A Design System for the Printed Word
ESTABLISHED MMXXIVThis design system draws inspiration from the craft of letterpress printing, where each character is pressed into paper with deliberate force. The result is a tactile, warm aesthetic that honors the tradition of the printed word.
Text appears pressed into the surface, creating depth through shadow and highlight.
Warm kraft and cream tones evoke handmade paper and artisanal printing.
Deep browns and blacks suggest fresh ink, with subtle bleed effects.
Elegant serif typefaces honor the tradition of fine printing. Playfair Display commands attention in headlines, while Lora and EB Garamond provide comfortable reading for body text.
CRAFTED TYPE
The Art of Impression
Used for major headlines and display text. The high contrast and distinctive details create a sophisticated, editorial presence.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. The arrangement of type involves selecting typefaces, point sizes, line lengths, line-spacing, and letter-spacing.
"Good typography is invisible. Bad typography is everywhere."
EB Garamond provides an elegant alternative for extended reading. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 0123456789
"The details are not the details. They make the design." Charles Eames
| Element | Font | Size | Weight | Sample |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Playfair Display | 3rem | 800 | DISPLAY |
| H1 | Playfair Display | 2.5rem | 700 | Heading One |
| H2 | Playfair Display | 2rem | 700 | Heading Two |
| H3 | Playfair Display | 1.5rem | 700 | Heading Three |
| Body | Lora | 1rem | 400 | Body text sample |
| Lead | EB Garamond | 1.25rem | 400 italic | Lead paragraph |
| Small | Lora | 0.875rem | 400 | Small text |
Warm, earthy tones drawn from craft paper, aged parchment, and printer's ink. These colors create a tactile, handmade feeling that honors traditional printing.
Buttons with debossed shadows suggest physical stamps and printing blocks. The pressed effect creates a tactile interaction that feels substantial.
Primary buttons for main actions. Secondary for supporting actions. Ghost buttons for tertiary options. Accent for special emphasis.
Content containers styled like pages from a printed book or broadsheet. Ornamental corners and subtle shadows add depth and elegance.
Default card styling with cream background and ink borders. Use for general content containers.
Kraft paper texture for a more rustic, handmade appearance.
Reversed color scheme for emphasis or contrast sections.
"The art of printing has always been an art of the finest details."
From Gutenberg to the present day, the printed word has shaped civilization. Every press, every plate, every carefully set line of type represents a commitment to communication and craft.
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The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Input fields with debossed shadows suggest letterpress impressions. Clean, functional design that maintains the tactile aesthetic.
Data tables styled like ledger books and price lists from traditional print shops. Clean lines and careful spacing honor the printer's craft.
| Type Style | Designer | Year | Classification | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garamond | Claude Garamond | 1530 | Old Style | $45.00 |
| Caslon | William Caslon | 1722 | Old Style | $52.00 |
| Baskerville | John Baskerville | 1757 | Transitional | $48.00 |
| Bodoni | Giambattista Bodoni | 1798 | Modern | $55.00 |
| Clarendon | Robert Besley | 1845 | Slab Serif | $42.00 |
| Complete Collection | $242.00 | |||
Notifications and status indicators styled with traditional printing colors. Clear communication with an elegant, understated approach.
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A comprehensive guide to letterpress printing
This authoritative volume covers everything from type selection to ink mixing, paper grades to binding techniques. Essential reading for any serious printer.