Thursday Traffic | 29 April

It is Thursday again, readers, and I like my traffic shaken, not stirred. However, today was surprisingly smooth sailing. Have you ever experienced a day when you are suddenly ahead of schedule? It's a wonderful feeling. Not only was traffic moving faster than other days this week, I got to work early enough to get a head start on today's tasks.

You might wonder what I was pondering while zooming through the unclogged streets. Well, I have realized that although the computer is a great tool for creating materials, I miss the more manual side of design. Something about cranking a press and seeing that tiny impression from the plate feels good. Printmaking helped me understand the entire printing process better and I feel that I benefited from it. I was never able to try letterpress, but I do want to set type at least once so I have a greater appreciation and understanding of the digital tools available now. Why do that? you might ask. Well, in the same way that people pursue manual photography over digital photography, I pursue "manual" graphic design. Drawing by hand, measuring with a ruler, printing materials myself—this is something that I value. In the words of A. J. Liebling, "Freedom of the press is only guaranteed to those who own one."

Image via TheCity Fix DC