a design + letterpress studio in Los Angeles
hello.
I'm Kristine Arellano, born and raised in Los Angeles. Find me in front a machine with the glow of my laptop upon my face looking for inspirations, designing a print, or in front of my press wearing my husband's old shirt as a smock while cranking the wheel.
I'm a hazardous cook and work well when caffeinated. A bowl of pho and a boba milk tea can cure any of my ailments (at least I think!).
I need music to thrive. I love straight ahead jazz, world music and will indulge in singing aloud to an Adele song. My husband and I scout out home tours, and sometimes, you'll find us sitting at the nearby the dog park with our pup Bagel.
For years, I've been making handmade cards for friends and family, and finally, I have my own press in my home studio. There is something so special about paper, and in this digital world, nothing can replace the tactile satisfaction of a piece of paper in hand.
photo by Wade Koch
Why "haus," and not "house?"
We didn't pick this name to go along with the German trend of names just for kicks. During 2011, I lived in Munich, Germany for a year and learned the language, the culture and most importantly, how to print with a master printer and typographer Christa Schwarztrauber. As an apprentice in her print studio, the Fliegenkopf Werksttat, I learned the traditional method of typesetting without computers and plates. It was 100% analog with only metal and wood type.
To this day, I still try to keep my German language skills (it drives my husband crazy), and crave the German style beers and fine bread.
More info about Christa and the Fliegenkopf Werkstatt:
Why "haus" in the first place?
The house has been an epitome for the past few years. My husband and I are currently in the process of building our home from the ground up. It started as a tired 1930s bungalow and now it's shaping up to be a unique, parametric home. We've moved half a dozen times during this build and now know plenty about construction.
What kind of press do you use?
I have a Vandercook 4T. This machine is about 60 years old so it's needs love and care and regular oiling. Each sheet is fed through one by one unlike the windmill Heidelberg. With each sheet handfed, it takes a little longer but I enjoy the involvement that each print requires.