Keynote Speaker, Workshop Instructor & Panelist

Aaron Draplin of the Draplin Design Co. lives and works in Portland, Oregon. He makes stuff for rock bands, comedians, restaurants and festivals. He’s traveled the world telling his story, with over 575 speaking fiascos under his belt. He co-created Field Notes memo books with Jim Coudal, with products sold worldwide. His eight Skillshare classes are raging along, teaching design enthusiasts of all ages. He recently launched DDC Fonts, showcasing three typefaces. His book Pretty Much Everything, published by Abrams Books on May 17, 2016, is now in its 12th printing. The DDC merch roster is up to 400+ products, available at merch tables from coast to coast and online. He owes it all to his parents. Really.

Instagram | Website

Workshop Instructor & Panelist

Jessie Nucifora (she/her) is an artist and tattooer based on the East Coast. She tattoos in a studio called TrueHand in Philadelphia, PA. Jessie has been tattooing professionally for about 25 years, and her main focus has always been lettering! Her artwork outside of tattooing also centers around letters. Jessie draws inspiration from old signage, vintage design, manuscripts and historic typography and uses it to create designs for tattoos and paintings! To her – it’s all about finding that balance between tradition and innovation.

Instagram | Website

Explore the history of script lettering from 1720–1920s through prints, ephemera and surprise activities with Skyler’s extensive historical lettering collection.

Supplies are not needed for this class, although a notebook and writing tool for notes is encouraged. 

Midvale Performing Arts Center (MPAC)

In this 2-hour, hands-on lettering workshop, you’ll learn how to draw pike lettering, traditional Old English, and a clean, monoline script designed specifically for the classic walk-in style tattoo studio. Jessie will cover how to effectively compose this lettering within banners and flash sheet borders, and explore “spitshading” to add depth and character. This workshop will help you expand your creative skill set, whether for tattoos, art, or personal projects.

Supplies can be purchased through Paper and Ink Arts for pick-up at the conference. Visit this link to view the list and place your order: https://www.paperinkarts.com/letterwest-2026-jessie-nucifora-pike-lettering-tattoo-flash-workshop.html

• Speedball B Nib – B5 (required)
• Straight Holder (any)
• Pencil (required)
• Eraser (required)
• Tracing Paper (8″x10″ ideal)
• Cold Press Watercolor Paper – 8″x10″ (required)
• Ink cup – dinky dip (required)
• Small Water dropper (optional, encouraged)
• Dr. Ph Martins Black Matte (required)
• Paynes Grey Liquid Watercolor (optional)
• Synthetic Watercolor Round Brush – Size 4 (required)
• Synthetic Watercolor Round Brush – Size 6 (required)
• Synthetic Watercolor Round Brush – Size 8 (optional, encouraged)
• Rinse Cup : Collapsible rinse cup or Paint Puck (optional, encouraged)

The Pearl on Main
 7711 S Main St, Midvale, UT 84047

Join professional sign painter Austin Namba for a hands-on workshop in the art of sign painting. Throughout this class, you’ll learn to use traditional tools and mediums, create designs and transfer artwork to make polished, professional-quality signs. Leave with new skills, expert tips, and the knowledge to continue sign painting. 

Supplies can be purchased through Paper and Ink Arts for pick-up at the conference. Visit this link to view the list and place your order: https://www.paperinkarts.com/letterwest-2026-austin-namba-basics-of-sign-painting.html

• Mechanical Pencil (required)
• Eraser (required, white)
• Straight Ruler (metal)
• Lettering Quill (size 10)
• Liner brush (required)
• One shot paint (primary colors ideally, 4oz is fine)
• Signboard (signpainter plywood w/ smooth finish, optional, may be provided)
• Bristol Paper 14″x17″ (Required, 10-20 sheets)
• Pallet – magazine, garbage, etc. (optional)
• Popsicle sticks (for paint mixing)
• Paper Towels
• Rubber Gloves

The Conversation SLC
7762 S Main St, Midvale, UT 84047

The world is moving quicker and quicker, with more and more screen time commanding our attention. Unplug, drop out and dive in with the Draplin Design Co. for an afternoon of analog awesomeness. When’s the last time you made something…simply for yourself? Take a ride with the DDC, get weird on paper and unlock something in yourself. And then see Aaron take it from sketch to screen to solution—in real time—with  tricks and tips offered up from the analog side of things, and even some digital action. Fun, loose and lighthearted in a constructive environment. Buckle up, Midvale!

