experience
How is anyone ever supposed to get experience in printing when 100% of jobs require experience? I am *so* frustrated…I have all but thrown myself at various printers and shops, both professionally- and even volunteer by being an unpaid gopher/personal assistant- and- nothing…I cannot get a job in anything remotely having to do with platen/letterpress printing to save my life. Can someone help? I am so discouraged…I am talking years, guys. I have my own presses and tried a little business, but for various reasons- it did not fully get off the ground. But, tbh, I’d rather really learn the art and trade in an apprenticeship-style atmosphere anyway. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. And- if you know anyone in the NYC area… [although, I have even offered myself up to relocate!]. Thanks in advance. Signed, The Printless “Printer”
Hi Jen,
Try not to get too discouraged. Yes, that is a quandary of how to get a job without experience when you need experience to get a job.
Sounds like you already have some experience in letterpress, so build on that. There are a lot of “basement printers” out there that started the same way or are happily content to be that. (Such as myself).
Get involved in a letterpress group. I belong to the Amalgamated Printer’s Association (APA) which is an active printing group that requires members to print and they receive a monthly bundle of printed pieces from other members. It’s great inspiration to see what others print and you’ll want to be part of it.
If your schedule permits and being in NY you have an opportunity in early June (June 5-8) to attend the APA Wayzgoose convention in Rochester, NY. Here you’ll meet printers from across the country who you can talk to and learn how they got started and speak directly to them to see if opportunities are available.
Some members head printing museums, others run letterpress shops, some are volunteers at historical sites, and of course, basement/studio printers.
You’ll be able to tour Boxcar Press, Virgin Wood Type Mfg., The RIT Cary Library & Letterpress lab and more. There are workshops, presentations and speakers, and a flea market and auction. You don’t have to be a member to attend. Try to make it if you can. Here is a link:
https://apa-letterpress.com/2025wayzgoose/
I encourage you to join the APA. We have a website as well:
https://apa-letterpress.com
You live in an area with an active letterpress community. You’re also just a train ride away from Boston, DC, and more so explore those letterpress opportunities. Visit printing museums and historical villages. Volunteering may be a way to get a foot in the door. Visit some local shops and take along some of your printed pieces and ask to job shadow sometime. I think that may be better than emailing. Printers may be too busy for emails.
It is a tough business and opportunities are limited. A lot of us do this as a hobby. But keep your skills active and learn all you can.
Best of luck!
Bob P.