From digital to tangible: Letterpress Made’s mission to keep print alive

PARK CITY, Utah — Julia Walleye has always been a maker. From her early fascination with ceramics to her pursuit of graphic design and art direction, Walleye’s passion for hands-on creativity has shaped her journey. But it was a chance encounter with a letterpress in portfolio school that set her on a path she never expected.

“One of my teachers had a letterpress and took us to his studio,” Walleye said. “We got to see the process up close, try printing, and learn how it all worked. I fell in love with it right away.”

Now, with over a decade of experience, Walleye specializes in custom letterpress stationery, from modern wedding invitations to bold business cards through her Letter Press Made. Working out of her Salt Lake City studio, she meticulously prints each piece by hand, ensuring that every card, invitation, or print reflects both craftsmanship and artistic vision.

The Art of Letterpress

Unlike digital printing, letterpress is a single-color printing process that requires a separate printing plate for each hue. “If a design has three different colors, I have to create three separate plates and print each layer individually,” Walleye explained. “It’s a slow, deliberate process, but that’s what makes it special.”

Letterpress printing leaves an indentation in the paper, creating a tangible texture. “Traditionally, old-school pressmen frowned upon that impression, but modern letterpress embraces it as part of the art,” she said. “I love to print blind—without ink—so the image is created by light and shadow alone.”

Her process combines vintage craftsmanship with modern design techniques. “Most people work with photopolymer plates now,” Walleye said. “It allows me to design digitally and then translate that onto a printing plate, so the possibilities are endless.”

From New England to the Mountains

Originally from Massachusetts, Walleye studied at Syracuse University before pursuing graphic design in Atlanta. Life took her to Albuquerque for an advertising job, where she met her husband. In 2023, they relocated to Park City when he took a job with Delta Airlines.

“We’ve always dreamed of living in a mountain town, but finding one near an international airport is rare,” Walleye said. “Park City was the perfect fit. We love the trails, the skiing, and the community. Everyone has been so welcoming.”

Moving her business was no small feat. “My press weighs nearly 2,000 pounds,” she said. “It can’t go on a second floor or fit through narrow hallways, so relocating it was a production. But we made it work.”

Keeping Print Alive

Through her work, Walleye hopes to keep the art of print relevant. “I hope people don’t forget about print, not just for special occasions but for everyday notes and letter writing,” she said. “We already have so much digital clutter—thousands of emails we’ll never look at again. A physical piece of stationery has permanence. It captures a moment in time.”

Since moving to Park City, Walleye has participated in local arts markets, including the Park City Holiday Makers Market and its spring counterpart. She hopes to expand her presence in local shops and continue building connections within the community.

“I’m so excited to be here,” she said. “This town feels like home already.”

To learn more about Julia Walleye’s work, visit letterpressmade.com or find her on Etsy under “Letterpress Made.”