Who We Are – sailorBOYpress

The Studio

Though this site focuses on Jeff Morin, he does collaborate with other artists and shares his shop and life with Brian Borchardt. They also work with artists around the country to make paper through a summer intensive. They make roughly 4000 sheets of paper in ten days, then divide the paper amongst the artists – giving each an inventory for print and collage projects in the coming year.

The Story

Jeff Morin taught graphic design around the country and built letterpress studios for multiple institutions. After one university decided to liquidate the studio that he had built and on which he was dependent, he put his efforts into building an independent facility.

As he was driving through a small Georgia town, he noticed a print shop that had letterpress equipment. He walked in and struck up a conversation with the owner, who was interested in selling off part of the shop. The owner had been approached by antique dealers on many occasions to buy the equipment, primarily to dump the type and sell off the drawers for knick-knack shelves. He handed Morin a job stick and asked him to start setting type. Jeff obliged. Upon which the owner said, "It's yours."

He has saved many print shops through similar experiences in Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Meet the Artists

Husbands Jeff Morin and Brian Borchardt print under separate press names from a shared print shop. They also work as paper makers, producing Tomey and Calma Paper and bringing artists together from around the country for a summer papermaking intensive at their studio and home in Milwaukee.

Brian Borchardt

Sevens Hills Press

Founder

Originally from Rosendale, Wisconsin, Brian started making books with basically no background, training, or education in the field. He was introduced to book arts through his friendships with Jeff Morin and Caren Heft. For most of his post-collegiate life, he had worked in the publishing industry. The name Seven Hills Press was inspired by his first trip to the wonderful city of Rome.

Jeffrey Morin

sailorBOYpress

Founder

After growing up in Madawaska, Maine, Jeff received his training in letterpress printing and papermaking while studying with Walter Hamady. He has worked as a commercial photographer, graphic designer, educator, and college administrator. He has scavenged print shops around the country – building an extensive inventory of cold type and curiosities.