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 March, 2005 Earlier this month the sleeper film "Million Dollar Baby" woke everyone up by taking three oscars. The early portion of the story about an unlikely friendship between an older man and a determined young woman dearly wanting to learn his skills feels especially fitting right now. Today I learned that my main mentor and friend in the world of letterpress printing, Regis Graden, has inoperable and untreatable cancer. I know for certain there are many young printers today who feel the same deep sadness when they think of the physical challenges Regis will face in the coming months and hopefully years. Not many days go by in my printing shop when I don't utilize Regis' Gordon Franklin Oldstyle 9x13" press or the skills he taught me. I recall many times Regis would say "I don't want to give away too many of my secrets..." and he would then proceed to drop all kinds of helpful information. I once called Regis with a question about my Vandercook. His response "Well, I could tell you, but it would be better if I showed you. I'll be there in half an hour." was typical. Another time I called to see if he would print a large and complicated job for me (I was in way over my head for my small 8x12" C&P). His answer, "No, but why don't you come over here and use my Colts Armory." I worked there all day and almost all night for two days/nights straight. He stayed and advised for most of it--taking the oportunity to impart on me printing vocabulary from his endless reservoir. It's a FLYWHEEL...not a CRANKY THING!!! Regis also taught me the line that has saved my butt with demanding customers--"There's good, cheap, and fast. You can have two of those things." Regis is a guy who knows the pressures of business and always turns plates around perfectly and instantly with his sense of humor intact. I once came to his shop a bundle of nerves over a wedding job. I tried to stay calm and talk shop for awhile. But he could tell I was stressed. "You need to go. You have pressing matters ahead." Ha! I was halfway home before I understood the joke. The biggest boost of all to my business was Regis’ support in getting my photopolymer plate machine. Feeling lazy about learning a new skill, I procrastinated forever. I also didn’t know where to start. I was too embarrassed to ask Regis. I couldn’t ask him to divulge that valuable business secret. Why would he want to lose a customer? Finally I guess he got tired of me harassing him about fast plates because he said "You should get your own machine. It would make so much sense for your business. Here’s the guy to call." Finally got the Orbital plate machine, but was making each plate three times before it was usable. One day Regis called and said, "How’s that going for you? I’d like to come over and show you how to make Regis quality plates." To the rescue again! When I give a print quote I always put forward the worst case scenario. That way there are no surprises. I'm hopeful that's what Regis' doctors are doing with their 6-12 month prognosis...tossing out the worst case scenario. People often outlive those things by years. In "Million Dollar Baby" Maggie got to live a life she loved because Frankie took the time to teach her. I haven’t made a million bucks (yet!), but I love coming to work every day. Using skills Regis taught me has had a large part in shaping that environment. Comparing myself to the very swanky Hilary Swank is a bit audacious, but comparing Regis to Clint is not. He is a talented, funny, and creative guy always committed to excellence. We still have you and we still love you!
Annika Buxman (the "young fart") |