Today we’d like to introduce you to Clara Bauman

Hi Clara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

I’ve always considered myself an artist and have worked in many different media throughout my life, from pen and ink illustrations to analog photography to letterpress. I started my small business by making wedding invitations for a variety of friends and family members. Being in my early thirties, I was conveniently at the age in life when a lot of people I know were getting married. I taught myself a lot initially, then took courses at the Center for Book Arts in New York City. I sought out and spoke with many letterpress printers and artists across the country.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Not at all! I went through some big life changes in 2023, and Crown Peak has had to take the backseat for the last year and a half. Now that I’m settled again, I’m in the process of rethinking my offerings and my stylistic approach before I relaunch. One of the main issues I’ve had is that in the first iteration of Crown Peak, I specifically delivered custom wedding invitations that spoke directly to my clients’ personalities. While I loved getting to know each couple and it was incredibly gratifying to be able to speak deliver custom, bespoke products, it presented some challenges. First, working closely with clients was incredibly involved and I couldn’t grow my business using that approach. And second, I wasn’t able to define my style or aesthetic for the brand as I’d adapt completely to each couple’s vision. These are the main questions I’m working on answering as I move forward.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I specialize in custom letterpress and design products–invitations, menus, place cards, etc.–for special events like weddings, galas, and birth announcements, to name a few. I’m known for being a thoughtful and flexible designer who works with each client to deliver their specific and unique vision. I’m most proud of the relationships I develop with clients, and that I get most of my business through word-of-mouth referrals.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

Yes! That it’s possible to connect virtually with artists across the country and the world. If you reach out with the intention of learning from and investing in an artistic community, fellow artists are very happy to help and offer support to one another.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crownpeakpress.com/
• Instagram: @crownpeakpress

Image Credits

Photography courtesy of Sarah Otis and Samuel Stuart Hollenshead.