Archetype Press represents the relevance of letterpress in design and typography education and contributes to the understanding of the development of digital letterforms, the preservation of a historical and cultural artifact, and the reinforcement of the creative use of typography in the visual interpretation of language.

As an integral component of the ArtCenter design and typography curriculum since 1989, Archetype Press offers students the opportunity to learn and practice what has become a rarity: setting type and printing by hand. It is a living archive of more than 2,000 cases of rare American and European foundry type, wood type, and ornaments from the collection of Los Angeles typographer and printer Vernon Simpson. The mantra of the Press is “TYPE FIRST," demonstrating the relevancy of analog technology in the digital landscape, highlighting its role in preserving heritage, fostering creativity, and offering a tangible counterbalance to the intangible realm of pixels and screens.

Archetype Press fosters rigorous engagement with material practice and design history supporting hands on work across an impressive range of presses, including eleven Vandercook proof presses, a Chandler and Price platen press, and three tabletop platen presses. More than 200 limited edition collaborative books, broadsides, and chapbooks have been produced at the Press. Visiting artists include Amos Paul Kennedy Jr., Jim Sherraden, Dafi Kühne, Erik Spiekermann, Alan Kitching, and Kelvyn Smith.

Access

Access to Archetype Press is structured through coursework and academic programming within the College. Courses taught in the space integrate typographic history, material practice, and contemporary design inquiry. The introductory letterpress course, Archetype Press, provides hands-on experience in typesetting and printing and is open to students from all majors across the College, fostering interdisciplinary participation and collaboration.