When Julie Walker and Susie Gelbron met in line during graduate student orientation, they got more than financial aid. They found a career.

A creative partnership that began with a letterpress printing project for class eventually evolved into Carrot & Stick Press. The company, founded in 2000 and based in Oakland, CA, produces letterpress stationery—invitations, notecards, and place cards—as well as custom orders that are highly in demand. Their colorful patterns include pink argyle, blue polka dots, and a zebra print, all produced in their Oakland studio.

Carrot & Stick's first project was, appropriately, a birth announcement. The two entrepreneurs juggled custom letterpress orders with other jobs: Walker taught art in public schools and worked at the Gap corporate archives, while Gelbron ran a summer camp and did web design. Orders came from friends and family, and through word of mouth.

Later, they were able to devote themselves to Carrot & Stick full time. "After attending a stationery show in New York City, we were flooded with orders," they say.

Today, they run a thriving business that has been featured in publications including Bon Appétit and The New York Times. Both live in Berkeley, CA.

As Carrot & Stick continues to grow, Walker and Gelbron face such challenges as quality control, finding a new location that includes retail space, and expanding their product offerings—all while designing new collections inspired by answering very personal questions: what do I want to buy? What am I looking for?

From Glance, 2004

Julie Walker

Born 1972, Carmel, CA

CCA degree:
MFA 1998, Printmaking

Influences at CCA:
Linda Yaven, Betsy Davids

Susie Gelbron

Born 1973, Phoenix, AZ

CCA degree:
MFA 1998, Photography

Influences at CCA:
Stephen Goldstine, Susan Ciriclio, Betsy Davids, Larry Sultan

Website:
carrotandstickpress.com