Nerd Time with Brianna

A Tactile Notion

A Tactile Notion

Starting during the holiday season this year, Kim McCollum and I are putting our creative brains together to make you a gorgeous, simple, handmade, subscription package. Kim is one of...
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How to Wash and Finish Conversations with the Ocean

How to Wash and Finish Conversations with the Ocean

If you've decided to purchase the Collaborative Edition of Conversations with the Ocean by Evelyn Elgie and Brianna Tosswill, congratulations! You're officially a Penrose Press collaborator! I've compiled some information...
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How to Make Sense of Reduction Linocut

How to Make Sense of Reduction Linocut

The first time I carved a reduction linocut was a revelation. It was also the first time I printed a linocut from a Vandercook letterpress, so the revelations multiplied over...
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Art-Adjacent Employment

Art-Adjacent Employment

For anyone who is curious about what exactly you do with a degree in fine art, and especially the people who are asked that question by well meaning but infuriating relatives

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A New Vision for Penrose Press

A New Vision for Penrose Press

Penrose Press is a book arts practice by Brianna Tosswill in collaboration with various creatives in Canada. Its mandate is to present storytelling in beautiful, physical detail, and to amplify marginalized voices and perspectives. Art feeds empathy.

I've made some changes lately. Read about them here.

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What is Fine Press Publishing?

What is Fine Press Publishing?

Fair question! I believe that fine press publishing is in the printing and binding process, and in the details. My books use a variety of printing and printmaking processes to come into the world....
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How to Draw for Linocut Printmaking

How to Draw for Linocut Printmaking

It took me years of dedicated practise to realize that there are techniques available to me in linocut that are unique and wonderful and better than drawing in certain respects. I’m here to share my most effective strategies with you so that you can have a similar experience and learn to love this medium like I do.
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Penrose Design Details

Penrose Design Details

Hey reader… you don’t have to read this.
No seriously. I won’t spoil any of the stories’ endings but if you have any desire to discover these easter eggs for yourself, don’t let me ruin it for you! 
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Pretty Perfect Paperback Binding

Pretty Perfect Paperback Binding

A start to finish tutorial on building a soft-cover book (with content!) that holds together forever and looks good doing it.
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Linocut Printmaking 101

Linocut Printmaking 101

What kind of books are these? It seems to me that the conversation around artist books, zines, and fine press publishing has been growing in the last few years. 

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