My name is Jeff Park. I run Neighbour’s Press, an artisan print studio in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. I am a Korean Graphic Designer, specialising in digital and motion design, a son of two proud parents, a husband, and a father to two kids of my own. And only recently have I been able to fully add “letterpress printer” to that list of words.

I’d always been nostalgic of unique old technology, of outstanding handicrafts and the artisans who made them. Luckily, letterpress printing happens to be a perfect mix of all of those. My first experience with it was in 2012, on my son’s first birthday. During that time, my son and my wife visited Korea to meet his grandparents, leaving me alone at home for work. In the peace and quiet of the weekend, I found myself at a letterpress workshop. Despite being the complete opposite of my career, I felt immediately deep down that this is what I wanted to do. The best way to describe the sensation was like a “healing” from the “digital pollution” I’d been through for most of my life. Ever since then, I began building up my collection of “types,” the templates needed to start my printing journey.

Now, after almost 10 years with letterpress, I met a local letterpress printer who was more than happy to supply the equipment I needed to truly start printing more. I used the small time I had left in between my full-time job and raising my family to hone my skills for this art.

While residing in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay and watching the pandemic pass by with my family, I was able to expand my printing portfolio and create new and unique prints for all to enjoy.

Now, I am once again raising my passion and who I want to be to the next level. After almost a decade, I now feel ready to move this hobby of mine from my free time, and into a business.