Marko Drpić veteran

How long have you been printing?

Since 2010

Describe your first encounter with letterpress

While waiting to sign some proof prints at a printer, I killed time sniffing around. I stopped at the door with a label "Composing room". If only I knew that next few steps were about to change my life entirely. Most of the equipment in there later became an essential part of my studio.

Where did you learn?

I learned calligraphy and letter carving in stone with Kristoffel Boudens in Belgium. In 2010 I exhibited part of the equipment in a local gallery for a few months. Many ex-workers from printing industry visited and many of them became my future teachers and patrons. Asking lots of questions speeds up the process.

Who was your most influential teacher?

Kristoffel Boudens and my father, a very skilled stone mason.

What super power would you like to have?

To transfer directly into 5th dimension. If that's not possible, sorting my entire collection of type by simply thinking of it.

Do you prefer to work alone or with others?

Both.

What do you most value in your friends?

That they call when I forget to.

When do your best ideas occur to you?

Laying on a couch with eyes closed.

If you were to die and come back as a typeface, which would it be?

Jenson

What tool do you use more often than any other?

A broom.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

The Joy Of Living by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Introduction to permaculture

If you could study with any printer throughout history, who would it be?

Aldus Manutius

If you have your own shop, what equipment do you own?

Some table top proof presses, three big proof presses, a Heidelberg Windmill, hot foil press, lead type, Deckel pantograph, hand paper production tools, a library

If you could change one thing about your shop, what would it be?

To have coworkers that can make my ideas come true while I think.

When and where are you the happiest?

On a night stroll when I accidentally bump upon a heap of garbage and find and object that triggers my imagination. And than bringing it to already overstaffed studio without any remorse.

What is your greatest fear/worry?

Not to trust myself.

What do you think is useful about what you make?

Hopefully to sparkle some inspiration or simply expose people to the beauty of the craft and materials

What’s your day job?

Letterpress printer, calligrapher, letter carver, wood type maker and teacher. Most of the time coordinating parts of my split personality. Thomas Siemon from carpe plumbum described it far better.

Do you use any other techniques or media besides letterpress?

Carving in stone, making wood type, paper making