John Bonadies developed a virtual letterpress app for the iPad and Mac called LetterMpress (part of MpressInteractive). “The app was originally created from Kickstarter.com funds,” he says, “and we have continued development, adding more wood type and cuts that we collect from around the world.”
Indeed the LetterMpress function makes you feel like your in a printshop without the toxic fumes, messy inks and heavy metal and wood to cause hernias. And for young designers, who have never experienced hot metal or vintage printing, this virtual experience has its virtues. What’s more, its not just a steampunk etch-a-sketch, you can actually print from type and ornaments and printout your result.
“Several educators have commented to me that the app makes a nice educational tool,” Bonadies adds, “allowing students to get an understanding of the letterpress process (since few programs have access to letterpress and type). As well, the app forces a different mind-set on the process of design and visual organization (because of its physics engine) than typical design software that is used in design education.”
You can judge for yourself, but this user was very impressed. Now I can say yes to the question “have you ever printed on a real flatbed printing press? Learn more from this page of video samplers (including the one excerpted above and below on creating a Valentine’s Day card).