The word "Broadside" appearing on my website has brought me a lot of attention from poets around the world. They're a wonderful way to share your work alongside an artist wishing to share their own.
I had a wonderful experience creating broadsides for visiting poets of the South Carolina Poetry Society. But, in all honesty, it's a lot of work... especially when on a tight time frame. I would love to get back into working with poets to create broadsides for them for upcoming readings, book launches, and special events showcasing their poetry.
As of January 2025, I have a limited amount of time to offer for special broadside commissions but want to try to offer the opportunity to those interested. Below are the steps and requirements for commissioning a broadside.
Price - There is no set price. This will all be dependent on the length of the poem, number of colors and/or plates for the artwork, the letterprass plate size, and the edition size.
Concept Review - I'll create a concept drawing and layout of what your poem says to me for your review with up to three alteration reviews. (If we can't figure it out by the third, I'm probably not the printmaker for you.)
Please note: these concepts are digital drawings. Because the artwork for your broadside is done by hand it will not be exact.
Letterpress - I use polymer plates for your poem that I order from a fantastic third party. Once the project is complete, I will gladly send the plate to you along with your edition of prints.
Edition Size - The minimum edition size I offer is 20. Max is 100. If there are any APs (artist proofs) I will throw all but one in for free. (I keep one for my archives.)
Time Frame - The more time the better. But, at minimum, I need at least 2 months to complete everything and ship to you (within the US). But, this is a case by case basis.
Your Deliverables - I will need the following information from you to get you an estimate:
- Your poem in a PDF -and- Word or Good Doc form. (I need both so I can see your formatting in the PDF, but have the ability to pull from the word/Google Doc for the letterpress plate.)
- Preferred font type and size.
- Edition size you want
- If this is for an event, the date and details for the event.
- If you have a visual for the artwork you would like me to use, please share. We will work together to hit the target so you're happy with the end result.
Copyright - The broadside artwork is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced in any way other than by the artist (that's me). The poet (that's you) are providing your poem for me to create a special broadside for you. This does not transfer copyright ownership to me, but you are giving me permission to use your poem for this project. You also agree to allow your poem to be published on my website and within my social media if I so choose.
Finally, please keep in mind - This is an art form, just as your poem is. I want to give you exactly what you want but also need to enjoy creating it for you. If I am not moved by the words (or if you're a diva), I will have a hard time creating and you won't like the end result. So, I reserve the right to decline requests.
If after all this you're interested in discussing a special broadside commission for your poetry, please fill out the below form.
Thanks for your interest!