Letterpress Printing

Project 3

Playing Cards

Description

Design and print a face card, non-face card, joker, and card back using polymer plate. The cards should be card size (2.5" x 3.5") and will be printed in a two by two grid following the provided template. You will have the opportunity to use polymer plate to print these so they can be designed on the computer, hand drawn, or a number of other possibilities.

You can decide to use one color or two colors but remember that adding colors adds time and brings in more complexity with registration. In this case it will also increase cost for more polymer. For a one color print, make the face card and non face card different suits but the same color (one clubs and the other spades for example). For a two color print, make the face card and non face card different suits and different colors (one hearts and the other clubs for example).

Polymer will be ordered from Boxcar Press and it is recommended to order with a partner to make sure you meet the minimum and aren't paying more than you need.

Requirements

• Method - Polymer Plate
• Inking - Hand
• Paper - 8.5"x11" (Provided)
• Print Area - 5.25"x7.25"
• Color - 1+ (could combine Riso and Letterpress again)
• Passes - 1+
• Amount - 20 (17 uncut sheets and 3 cut sheets)

Things to Keep in Mind

• Polymer turnaround time is quick but will take a few days
• You do not have to use black or red
• This is a communal space so treat it as such.
• Prints should be identical.
• Cut sheets should be exact.
• Work intuitively, be curious, and create intentionally.

Objectives

• Learn a new printing method with polymer
• Building technical skill while printing
• Improving skill on press
• Improving craft skills
• Consider the edition
• Potentially working on registration

Priority Print Weeks

• Group 1 – Week 12 (Apr 13)
• Group 2 – Week 13 (Apr 20)
• Group 3 – Week 14 (Apr 27)

Final Submission

• Turned in on time (5/4/26)
• 17 uncut sheets, signed and numbered
• 3 cut sheets
• Photographs of one uncut sheet and one set of cut cards submitted on Canvas
• All other requirements met