Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Buchta.
Megan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had an appreciation for the arts! I took as many classes as I could fit into my schedule all throughout high school and then that carried over to college. I attended Miami University (OH) where I was accepted to the graphic design program. I also played softball as a Division I student athlete. Playing ball taught me a lot of valuable lessons such as attention to detail, time management, drive, and determination to get the job done which I carry over to my work to this day!
During my senior year of college, I took a class that taught Letterpress printing. Letterpress printing is the oldest form of printing, where the reverse text or image is on a raised surface (.918″ tall – this measurement is called “type-high”) and pressed to a piece of paper or material to make a deep impression. In simpler terms, think of a large stamp! It was absolutely one of my favorite classes while attending Miami University and this was all due to my teacher, Erin Beckloff. She is a fantastic teacher, mentor, and now, a friend. If I could take this class again now, I would! I remember feeling the texture of the paper with that deep impression for the first time and I was hooked! From then on, my interest and love for letterpress grew. That summer after graduation and returning home to the Chicagoland area, I attended all things letterpress and gained more knowledge by talking to other printers in my area which sparked the idea to find my own press.
That summer, I found Ruby. Ruby is a tabletop press, named for her rich red color. She traveled all the way from the Netherlands. Towards the end of the summer, I packed my car with most of my belongings and Ruby and I were off to visit my boyfriend, now husband, in Texas. It was actually only supposed to be a visit but little did I know that I’d be staying. I had applied for jobs down in Texas before leaving and I accepted a position at a smaller company as a Production Manager. I oversaw print schedules, printers, calligraphers, and assembly with many simultaneous projects for weddings and other events. After working there, my husband and I moved to Portland, Oregon. While in Oregon, I worked for a big print company as a Project Manager. Even though I worked on commercial projects that had fast turnarounds and many types of printing methods, you could always find me talking with the operators near the letterpress machines.
The next stop in my adventure brought me back to the Golden Triangle – Beaumont, TX. After moving back to Texas and working for both a small and a big company, I decided I was going to start my own business, Print Doodle Press. This meant I needed to find a bigger and heavier press, Patsy. Patsy, named after the legendary country artist, has spent most of her 110 years in the South. She is a 1910 Chandler & Price Old Style Press. She is the workhorse for the bigger items I press in house. She takes up quite a bit of room.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the many challenges in starting a company like this is finding a printing press. Especially one for a good price, good condition, and accessible location. Printing presses are quite heavy. Patsy is a small press and she weighs 1200 lbs. of cast iron. That’s heavy stuff! Plus, all your type is a lead type and depending on the size of the type, it can be quite heavy per drawer. The problem lots of printers are facing is the presses are too heavy to move and are becoming harder to find in working condition.
Reaching potential clients has been difficult because bigger retailers are easier to find and have a wider reach than a newcomer like Print Doodle Press. We are offering a more customizable and personal one-on-one experience and with our many contacts in the industry, we have access to every technology and product available.
Please tell us about Print Doodle Press.
Print Doodle Press (PDP) is a small print and creative studio that specializes in the simplicity and beauty of handmade wedding stationery. This is our niche, but we are printers, designers, and vendors. We can create newly designed logos, help companies rebrand their image, manage projects, and be the ultimate vendor for any print-related need. Our name is inspired by the initial “doodles” that ultimately evolve and become the finished, polished design our clients fall in love with. We help them create their perfect day and showcase their unique style. We love to be surrounded by everything paper, from unique textures to fresh pops of color. We live to create, inspire, and challenge ourselves. We continuously experiment with different printing methods and levels of technology.
Currently, PDP is home to two vintage presses, “Ruby” and “Patsy” and a large selection of movable type has been accumulated over years of working in the industry. The capability to print is a big necessity, so having multiple printers in house is essential. We also work with trusted vendors that help create our unique and stunning projects. Our attention to detail and personal customization sets us apart from others. This personalized attention is something you don’t see with larger online shops. Every piece we create is unique and displays the original style and story of the client on their special occasion.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
When I was nine, I took a trip with my family to Italy and I remember splashing around in the Trevi Fountain with my sister. It was extremely hot outside and the water was refreshing. Our parents gave both of us a coin to toss in the fountain and we both made a wish. I felt like Lizzie McGuire! Even back then, I noticed the beautiful art that surrounded me and have grown to appreciate the arts even more now.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.printdoodlepress.com
- Phone: 713-714-7891
- Email: megan@printdoodlepress.com
- Instagram: @printdoodlepress
- Facebook: @printdoodlepress
Image Credit:
Kelsie Anderson @kelsielynn_photography for the headshot photo and the escort card photo.
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
