With the digital revolution in full swing, people are rebelling against the mainstream through handcrafted manuscript designs. Before the invention of the printing press, scribes were literate professionals, commissioned to copy and illustrate books for distribution. As soon as the printing process became automated, this extremely time-consuming method was rendered obsolete and, as a consequence, it is a novelty in this day and age.
Artist George Cochrane presents a modern manuscript design for Dante's Inferno that is currently blowing up on Kickstarter. Each book is printed letterpress, hand-lettered, illustrated and hand-bound with highest quality archival paper and vegetable tanned Moroccan goatskin. Through the preservation of the medieval scribe's technique, George Cochrane is able to communicate the spirit of the lost wonder of pre-13th century manuscript design.
Photo Credits: Kickstarter
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Handcrafted Manuscript Designs
- The rebellion against digital mainstream creates opportunities for artisans and craftsmen to revive traditional manuscript designs.
- Preservation of Historical Techniques
- Reviving the techniques of pre-13th century scribes offers opportunities to explore the lost wonder of manuscript design and connect with the past.
- Personalization in Printing
- The demand for hand-lettered and illustrated manuscripts highlights a growing desire for personalized and unique printed materials.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fine Art and Calligraphy
- Artists and calligraphers can tap into the demand for handcrafted manuscript designs to create unique and customized pieces.
- Publishing and Printing
- Publishers and printers can explore opportunities to incorporate handcrafted manuscript designs into limited edition or specialty book production.
- Artisan Accessories and Stationery
- Artisan makers of leather-bound journals and stationery can cater to the demand for high-quality and personalized manuscript-style products.
