We don’t want this series to ever end! Continuing our talks with letterpress printers who participated in the Feedback Loop Notebook project, today we caught up with Toni Hung of Praxium Press.
What was the inspiration for your design?
The caged bird, freed, now returns to the celestial sky. You may feel “caged” (at your job, school, as a new parent, in a relationship, etc.) but sometimes, when you leave that situation, you realize that it was truly your calling, your home: It was where you were meant to be after all.
What were your considerations in selecting stocks?
We knew we wanted to print a blind deboss, so we chose Mohawk Loop Antique Vellum finish for less-textured interference … yet it wasn’t too slick, either. We also knew we wanted to print with copper ink for the bird cages and bind with a copper wire. We chose the color Mango to create a warm cover, and it’s one of our favorite colors! The inside pages needed to be substantial enough to sketch and write on (we always buy or make sketchbooks that have thicker inside pages), but when we read that this paper has a high post-consumer content, we had to have it.
What can you tell us about the printing of your notebook?
First, we printed the blind deboss star pattern on the front and back covers. Next, the bird cages hanging from the tree stemming from the logo were printed on the back, in copper. The bird color was an on-press decision. Originally it was going to be printed in white, but it made the cover too monochromatic. So at the last minute, we changed it to be a warm but bold red.
How did you approach binding your notebook?
Coil binding was used because it is easy to turn and fold back the pages — great for when you are out and about, sketching or writing … and it folds flat. Thanks to our friends at EM2, we were able to choose the coil binding for this project.
What motivated you to participate in the Feedback Loop?
We are always on the lookout for opportunities that let our creative juices mix with our love of design and letterpress. Being a part of a program like Design Ignites Change that lets us design what we wanted … it was a no-brainer! We were thrilled to be able to participate and look forward to following the project as it grows.
Are there any other projects like this you’ve participated in?
We like getting involved in a good cause and we purposefully look for a nonprofit or pro-bono opportunity every year. It’s a great way to give back and keep our skills sharp. We do a lot of work on capital campaigns for several nonprofits. We realize how fortunate we are, so giving back is one way we can say thanks.
Thank you, Toni! Praxium Press creates thoughtful, custom wedding invitations, greeting cards, ephemera and other designed goods on a hand-cranked letterpress. Because of their creative work history, joy of teaching and collaboration, this studio is always full of activity.
Just as a notebook is greater than the sum of its pages, the Feedback Loop project is greater than the sum of its partners, all of whom we thank for participating. All limited edition notebooks are on sale now at Felt & Wire Shop in a special storefront to benefit School: by Design, an initiative by Design Ignites Change.
