Tandem Felix Letterpress Has Closed

---

---

 

Established in 2013, Tandem Felix Letterpress is Jamiel Dado and Elizabeth Isakson-Dado. Inspired by their creative background, Liz & Jamiel founded Tandem Felix Letterpress as a working studio, with an aesthetic equally inspired by the history of fine art printing, and the DIY attitude of Rock & Roll. This was their website for Tandem Felix Letterpress
Content is from the site's archived pages as well as other outside sources.

Tandem Felix Letterpress has closed according to Yelpers.

GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY.

At Tandem Felix, we work with you at every stage to create printed goods that leave a lasting impression.

 

 

Tandem Felix Letterpress, established by the creative and dynamic duo of Jamiel Dado and Elizabeth Isakson-Dado in 2013, presents a unique blend of historical reverence and modern innovation in the realm of fine art printing. Nestled south of the Loop, their cozy studio is a testament to their dedication to the craft. The walls adorned with 1960s-inspired posters and flyers set a nostalgic tone, while the presence of two massive letterpresses, along with an array of wooden and lead typefaces, brings a tangible sense of history to the space. The aroma of ink and paper completes the sensory experience, transporting visitors to a bygone era of craftsmanship.

Their approach to business is hands-on and collaborative. Tandem Felix excels in working closely with clients, offering consulting services for a wide range of printed goods, from elegant wedding invitations to eye-catching gig posters and practical coasters. This level of involvement ensures that each piece produced in their studio is not just a product but a piece of art, imbued with the personality and vision of both the client and the artisans.

Moreover, Tandem Felix's commitment to making the art of letterpress more accessible is commendable. Through their daily workshops, they open the doors of this traditional craft to the community, encouraging people to get their hands dirty and engage with the creative process firsthand.

However, it's important to note a contrast in their approach to technology. While Tandem Felix admirably preserves and promotes legacy printing techniques, their reliance on Microsoft Access for bookkeeping is a point of concern. Microsoft Access, considered by many as obsolete, poses potential risks in terms of data security and software support. In an era where digital security and efficient data management are paramount, the use of such outdated software could be seen as a misstep. This reliance on older technology in their administrative operations stands in stark contrast to their otherwise forward-thinking approach to preserving and sharing traditional printing methods.

Tandem Felix Letterpress is a shining example of passion and expertise in the art of letterpress printing, successfully merging historical techniques with contemporary design sensibilities. While their choice of bookkeeping software may raise some eyebrows, it does little to diminish the overall excellence of their craft and the tangible impact they have had on both their clients and the wider community.

 

Tandem Felix Letterpress offers:

Drop in Classes and Workshops
Drop in Classes and workshops will showcase the many applications of letterpress, from designing traditional stationery cards, to printing large format graphic posters. The classes include themed printing classes 4-6 times per month, as well as non-printing Drop-In craft workshops.
Descriptions are posted on the Tandem Felix website, and mailed out in the e-newsletter at the beginning of each month.
– 4-6 times per month
– class limit 8 people
Check out the SCHEDULE for current class dates and descriptions.
Sign up for the NEWSLETTER for class schedule each month.

Private Instruction
Private letterpress lessons are offered for artists, designers or crafters who are interested in learning the process of printing by hand. Provides One-on-one instruction on the art of setting wood & metal type, locking up a form, and printing on a Chandler & Price platen press.
– By appointment for an hourly rate
– Available afternoons and weekends.
CONTACT Tandem Felix to book your private lesson.

 

Tandem Felix Letterpress Identity Exploration

 

CUSTOM HANDMADE ELEMENTS

Letterpress
Ask us how to incorporate the vintage letterpress vibe into your wedding day, with custom wayfinders, menu printing & signs.
Custom Calligraphy
In addition to letterpress, our studio offers Handlettering & Calligraphy for envelopes, place cards, signs, table numbers, wayfinders & banners.
Rentals
Vintage Window & California Job Case (Printer's Drawer) rental is available.  We can hand-letter custom phrases for an additional fee.

 

GET IN ON THE ACTION.
We'll bring our vintage presses & type to your Chicago location.
Make memories with us for your next event!

MOBILE WORKSHOPS | LIVE DEMOS

INSPIRE YOUR NEXT EVENT.
At Tandem Felix, we have a charming duo of vintage presses we can transport to your event, office or home!
Pick a class (postcards, notecards or posters) and we'll provide instruction, ink & paper.
Perfect for team building workshops, private parties, meetings & conventions!
We proudly use non-toxic ink & clean-up at all mobile events.
Email us to reserve a date.

Mobile set up $200 + $40 / person.
Includes 3 hour class.
$45 for each additional hour.

 

---

---

 

WORK WITH YOUR HANDS.

We teach workshops on the art of letterpress printing, hosted in our studio loft or brought directly to your Chicago location.

