Letterpress Typesetter
かっぱんしょくじこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Artisan who manually sets metal type to create plates for letterpress printing.
Description
A letterpress typesetter is a specialist who combines metal type characters one by one using a composer or spatula, assembling plates on a line-by-line basis. They precisely adjust spacing between characters (letterspacing), line spacing (line composition), and position blocks or insets. After composition, they check proof prints and make corrections. The set type is locked into a chase and used for printing on a press. Historically the primary printing method for publications, it is now mainly used for niche art works, limited editions, and preserving traditional techniques due to the spread of digital technology.
Future Outlook
Demand is very limited due to digitalization, but it retains value in niche markets such as traditional techniques and art works, with artisan demand expected to continue steadily over the long term.
Personality Traits
Dexterous with Hands and Skilled at Fine Work / High Concentration / Meticulous / Patient
Work Style
Freelance / Manual Work / Outsourcing / Team Work / Workshop Employment
Career Path
Apprentice Letterpress Typesetter → Letterpress Typesetter → Chief Typesetter → Printing Workshop Owner → Typographer
Required Skills
Character Typesetting / Movable Type Composition / Proofreading / Typesetting Tool Operation
Recommended Skills
Basic DTP Knowledge / Printing Machine Operation / Typography Knowledge / Understanding of Historical Typefaces
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because even slight misalignments in character placement greatly affect print quality. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because it involves little heavy labor and mainly delicate handwork. |
Related Qualifications
- Printing Technician
Aliases
- Movable Type Compositor
- Typesetter (Letterpress)
Related Jobs
- Bookbinder
- DTP Operator
- Graphic Designer
- Phototypesetter Operator
- Printing Machine Operator