The studio specializes in the synergy of restrained design, exquisite papers, skillful hand production, and the inherent tactile qualities of letterpress printing. Announcements, social and business stationery, corporate identity programs, presentation materials for architects and interior designers – all are made with a dedication to old-fashioned values of quality and craftsmanship.
Many people feel overwhelmed by technology; our lives are increasingly filtered through flat screen devices. We seek a healthier balance between that technology and our needs for community, connectedness to the physical world, and our spiritual lives.
Letterpress printed pieces are
tactile, each an original, with texture, depth, and subtle
variations. They are imbued with humanizing and intimate
qualities that you can touch. Recipients make a more
personal connection to unique works of handcraft, helping
the printed work to serve the fundamental spirit of human
expression.
The studio offers hand-set metal type and ornaments, plus
an intriguing marriage of computer-generated design with
the oldest, slowest, most obsolete printing method – the
relief printing of J. Gutenberg's time. Ironically, the
computer is used to subvert its own larger effects!
Officina Briani offers exciting and unique experiences for corporate clients and design, advertising, and marketing firms. Relationship-building events bring co-workers or clients together where they learn to create and print a small project and get to know each other away from their normal roles and functions. See the "Hosted Events, Tours, Lectures" page for details.
Short educational events for graphic design firms, advertising and marketing agencies permit hands-on exploration of the historical antecedents of design now done with computer software. Events could culminate with each person printing their own copy of a keepsake on the hand press.
Photographs by Bryan Rierson Photography and Brian Allen