We think it's about time we introduce you to our friend Catherine Polacek, owner of Printerette Press, a unique and one-of-a-kind letterpress studio located right in Minneapolis! We can't decide what we like best: Catherine's bubbly personality, her adorable pup, Moose, her GORGEOUS letterpress designs or her to-die-for Seward studio...ok, we can't just choose one...but you get the jist, right? Check out this exclusive Q/A with Catherine + gorgeous photos by Athena Pelton for a glimpse inside a day-in-the-life with this design marvel! Also, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming Printerette website revamp- coming soon! What first sparked your interest in paper design and what led you to start Printerette Press?
My love for paper goods and letterpress printing began in college where I studied Fashion Design. As often as I could, I would escape the Fashion itinerary and enroll in the most fantastic letterpress printing classes at the Kranzberg Book Studio (at Washington University in St. Louis). After graduating and working at my corporate job, a family friend asked me if I would like her aging father’s press. I said “WHAT? Heck no, I don’t want that thing”. But then, over the next few weeks in my cubicle, the idea of owning my own press started to eat away at me. Eventually, I decided I absolutely couldn’t live without it. My friend’s father decided he wasn’t ready to sell (bummer) and so I started on a year-long hunt for a press. I found my gal in Iowa and hauled her back home one insanely cold weekend in February. The rest is inky, greasy history.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
We make greeting cards, invitations, letter writing sheets, and other stationery pieces and "old school" correspondence is the name of Printerette’s game. The most rewarding aspect of my job is that Printerette products bring people together in a small, but heartfelt way.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
The fashion world continues to inspire me, and even though paper design and clothing design are hugely different, I often find myself inspired by the macro trends that industry – especially with color, textures, and patterns.
What adds pep to your step?
My peppy step is because it’s finally summertime in Minneapolis. The windows of the studio are open, we’ve got a handful of great and really inspired clients, the blade on my paper cutter is newly sharpened, and on my desk is a vase of peonies from my garden and a big iced coffee.
How would you describe your personal style?
I am a jeans and t-shirt lady through and through. I keep having to pinch myself that overalls and Birkenstocks are back and that’s OK to wear a Canadian tuxedo. Also, this summer, I’m having fun mixing really feminine with really masculine things. Like a muscle tees with a lace skirt or a collarless jacket with shredded jean shorts.
What do you never leave the house without?
I never leave the house without a bold lip color (in case I need to polish up a bit for a client meeting), my sketchbook, and my favorite pen of the moment. And, (this probably puts me on the verge of creepy dog-lady status) but I almost never leave the house without Moose.
How do you spend your Saturdays?
My dad and I meet for yoga every Saturday morning. After, I like to spend most of the day outside. Preferably, on our new deck; maybe finishing some work, maybe just hanging out in the sun.