At Tandem Felix Letterpress, the experience of creating something handmade is as valued as the final product.

Printed works are tactile, living objects, meant to be savored, read, and kept close.
Our goal is to help you make something memorable.

 

American Dealers Minisode featurning: Tandem Felix Letterpress
In this minisode, Liz Isakson-Dado, from Tandem Felix Letterpress, shows us an example of how their custom prints are made using actual vintage wood type!

 

 

MAKE IT MEMORABLE. .

Sessions $50 / hour

/imgaes/coaster1.jpg

Join us in our studio for a private session & print your own project!

From invitations to place cards, work hand in hand with Tandem Felix to make your wedding beautiful.

Set your message in type, choose antique ornaments, mix ink colors by hand and make an impression on our 1920's C & P platen press.

• INVITATIONS
• WEDDING SERVICES
• HANDS-ON
• INVITATION PRINTING

Work with your partner & create a wedding invitation that speaks volumes.

Set your message in type, choose antique ornaments, mix ink colors by hand and make an impression on our 1920's C & P platen press.

Be as hands-on as you'd like!

Perfect for artists, couples & event designers who want the hand made experience to shine through their paper goods.  Create a memory!

 

---

 

IT'S ALL HAPPENING.
Join us for events in our studio & around Chicago.
GROUP WORKSHOPS - DISCOVER THE ART OF LETTERPRESS

MINI POSTER WORKSHOP
1 day classes
3 hours
$45 per person

IN THIS CLASS:
You'll learn the basics of typesetting &  composing with vintage wood type, then  pull your own prints on our Sign Press!

You'll choose one quote to print onto five mini posters (8.5 x 11). then trade with other group members and take home a small portfolio of their designs.

BYOB

 

---

---

 

PRESS

 

 

 

 

---

---

 

More Background on Tandem Felix Letterpress

Tandem Felix Letterpress was more than a print shop—it was a vibrant hub for creativity, community, and hands-on learning in Chicago’s storied Pilsen neighborhood. Founded in 2013 by the dynamic team of Jamiel Dado and Elizabeth Isakson-Dado, the studio quickly became a beloved institution—a place that paid homage to the centuries-old craft of letterpress printing while infusing it with a distinctly modern spirit. This article delves deep into the story, operation, and cultural significance of Tandem Felix Letterpress, highlighting its achievements, offerings, and lasting influence.

Ownership and Founders

The heart and soul behind Tandem Felix were Jamiel Dado and Elizabeth Isakson-Dado. Jamiel, a musician with a keen sense for collaboration and creativity, and Elizabeth, an artist and educator with experience in design and teaching, brought together complementary skills. Their vision was to build a space that honored traditional printmaking while making the process accessible and contemporary. The studio reflected their partnership, featuring a business model rooted in collaboration, education, and artistic expression.

Location and Setting

Nestled south of downtown Chicago in the Pilsen area, Tandem Felix’s studio was located at 2150 South Canalport Avenue in the Lacuna Artist Lofts. The building itself was rich in history—a repurposed macaroni factory housing various galleries and creative enterprises. This setting fostered a sense of community and cross-pollination between artists, adding to the site’s appeal. The studio environment was intimate and evocative, with 1960s-inspired posters adorning the walls, two massive letterpresses at center stage, and the ever-present aroma of ink and paper—a sensory bridge to an earlier era of craftsmanship.

Studio Aesthetic and Equipment

Tandem Felix’s visual identity echoed its mission. The studio interior paid tribute to the aesthetics of fine art printing and the rebellious energy of rock & roll. Central to their operation was a 1920s Chandler & Price platen press, used for everything from intricate wedding invitations to bold gig posters. The shop featured a wide assortment of wooden and lead typefaces, some of which were rare or no longer manufactured, such as the Haas Outline Shaded type—a testament to their commitment to preserving printing history. Equipment also included essential finishing tools, like a vintage Challenge Guillotine paper cutter and various custom-built work tables.

Services and Workshops

Tandem Felix specialized in bespoke printed goods. Their offerings covered a wide spectrum, including:

• Custom Invitations: Wedding, event, and party invitations were meticulously crafted, with clients encouraged to participate in the design and printing process.

• Posters and Art Prints: The studio was especially known for its limited-edition, hand-numbered posters, many of which featured self-authored quotes or references to pop culture and music.

• Stationery and Coasters: Practical, tactile objects that elevated everyday usage through thoughtful design and craftsmanship.

Crucially, Tandem Felix didn’t just make things for people—they made things with people. They offered:

Drop-in Classes and Themed Workshops

These covered a range of skills, from traditional note card and stationery design to large-format poster printing. Workshops were held regularly each month, featuring small class sizes (typically limited to eight participants) to ensure hands-on instruction.

