We recently connected with Jeanette Pidi and have shared our conversation below.
Jeanette, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We believe kindness is contagious and so we’d love for you to share with us and our audience about the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
A few years back, my alma mater, Montclair State University, generously gifted us a beautiful letterpress machine. My former professors were looking for a home for a vintage Heidelberg Windmill press, and I jumped at the opportunity. After some (very) heavy lifting, we were able to transport the machine to our shop where it’s become our primary letterpress. It was an honor being able to inherit a piece of the university’s history and I’m so thankful for their kindness.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started my design and letterpress business in 2016, but I’m confident in saying its roots were planted in 1939. That’s the year my grandfather, Vito, started his career as a printer. Years later, my father, Lou, followed in his footsteps. Though it seems like I was born into the role, it wasn’t always my goal to start a printing business.
After graduating college with a BFA in Graphic Design, I was introduced to stationery design and letterpress printing during my internship and subsequent role with a luxury stationery designer in New York City. At the time, letterpress was just starting to see a resurgence in popularity, and I loved the idea of large, antique equipment being used to print beautiful, delicate wedding stationery. After a few more years of working in the corporate world and feeling burnt out, I felt it was time for something new, so my father and I began Jeanette Pidi Design.
Over the past 7 years, I’ve learned the art of printing from my father while designing custom wedding stationery and signage. We’ve worked with clients across the country, as well as internationally. Our studio has grown from a single antique letterpress machine to three letterpress machines, a laser-cutter, digital and white ink printers, and a hot foil press. This allows us to do the majority of our work in-house, so we can dedicate more time to our clients. All of our custom work is handcrafted for each of them, guaranteeing a unique and special experience.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
I’ve found that designing the work you want to see in the world is the most effective strategy for growing and attracting clients. When you approach a project with this mindset, the final product is almost always better. Even if a client’s wants don’t always align with my vision, presenting a design I’m confident in gives them confidence in my abilities and decisions and strengthens our relationship. This can lead to positive reviews and personal recommendations!
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
We have an Etsy shop where we sell a variety of different goods: letterpress greeting cards, stationery, and prints, enamel pins, stickers, t-shirts and other accessories. We also have a line of semi-customizable wedding stationery and signage for those who are looking for something that’s a bit more budget-friendly, but still high quality. The shop is also an outlet where I can share art and ideas that are a bit more fun and quirky!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jeanettepididesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanettepididesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanettepididesign
- Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JeanettePidiDesign
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jeanettepididesign