We had the good fortune of connecting with kate lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi kate, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
The simply made –

As a designer and maker, I choose to honor the simple methods and craftsmanship of working on my 125 year old printing press, and make paper goods for todays consumer. For me, the beauty and inspiration is in the simplicity of the craft; the focused intention behind every design and print decision I make in the studio.

While the process of letterpress is quite a technical skillset-it has a way of slowing down the world and taking me back to time when goods were meticulously handcrafted with quality at the helm. My work is inspired by intentional simplicity. – showcasing the beauty of a simple design precisely pressed into a beautiful sheet of simple handmade cotton paper.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

In the world of snail mail where I work- “social stationery will likely not ever replace social media again-but social media will never replace the charm of social stationery.”

Letterpress is what makes my stationery just a little more unique, gives it charm. The vast majority of my work is done on handmade papers that I source from other small batch makers. Over time I’ve whittled down my design aesthetic to be that of the perfectly imperfect-which wasn’t necessarily an easy road for me. Im the naturally detail obsessed designer who used to cringe at the sight of a decked edge paper. But over time I have learned to appreciate the beauty and charm of handmade goods in a way that works for me, and also my clients.

I actually have an original background and education in pastry arts and worked for many years as a pastry chef-that scientist precision skill-set that meets a wildly creative mind. And while my medium has changed over the years-so has my maturity in design, I have found a balance in the letterpress studio. While parts of letterpress, require a very precise skill set, when working on a press like mine- each piece has slight variations that make them each uniquely beautiful.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So Im most at home in the mountains- born and raised in Clark, Colorado. So I we would spend the majority of our time on the backs of my horses near Pearl Lake-that was my childhood. I also love the White Rive Nat’l Forrest-that would be the next stop for fly fishing. I crave the solitude. Closer to my current home we would most certainly dine at the Pullman in Glenwood Springs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
simply put, my family…all of them Ive also had the great fortune to work with some really talented creatives, but more importantly – great mentors who were willing to teach, as long as I was willing to learn.

Website: www.skelleywestdesignco.com

Instagram: @skelleywestletterpress

Image Credits
rich faiva photography spotted dog photography kate lewis

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.