Alumni stories
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Originally from New York, Peckham-based graphic designer and founder of Nice & Graphic, Michelle Dwyer, spoke to us about how she fell in love with letterpress and decided to set up her dream business.
As a Peckham-based letterpress artist with a Graphic Design background (BA and MA), I've recently transitioned from digital to analogue, dedicating myself to the art of letterpress. Having built a print studio, I've honed my skills and now stand on the cusp of a transformative phase. My studio, equipped with a traditional printing press and a vintage woodblock type collection, centers on bold typography aiming to encapsulate the joy in everyday stories. I trained at London Centre of Book Arts and worked as a bookbinder at Paekakariki Press. Currently, I’m working for the world-renowned letterpress artist Alan Kitching, where I’ve diligently built my foundation. Now I'm ready to channel that experience into exploring my own artistic practice.
While successfully operating a stationery business and creating a line of greeting cards - I now want to expand and pivot my focus on to crafting a personal artistic portfolio. I’m involved in the South London community through impactful workshops and Open Days, collaborating with socially-connected organisations like IntoArt, Blueprint for All, South London Cares, and Pecan. This initiative, called 'Printing with a Purpose' aims to introduce diverse groups to the history of the printing press.
I studied Graphic Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. In my final year, I had the amazing opportunity to do an exchange programme at the Chelsea College of Arts, UAL, in 2010. I fell in love with London and knew that I wanted to return one day. Central Saint Martins has a great reputation and was my top choice. I completed the MA Communication Design course there in 2014.
My favourite memories from studying at UAL include meeting people from around the world and making new friends. I also had amazing tutors like Rebecca Wright and Fred Deakin.
I'm also inspired by the work of several renowned designers. Alan Kitching's mastery of letterpress and his bold, expressive typography have greatly influenced my approach to design. Susan O'Malley's uplifting and community-focused art motivates me to infuse positivity into my work. Anthony Burrill's straightforward, yet impactful messages demonstrate the power of simplicity in communication. Erin Fong's innovative use of letterpress to explore themes of identity and culture inspires me to push the boundaries of traditional printing methods. Through my work, I'm focusing on community, creating pieces that visually please, but also carry meaningful messages that resonate with people's daily lives.
The project began with gathering feedback and stories from residents through questionnaires, interviews, and community workshops. These responses have been transformed into nearly 200 hand-printed letterpress posters; each one capturing a unique perspective on what Peckham means to its residents. The peak of this effort will be a final exhibition, Peckham Perspective, which will take place on 15 - 22 August at Peckham Arches Gallery. 50% of the profits from the sales will be donated to Pecan, a local charity celebrating 35 years of fighting poverty in Southwark. The Peckham Perspective Project is a celebration of community spirit, a platform for local voices, and a step towards a more engaged and impactful artistic journey for me.
15 - 22 August 2024, Peckham Arches @peckham.arches, Blenheim Grove, London, SE15 4QN.
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