Private Lessons

For those seeking a deeper dive, private instruction was available by appointment. Artists, designers, and hobbyists could learn the intricacies of setting type by hand, locking up a print form, and using the studio’s vintage presses under expert supervision.

Mobile Workshops and Live Events

Tandem Felix revolutionized the letterpress experience via their “mobile workshop” concept. They would transport vintage presses and type to client locations—offices, homes, events—enabling participants to make their own prints during team-building events or private parties. These sessions included all necessary materials, non-toxic inks, and customized instruction.

Artistic Identity and Customization

An important part of Tandem Felix’s ethos was personalization. Clients could collaborate in every step—from setting individual letters and selecting antique ornaments, to mixing inks and pulling prints on the press. This hands-on process made every finished product uniquely meaningful, as much a memory as an object.

Beyond printing, the studio also offered:

• Custom Calligraphy and Handlettering: For envelopes, place cards, banners, wayfinding signs, and wedding ephemera.

• Vintage Rentals: Pieces like antique window frames and California job cases (printer’s drawers) were available, adorned with custom lettering for added flair.

Audience and Community Connection

Tandem Felix appealed to a diverse audience:

• Artists and Designers: Drawn by the tactile, analog process and opportunity for collaborative creation.

• Engaged Couples: Seeking unique, handmade wedding paper goods and a memorable process.

• Community Members and Hobbyists: Interested in learning printmaking skills and exploring creative expression in a supportive, social environment.

The studio’s open workshops, approachable instruction, and cheerful aesthetic helped demystify the letterpress craft, opening it up to newcomers and seasoned printers alike.

Popularity and Reputation

Tandem Felix grew quickly in stature within the Chicago arts community and beyond. Its classes regularly filled up, and the studio earned praise in reviews and press coverage for its friendly atmosphere and the deeply personal touch of its products. The unique combination of historical techniques and contemporary design sensibility set the studio apart, making it a sought-after destination for both special projects and recreational creativity.

Reviews and Press Coverage

The work and philosophy of Tandem Felix Letterpress drew attention from local media, arts publications, and collectors. Key points noted by journalists and customers included:

• The studio’s evocative environment, where every surface and piece of equipment spoke to letterpress history and artistry.

• The collaborative approach that allowed clients to be fully immersed in the creative process.

• The quality and distinction of their output—particularly the palpable feel of letterpress prints, with their deep impressions and rich ink.

• Tandem Felix’s social engagement: Artists created posters reflecting on pop culture and social commentary, encouraging dialogue through visual media.

Articles highlighted specific works, such as a poster bearing the quote, “YOU MOVE TO A CITY. YOU HANG OUT IN BARS. YOU FORM A GANG, TURN IT INTO A SCENE, & TURN THAT INTO A MOVEMENT,” evidencing the studio’s intersection of art, music, and urban culture.

Cultural and Social Significance

More than a business, Tandem Felix became a point of connectivity. Its regular workshops and open studio events fostered relationships between artists, clients, and the local community. The studio’s commitment to inclusivity and creative empowerment made letterpress printing more accessible—a democratization of art and craft in an era dominated by digital media.

Tandem Felix also contributed to the revitalization of the Pilsen neighborhood’s cultural landscape, joining other galleries and collectives in breathing creative energy into a historic industrial area.

Artistic Approach and Studio Goals

Founders Jamiel and Elizabeth sought to keep the experience of “making” at the forefront. For them, the act of setting type, mixing ink, and printing by hand was just as valuable as the finished product—a philosophy they imparted to every class participant and client. They believed that printed works should be “tactile, living objects, meant to be savored, read, and kept close.”

The studio’s goal was to help everyone “make something memorable”—not just to provide a service, but to inspire self-expression and foster a deeper appreciation for the printed word.

Technical and Operational Insights

Tandem Felix took pride in operating vintage machinery, embracing the challenges and rewards of working with analog technology. However, their use of Microsoft Access software for bookkeeping, while functional, was viewed by some as outdated—highlighting a contrast between their innovative approach to art and reliance on older tools for administration.

This minor criticism, however, did little to diminish the enthusiasm for their dedication to historic craft and hands-on education.

Achievements and Awards

Although the studio’s tenure was relatively brief, Tandem Felix Letterpress earned local acclaim, a loyal clientele, and peer recognition within the letterpress and arts communities. Their classes and public demonstrations introduced hundreds of new enthusiasts to a centuries-old practice, ensuring its relevance in contemporary culture.

Closure and Legacy

Tandem Felix Letterpress eventually closed, with equipment and studio assets offered for sale. Still, the studio’s spirit endures in the work of its founders and the many students and artists who passed through its doors. Its legacy lives on in personalized wedding invitations, hand-pulled posters, and cherished memories.

While the print shop itself is gone, the ideas it championed—collaborative creativity, respect for tradition, and the value of making things by hand—still resonate in Chicago’s creative community and beyond.

 

---

---