Supplier Spotlight - Oh My Golly
In this Supplier Spotlight, we delve into the history and inspiration behind Oh My Golly, exploring owner Emily's artistic process, her commitment to quality and the timeless appeal of letterpress stationery. From the charming impressions left on soft cotton paper to the vibrant, hand-mixed Pantone inks, every piece crafted by Oh My Golly is a testament to Emily's dedication and skill.
1. Can you tell us a little about the history and inspiration behind Oh My Golly?
I am Emily Willis the owner of Oh My Golly! I am a Graphic Designer, with over 14 years experience in the Design Industry, graduating a Bachelor of Creative Arts, Graphic Design and Crt IV in Fine Arts. I started Oh My Golly in 2018 after taking the plunge of designing for myself! Not long after, I purchased an Original Heidelberg 1930’s letterpress machine. From then I became I a self taught (with a lesson or 2 and lots of advice from another pressman) Letterpress Printer! I fell head over heels with letterpress printing after taking a short course while I was living in Perth! I love combining my design skills and my love for letterpress printing in creating beautiful pieces of art! The name Oh My Golly comes from my favourite band The Pixies and my favourite song Oh My Golly!
2. What inspired you to start creating letterpress stationery?
I have always loved stationery, as a Graphic Designer. I love the tactile of letterpress and I love being able to create a piece of stationery for one of the most important days of someone’s life!
3. Can you walk us through the process of creating your letterpress stationery, from design to finished product?
My process is mixture of modern digital design and an age old method of printing. I digitally design the stationery, then have it made into a polymere plate which will placed into the letterpress machine. Simply put, it involves the application of ink to a raised surface (plate), paper is then pressed directly against it to transfer the text or image, similar to a rubber stamp. This method of printing enriches your design by leaving a charming impression within soft cotton pillowy paper. I then trim the stock to the desired size. Letterpress printing can be a very taxing method, with lots of tweaks and adjustments to the machine to get the right impression, ink coverage and paper alignment.
4. What sets letterpress stationery apart from other types of wedding stationery?
Other than the obvious of the beautiful impression left in cotton stock with hand mixed ink! For me it’s the history behind this age old process of printing. Although when the Original Heidelberg was first invented, an impression into the paper was a sign of a bad print! Go figure!
5. What are some of the most popular designs or themes that couples are choosing for their wedding stationery this year?
The number 1 has to be a blind print of their wedding location!
6. How do you ensure the highest quality in your letterpress products?
I use only Italian cotton imported stocks for 90% of my wedding suites and perfectly hand mixed pantone inks. Combining these I can produce a lux quality piece of stationery to last a lifetime.
7. Can you share a memorable project or collaboration that stands out in your career?
I still love to this day the giraffe print inspired wedding suite for Taylah and Steve, who got married at a Werribee Zoo!
8. How do you stay inspired and keep your designs fresh and unique?
I get inspo from my own thoughts, other designs, stationers, pinterest and old graphic design books.
9. What’s your favourite part of the letterpress process and why?
The challenge of designing effectively for printing! There are constraints with what prints well and I love using this to create custom styles for my couple clients.
10. If you could design stationery for any celebrity’s wedding, who would it be and why?
I would have to say Kim K! Endless budget and over the top design! Maybe she will get married 4th time!
11. What’s the most unusual or unique request you’ve ever received for wedding stationery?
Oh I love this question, although it’s more letterpress! I have to say it was designing and printing a zine cover for a talented composer Jane Aubourg!
12. How do you like to spend your free time when you’re not creating beautiful stationery?
Being a mum takes up LOTS of my time (which I never take for granted) J But I love exercise, time with my husband and renovating our house in Oak Flats!
13. What is one piece of advice you would give to couples choosing their wedding stationery?
You really pay for what you get. Can’t make stationery? Invest in someone who can!
14. If you could describe your stationery style in three words, what would they be?
Creative, delicate and fresh
15. What is your go-to music choice while working in the studio?
I love a good podcast! But I can’t go past 90’s rock or some calming Lofi beats to get me through some stressful printing!
16. If you could travel to any time period to draw inspiration for your designs, which would it be and why?
Oh I love typography AND colour. So the 1920’s - Bauhaus movement. I would love to letterpress something bright that focuses on text and layout!
