, her brand’s identity mirrors her own; Britt is vibrant, magnetic, thoughtful, authentic, and wildly creative—transcending the day-to-day self and manifesting in her art, every client, every time. Both Britt and her art are rooted in purpose—whether by inclusion or omission. Letterpress is intentional and precise, yet forgiving and one of a kind. It’s a care-focused craft.
And Britt is her medium personified**.
*no trite pun intended
**kind of like how owners resemble their dogs (don’t tell her she looks like a Vandercook, though)
Early 2014
At a friend’s urging, I take my first letterpress lesson at a print shop in LA. I have no idea what letterpress is, but I’ve been mesmerized by the thick paper and tactile impression and decide to do a bit of investigative work.
In no time, I’m hooked on the intricacy and delicacy of the craft and within 6 months I’ve scoured the internet for the goldilocks equivalent of heavy machinery—the perfect press. By the end of the year, my small but mighty garage studio is up and running!
Early 2014
At a friend’s urging, I take my first letterpress lesson at a print shop in LA. I have no idea what letterpress is, but I’ve been mesmerized by the thick paper and tactile impression and decide to do a bit of investigative work.
In no time, I’m hooked on the intricacy and delicacy of the craft and within 6 months I’ve scoured the internet for the goldilocks equivalent of heavy machinery—the perfect press. By the end of the year, my small but mighty garage studio is up and running!
Summer 2014
The season I decided my little hobby deserves a name. Living near the ocean and gaining much inspiration from nature, my fiancé (now husband) suggested Swell Press, which I only agreed to based on polling from my loved ones that it was clear "swell" was in reference to large bodies of water and not "gee, that's swell." And every single day, I'm reminded that they lied to me.
Summer 2014
The season I decided my little hobby deserves a name. Living near the ocean and gaining much inspiration from nature, my fiancé (now husband) suggested Swell Press, which I only agreed to based on polling from my loved ones that it was clear "swell" was in reference to large bodies of water and not "gee, that's swell." And every single day, I'm reminded that they lied to me.
2015
Every minute I am not working at my full-time career in the film production world, I am printing. Ambitious to a fault, I design and press a number of over-complicated, under-priced wedding suites for friends and family.
2015
Every minute I am not working at my full-time career in the film production world, I am printing. Ambitious to a fault, I design and press a number of over-complicated, under-priced wedding suites for friends and family.
2016
In August, Brian and I get married on Catalina Island with 100 of our closest family and friends in attendance. During this time, I begin to FULLY understand the heightened stress and emotions that accompany wedding planning. This experience organically contributes to the mission of Swell Press - making the stationery process one of the most relaxed, fun, and pleasant parts of wedding planning (a common thread in much of our feedback).
2016
In August, Brian and I get married on Catalina Island with 100 of our closest family and friends in attendance. During this time, I begin to FULLY understand the heightened stress and emotions that accompany wedding planning. This experience organically contributes to the mission of Swell Press - making the stationery process one of the most relaxed, fun, and pleasant parts of wedding planning (a common thread in much of our feedback).
2017
I take the giant leap of faith into making Swell Press a full-time career, and rent a studio space (one that doesn’t require an extension cord to be run from my living room). Naturally, the addition of a new press and other (very large) equipment follows (hello, Diderot effect). I give myself 365 days to see what I and Swell Press can achieve, but quickly realize there's no turning back. Farewell, Hollywood!
2017
I take the giant leap of faith into making Swell Press a full-time career, and rent a studio space (one that doesn’t require an extension cord to be run from my living room). Naturally, the addition of a new press and other (very large) equipment follows (hello, Diderot effect). I give myself 365 days to see what I and Swell Press can achieve, but quickly realize there's no turning back. Farewell, Hollywood!
2018 - 2020
Two more studio moves, six more team members, and thousands of clients later, Swell Press continues to raise the bar for ourselves and the craft, exploring new printing methods, production materials, and unconventional ideas. Like artistic expression, the journey of creative entrepreneurship (and small business ownership) is always evolving. The magic is indeed in the process - not just in printing, but in entrepreneurship, too.
2018 - 2020
Two more studio moves, six more team members, and thousands of clients later, Swell Press continues to raise the bar for ourselves and the craft, exploring new printing methods, production materials, and unconventional ideas. Like artistic expression, the journey of creative entrepreneurship (and small business ownership) is always evolving. The magic is indeed in the process - not just in printing, but in entrepreneurship, too.
2020
Encouraged by a love of teaching and a desire to share the craft that has brought me so much joy, I launch the first ever, fully comprehensive online Letterpress class, Learn Letterpress. We have 100 sign-ups in the first minute! To date, it has been one of the most rewarding things I have done. As of 2024, 800+ people have taken the course, and it has been incredible to see the impact of sharing my letterpress knowledge with fellow printers.
2020
Encouraged by a love of teaching and a desire to share the craft that has brought me so much joy, I launch the first ever, fully comprehensive online Letterpress class, Learn Letterpress. We have 100 sign-ups in the first minute! To date, it has been one of the most rewarding things I have done. As of 2024, 800+ people have taken the course, and it has been incredible to see the impact of sharing my letterpress knowledge with fellow printers.
2025
Our team has expanded, with four team members in our LA office and four remote — and two studio dogs, of course. We continue to work with 150+ clients a year and strive to always push the limits of what is possible.
2025
Our team has expanded, with four team members in our LA office and four remote — and two studio dogs, of course. We continue to work with 150+ clients a year and strive to always push the limits of what is possible.
Established in 2014. Unconventional Since Day One.
Confession time: I paid my team before I paid myself. While I don’t recommend it, I also don’t regret it. Swell Press started as a creative whisper and then became an all-consuming calling. There have been doubts and wins, bigger doubts that led to even bigger wins. I’m learning to ride the waves as our business grows. Today, my team and I just keep creating and just keep swimming. My, how far we’ve come.
Team Swell Press
What started as a one-woman show has become an incredible team of craftswomen. These are the women who help make every ambitious design a reality. And trust, that’s no easy task. So honestly, this section is less of an introduction and more like a slow clap for them—the women behind Swell Press.
Meet the LA crew:
Kate – Our presswoman and resident perfectionist. A master of letterpress, she coaxes vintage machines into producing modern magic, one impeccably inked print at a time.
Berlyn – She runs the studio like a well-oiled machine, streamlining systems to keep the creative chaos… well, less chaotic.
Robynne – Another perfectionist (we collect them). Nothing escapes her eagle eye—she’s the one making sure every detail is flawless, from assembling invitations to engineering ways to bring Britt's wildest ideas to life.
Not pictured but very much part of the magic:
Caroline – Running the show from Canada, she handles all client communications with grace, patience, and an uncanny ability to make logistics feel effortless.
Taryn – Our San Diego-based client services coordinator, keeping everything running smoothly and ensuring our couples feel taken care of every step of the way.
Paula & Moriah – Our part-time graphic design dream team, adding their artistic genius to our designs.
It takes a village to make paper look this good—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.