From Paws to Prints: How "Walt's Press" Found Inspiration in a Furry Friend
My wife and I embarked on a creative journey in Panama City, capitalizing on the flourishing zine and small publisher trend to co-found "Walt's Press". We carved a niche in small business branding and luxury printing, offering services such as letterpress, foil stamping, and custom packaging. Our brand's foundation lay in the ever-inspiring muse, our dog, Wally.
“The store is green, this green, you can’t miss it.”
Studio & Storefront
"Walt's" was more than just a creative venture; it was a physical embodiment of our passion for art and craftsmanship. Our brick-and-mortar location served as both a studio, where we brought our printing projects to life, and a front-of-house storefront. Here, we showcased a curation of self-published zines, the whimsical creations of Clay Hickson, issues of Apartamento Magazine, the artistic works of Tan & Loose Press (now Caboose), pins and goods from Lucky Horse Press, and an array of other goodies from the world of independent publishing.
Crafting Creative Zines
In addition to our work as a boutique press and publisher, we embarked on a creative adventure of our own by crafting our self-published zines. One of our most renowned creations was the Walt’s Cocktail Book, a true labor of love, featuring a delightful collection of our ten favorite cocktails. The book came to life through hand-drawn illustrations, vividly depicting various types of alcohols and the essential glassware to stock your bar with. Our Cocktail Book wasn't just a publication; it was a vibrant testament to our passion for the art of mixology and our commitment to sharing our creativity with the world.
Creative Direction
I played a central role in meticulously cultivating a design ethos that celebrated artisanal craftsmanship. This included acting as a creative conductor while collaborating with startups, ensuring the efficient execution of print projects that brought brand stories to life. These projects were marked by the seamless blend of creativity and expert craftsmanship. Our commitment to excellence extended to every facet of our printing operations, where letterpress, foil stamping, and custom packaging became the tools for crafting luxury experiences for our clients. Small business branding, through our distinctive creative direction, took on a new dimension characterized by sophistication, innovation, and the influence of our ever-inspiring muse, Wally.
A Doggone Great Finish
In our journey, we saw "Walt's Artistry" transition from a creative vision to a real, adaptable entity. Apart from opening a brick-and-mortar location, we crafted a distinct brand identity that strongly connected with our clients. Our print projects were not just about ink on paper but the art of storytelling and brand experience. In this realm of artistry, we saw our commitment to client engagement as more than a business practice; it was a celebration of luxury, creativity, and an authentic user experience, all enriched by the spirit of our beloved muse, Wally.