EVAN BACKSTROM

The art of letterpress printing made an impact on Evan Backstrom. He fell in love with the process after taking classes at Ball State University. One thing led to another, and he purchased a historic press of his own. Now, his designs make lasting impressions on others with his framed pieces, greeting cards, wedding invitations, and personal stationery. He hopes that sharing his love for letterpress helps keep the centuries-old art steeped in Hoosier tradition alive.

Ink runs in Evan’s blood. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, an Army photojournalist, he studied journalism graphics and spent the early years of his career designing newspapers across the country.

“I believe in the freedom of the press and the power of owning one’s own printing press to express one’s self,” says Evan, who founded The Rugged Press. “I believe in the power of a good story and that art and design can change the world.”

Letterpress printing is a tactile process that starts with an idea. With a concept in mind, Evan heads to his collection of historic wood and metal type from the library he continues to build. He then sets each line of text by placing individual letters, in the desired order. “The ability to read upside down is super helpful here,” the Indianapolis artist said, “as all the letters are backward.”

After all the pieces are set and locked into place, Evan mixes ink to get just the right hue and then fine-tunes the press. He has a growing collection of antique printing presses, but most often prints using his business’s namesake press, “The Rugged Press,” built in 1909. He feeds the paper one sheet at a time while operating the treadle-driven press with his foot. The press exerts an extraordinary amount of pressure and literally presses the design into the paper.

There is something about the process that just can’t be beat. Modern printing methods simply cannot replicate the texture and tactile feel of letterpress printing. “I love using the constraints of history to make my art,” says Evan. “I either have to have a physical object in my collection to print with, or I carve it. I can’t just make the font smaller like you can with digital design.”

The letterpress community plays a pivotal role in his work. After his introduction to the art at Ball State, he has been influenced by Hatch Show Print, Tribune Showprint of Muncie, The Firecracker Press and other renowned printers.

Evan continues to be inspired by old typographic posters, his travels, nature, social justice, and vintage maritime designs. His sense of wanderlust developed as an Air Force brat growing up in diverse and exotic locations and continues as he explores unfamiliar places that infuse his art with a sense of adventure and discovery.

“I use my press to create artwork that has meaning and sends a message,” he says. “A message of positivity, of joy, and about the great state of Indiana.”