My Biz: Iowa City business customizes printmaking

For Liz Munger, business means stepping away from the computer.

Instead, she spends her time printmaking, a practice done by hand.

Munger has been operating her business, the Paper Nest, 220 E. Washington St., Iowa City, out of the space for four years. She takes orders for prints and sells specialty paper needed for printmaking.

Before moving to downtown Iowa City, she worked out of her home. But after roughly one year of operating, Beadology owner Karen Kubby told Munger a space in the back of her store was available.

Munger takes orders for invitations, business cards and personalized stationary, in addition to more one-of-a-kind items, like marriage certificates. The shop also has preprinted cards for sale.

Paper orders for printmaking, along with wedding invitations and business cards are her most consistent business, she said.

She received an undergraduate degree in printmaking from the University of Iowa and a graduate certificate from the Center for the Book. She also recently earned her Master of Fine Arts from the center.

Munger got the idea to open a paper shop while she was a student. She had to constantly order paper specifically for printmaking but was never able to see the different textures or colors, she said.

To create a custom print, Munger meets with her customers to discuss what they want.

She draws the designs by hand, but uses a computer for typeface. She has plates made for the press, and then prints the copies herself.

Munger said she believes there are two reasons people choose to have prints made with her over other mass printers - a letterpress can be trendy and people appreciate the aesthetic value. The hand-drawn designs offer more flexibility as well, she added.

For her, the printing business has improved her artistry skills. She said she has spent more time focusing on her technical skills, which have in turn, made her art better.

And Iowa City has been a good home.

'I feel like I get a lot of support through (the community),” she said. 'There's a good idea of the letterpress here.”

Munger supports other local artists by featuring prints, drawings and watercolor paintings in her space.

She hopes to expand to have more presses and a storefront, with more opportunities to teach classes.

'It's really scary to run your own business,” she said. 'But it's really satisfying.”

'Know a manager or company in business for more than a year that would be ideal for 'My Biz”? Contact Chelsea Keenan at Chelsea.keenan@sourcemedia.net

At A Glance

'Business

: The Paper Nest

'Owner

: Liz Munger

'Address

: 220 E. Washington St., Iowa City

'Phone

: 319-455-6378

'Website

: www.papernestpress.com