HOLLY KINCAID
Owner & Designer
Creative Design Studio + Letterpress
My Story
It fascinates me how paper can be manipulated. I was five years old when I first understood that paper could be more than a blank surface to write on. It could fold and roll into shapes; it could be cut, torn, perforated, pressed, or creased—painted, colored, glued, or taped into something entirely new. I remember sitting at my little blue table in our kitchen with a stack of paper, Mr. Sketch scented markers, safety scissors, and Scotch tape. Flooding each page with color, then folding and taping the edges, I built a two-story dollhouse complete with a fireplace and tiny paper logs rolled from thin strips. For hours, my attention was fixed on how a simple stack of paper could transform imagination into reality. This is where I disappear.
I always knew my calling. I was an artist. I could list diplomas, awards, and recognitions to prove this wasn’t just a phase—but the truth is found in the way I feel while mixing inks to just the right shade, in the rhythmic clink of my vintage press, and in the quiet thrill of finishing a greeting card that is not only beautiful, but begins with a story. In those moments, the conclusion is clear: this is what I was created to do.
Then, unexpectedly, my own story was interrupted. A brain aneurysm, rupture, and stroke forced me to confront the possibility of losing my eyesight—the very sense I had always relied on to create. I learned what it meant to sit in uncertainty, to wait, to hope, and to slowly rebuild myself. Recovery reshaped how I approach my work. It slowed me down. It deepened my attention. It reminded me that stories—like moments—are fragile, powerful, and worth preserving.
What began as a childhood dollhouse, folded and rolled like an origami exercise, has become a single piece of paper—cut, pressed with ink, and carefully creased—ready to hold what you write into it. These cards commemorate our biggest moments and protect the quiet ones. Every birthday wish, celebration, congratulations, or moment of silence lives here, carrying our stories forward. Because every card I create begins not with a design, but with a story.
What is letterpress, anyway?
Letterpress printing is a traditional form of relief printing in which raised surfaces—type, patterns, or illustrations—are inked and then pressed into paper using a specialized press. This process transfers both ink and pressure, creating a distinct, tactile impression you can see and feel. Originating in the earliest days of printmaking, letterpress was once the standard for books, newspapers, and stationery before being largely replaced by faster, modern methods. Today, it has been thoughtfully revived by artisans who value its craftsmanship, precision, and timeless appeal.
What sets letterpress apart is its depth and character. Unlike digital or offset printing, which sit flat on the surface, letterpress leaves a soft, sculpted impression that brings each design to life. The process is slower and more intentional—each color is printed separately, and every detail is carefully considered. This combination of historic technique and modern design results in pieces that feel personal, elevated, and enduring. Whether used for wedding invitations, business stationery, or special announcements, letterpress offers a sensory experience that simply can’t be replicated by contemporary printing methods.
At Kincaid Creative, we have two vintage presses in the studio. The first is a Chandler & Price platen press from 1914, as shown in the photo, and a Heidelberg Windmill, which dates to mid-century. Each press has its own unique rhythm and character, allowing us to carefully handcraft every piece that comes off the press. From hand-mixing inks to achieve the perfect color to feeding each sheet individually, this process is rooted in patience and attention to detail. These historic machines are not just tools—they are part of the story behind every impression we create, connecting your stationery to a rich tradition of printmaking while ensuring a truly one-of-a-kind result.
