As a design and print studio with 50 years under our belt, we’ve seen firsthand how the print industry has transformed and what that means for businesses today.
Printing has come a long way from labour-intensive hand presses to high-speed digital printers and on-demand print runs at the click of a button. At 61 Design, we’ve been part of this evolution for over 50 years. As a business built on both design and print, we’ve seen the trends, the tech, and the techniques change, and we’ve evolved right alongside them.
Let’s take a walk through the major milestones in printing history and how each one has shaped the way we create and deliver print today.
The Origins: Letterpress Printing
Timeframe: 1400s – 1950s (but still around!)
Letterpress was where it all began, think Gutenberg and hand-set type. It was slow and meticulous but revolutionary in its time.
In fact, our roots are firmly planted in this era. When Henk Batstra opened our doors in the 1970s, he did so with a letterpress as part of his offerings. Much of his early work was crafted by hand, one impression at a time a process that demanded patience, precision, and a deep appreciation for quality.
Even as offset and digital technologies emerged, Henk’s letterpress remained a reminder of the skill and craftsmanship that laid the foundation for our business. Today, while it’s largely a niche craft, we still get excited when clients want to explore traditional methods for something truly unique.
You’ll still see it used for:
- Luxury business cards
- Wedding invites
- Certificate-style prints
Offset Lithography: The Print Industry Workhorse
Timeframe: 1900s – today
Offset printing became the standard for high-volume print jobs thanks to its quality and cost-effectiveness. Ink is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket and then onto paper.
This was our bread and butter for decades. Whether it was magazines, catalogues, brochures, or packaging, offset was the go-to for consistent, high-quality results. Not only does it deliver rich, high-resolution prints with exceptional colour accuracy, but it also offers excellent durability. Offset ink is applied more thickly than in digital methods, which means prints are more resistant to fading, smudging, or wear over time.
It also performs brilliantly when it comes to overprinting, making it ideal for layering extra elements like foil stamping or spot UV coatings. For large runs with exacting detail and professional finishes, offset continues to set the benchmark.
Where it shines:
- Large print runs
- Consistent colour reproduction
- High-resolution image quality
The Digital Disruption: Fast, Flexible Print
Timeframe: Late 1990s – today
Then came digital printing, a game-changer for short-run jobs, variable data (like personalised mailouts), and quick turnarounds. No plates, no waiting, just upload your file and hit print.
We remember when digital print first emerged, clunky, grainy, and a bit unpredictable. But now? It’s incredibly sharp, colour-accurate, and perfect for clients who need high-quality print without committing to thousands of copies.
Why we love it:
- Ideal for short runs
- Fast turnaround
- Lower-cost setup
- Personalised print capabilities
The Eco Shift: Sustainable Printing Takes Centre Stage Timeframe: 2000s – now
In the past, printing wasn’t exactly eco-friendly – harsh chemicals, waste, and lots of paper. But today, things have changed. At 61 Design, we actively choose eco-conscious paper stocks, use low-VOC inks, and design for efficient print layouts to reduce waste. Many of our clients now ask about recycled options, carbon-neutral paper, or FSC-certified materials, which we’re all about.
What we recommend for eco-minded businesses:
- Recycled or uncoated stocks
- Soy-based inks
- Minimalist, single-colour designs (they’re stylish and sustainable!)
Where Design and Print Meet
As technology evolved, so did design expectations. Gone are the days of manually laying out artwork or waiting for proofs by post. Now we collaborate with clients digitally, proof in real time, and create print-ready designs that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Being both a design studio and a print provider means we understand the full process, from concept to finished product. We don’t just design for screens, we design for the real world.
What’s Next?
Augmented reality in print? Interactive packaging? AI-generated design files? The future of print is becoming more dynamic and integrated than ever.
Whatever comes next, we will be right there with it, combining decades of hands-on knowledge with a forward-thinking approach.
Let’s Print Something Worth Keeping
Whether you’re after a few posters, a full brand rollout across print, or something more personal like office stationery, custom labels or invitations, we can guide you through every step of the process.
Click contact us here to chat about your next project.
