The Nomadic Press

When Kent Aldrich began his printing business over twenty years ago there were fewer and fewer real letterpress printers around because it had become easier and cheaper to print with more modern methods, and with the dawn of desktop publishing pretty much everybody became a printer. His choice to go into this business is tied to who he is as a person rather than what kind of career would make a lot of money. The quality and value of his work has provided for his family and a good life.
Quality and value.
That, really, is all that this review needs to say. There are now many more people experimenting with letter press in Minnesota, and some are pretty good. But I doubt that there are any who are in the same category as Nomadic Press in terms of quality and value. His dedication to traditional and time-​honored methods of production and service alone puts Nomadic in a separate category, but he is also an artist with considerable taste and heart who can guide the customer to the best available result in the market.
My business cards are not only read, but literally fondled by people I hand them to. They have weight, texture and they mean business. The Pantone colors specified by the designer were perfectly matched in the inks mixed by Kent.
See this, and you get an idea:

I am a book artist that does not own a press. I have used Nomadic press twice since I moved to Saint Paul. The level of precision was incredible, as was his intuitive understanding of the effect that I wanted to achieve. I have been designing with type since 1991 and was trained in «Hot Metal». I may be a bit arrogant, but is very rare for me to meet someone whom I feel has a better sense of letter-​spacing and kerning than I do. Kent does. I really think he is a master.

The Nomadic Press is a really cool studio with an equally cool owner. Kent is a super nice guy, and it’s clear his work is his passion. I had the privilege of attending a studio tour of the facilites where he produces his art. Stationery, business cards, invitations, certificates… you name it and he can print it. Have him print an invoice; that too will end up looking like an artifact :)
He took the time to walk us through the entire process and patiently answered all our (mostly my) questions. He even allowed us to print little booklets and sent up back with souvenirs. His website is a great intro to his work, but if you can setup some time with him to visit the studio, you will fall in love with this method of print.
Oh, I should also mention that he even tooled his own equipment to make his own paper at some point. Interesting process, interesting work and an interesting guy behind it all who is willing answer any questions you have (regardless of your print experience). Don’t just check out the studio, give him your business and support a true craftsman.