A b o u t  M e

Quail Lane Press is a letterpress studio specializing in landscape art. I create original maps and multicolor landscape prints and cards. Behind Quail Lane is artist Michelle Snyder.   

I n s p i r a t i o n

After studying the natural sciences at Columbia and then Yale University (and filling my course load with as many possible art classes that I could) I bought my first press, a baby etching press. I was living on Lake Tahoe at the time and found great inspiration from the forests, rocky granite peaks, and (of course) the Lake. Fun fact: Lake Tahoe was the first map I ever created!

The natural world still remains my muse and the baby press eventually turned into three vintage (and very heavy) letterpress machines. Having these machines allowed me to take my illustrations to another level through reproduction which enabled me to grow my hobby into a real art business. 

P r o d u c t s

Today I create and print all products in our studio in Milwaukie (just on the outskirts of Portland) Oregon. Our spot is close to the city but in a grove of enormous fir trees so it doesn't feel that urban. 

I believe that the little things do add up to change the bigger whole so over the years I have prioritized making artwork in a sustainable fashion and getting it to the customer with the least amount of impact on the environment.  As far as production goes I use low VOC ink, eco-friendly press cleaners/solvents, and our presses are run on solar.  And in terms of shipping we have whittled down the amount of plastic we use and use locally sourced shipping materials.

L e t t e r p r e s s 

I have three presses- Two Vandercook proof presses (for larger format pieces), and one Gordon platen press (that I use for stationery).

I create all the QLP art first by making a drawing. I then convert that drawing into a photopolymer plate, which is a relief plate (like a woodcut or linocut block). These plates are metal backed and placed on a large magnet that sits on the press. After inking up the press I am then able to run paper through the machine and over this plate.  For each print every color has to have its own plate and have a separate pass through the press.  

These machines are old and cantankerous so it takes great time and attention to detail to make sure each print retains the same impression, registration, and inking as the last.  It can be laborious (there are good print days and bad ones!)...but creating a perfect print is a wonderful feeling.