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Classic Letterpress Internship Program…
For more than 25 years Norman Clayton has welcomed interns into his letterpress shop.
In 2025, the shop moved to a new super studio space near downtown Ojai next to a yummy coffee roaster. After getting settled, a very talented book artist from Rhode Island moved to Ojai for about 6 weeks to intern here. Mati returned as well to live in Ojai for about a month and spend his time here.
We continue to be busy printing a number of exciting book projects!
Check out what we are working on here: https://www.instagram.com/classicletterpress/
Our intern is responsible for making photopolymer plates, mixing Pantone ink colors, helping on press, sorting and shipping jobs, making sample folders, helping keep the shop clean and well organized, and other duties depending on interest. Training is given for all tasks. The duration of the unpaid internship is typically 1-4 months spending 2-5 days a week in the shop.
In exchange, the intern learns about how a fine letterpress shop runs, has access to a fine library of books and use of our Vandercook SP15 with foundry type for doing their own work. Our interns have created books and solo art shows during their time here, have come from as far away as France, and come in as often as five days a week.
Our master printer, Norman Clayton, has been doing beautiful letterpress printing and design for 30 years and has worked with interns in different shops for over 25 years. He moved Classic Letterpress to Ojai from the Bay Area 15 years ago.
For those interested in learning how to become a fine printer, an apprenticeship can be available after the internship.
Please contact us with interest and questions. Thank you!
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