• Pencils, pens and paper. 
• Imagination, determination and an iron will

The Pearl on Main
7711 S Main St, Midvale, UT 84047

Learn to create, carve and print your own custom letter design in this 4-hour, hands-on workshop with Jessica Hische. She’ll guide you through essential linocut techniques and show you how to make a small edition print to share with fellow attendees. Whether you’re a linocut pro or just looking for a fun, hands-on way to try a new medium, this class is for you.

Supplies can be purchased through Paper and Ink Arts for pick-up at the conference. Visit this link to view the list and place your order: https://www.paperinkarts.com/letterwest-2026-jessica-hische-linocut-lettering.html?searchid=353263&search_query=letterwest%5C

• Pencil (Required)
• Eraser (Required)
• Black Ballpoint Pen (Required)
• Regular Black Sharpie (Required)
• Fine Tip Black Sharpie (Required)
• Scratch Paper (8.5″x11″ Plain Printer Paper, required)
• Tracing Paper (8.5″x11″, required)
• Transfer Paper (Required)
• Linocut rubber block (purchase 2-3 of them, Required)
• Speedball cutter (Required)
• Printmaking Paper (Required, heavy cardstock / cover stock, natural white, 8.5 x 11 sheets cut to 5.5 x 8.5—factor on 5-10 per student)
• Black Water based Printmaking ink
• Baron (optional)
• Soft Rubber Brayer (optional)

The Conversation SLC
7762 S Main St, Midvale, UT 84047

Please note: Participants who register after March 10 will join as observers only—no glass panel or paint will be provided.

In this four-hour workshop, legendary sign maker Noel B. Weber will guide you through reverse glass painting and lettering using his custom screen-printed designs and hand-mixed paints. You’ll learn his lettering process across multiple mediums and see techniques from sketching to choosing between traditional and modern tools, all while creating your own piece under his guidance.

Supplies can be purchased through Paper and Ink Arts for pick-up at the conference. Visit this link to view the list and place your order: https://www.paperinkarts.com/letterwest-2026-noel-weber-sketch-to-sign-3d-lettering.html

• Pre-cast monogram sculpture (provided)
• Acrylic Paint (provided)
• Flat Brushes Sizes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• Pointed Brushes Sizes: 2 & 4
• Rinse Cup
• Paper Towels

The Pearl on Main
7711 S Main St, Midvale, UT 84047

Experience an evening of creativity and community at the Craft Lake City Night Market Presneted By Tres Gatos Coffee on April 10, 6-9 p.m. at Conversation SLC in Midvale, Utah.

This free, one-night community market is part of the Fifth Annual Craft Lake City LetterWest and features handcrafted goods from local artisans, vintage finds, craft food, food trucks and live performances in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

Friday, April 10 from 6:00-9:00 PM

The Conversation SLC
7762 S Main St, Midvale, UT 84047

The San Francisco nonprofit Letterform Archive is returning to LetterWest with a pop-up exhibition of 17th-century writing manuals, French sign painter alphabets, and unique examples of original 20th-century lettering. While you’re there, browse and buy their fabulous books featuring the work on display, and learn about Type West, their yearlong certificate in type design.

Thursday, April 9 6:00-9:00 PM
Friday, April 10 7:30 AM-9:00 PM
Saturday, April 11 7:30 AM-9:00 PM​

OneApp (Webaholics)
7633 Main St, Midvale, UT 84047

Midvale Main Street is known for its vibrant murals—while you’re in town for the conference, take some time to explore these incredible works of art. You can view a full list of murals and follow an interactive map here.

Close out LetterWest at the official afterparty at Lucid Studios Tattoo. Featuring presenter-designed tattoo flash, beverages, food trucks, networking and free live screen printing with Utah Shirt Company.

A fun, high-energy way to wrap up the weekend—connect with fellow attendees, enjoy great food and drinks and take part in a one-of-a-kind creative experience.

$25 for non-LetterWest attendees
Free for LetterWest attendees

Saturday, April 11 
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Lucid Tattoo
7620 S Main St, Midvale, UT 84047

Midvale is just 20 minutes south of Salt Lake City.

Ticket price includes the full conference schedule over two full days of lettering, including one keynote presentations from national lettering legends, three workshops (per ticket holder), one panel discussions, The Night Market, an invitation to our afterhours mixer and more!

Workshop materials can be purchased from Paper Ink and Arts for each class, available for ticket holders to purchase in advance of the conference on their website! Most workshops are offered at no additional cost to the general admission ticket. Additionally, we strongly encourage you to bring your favorite lettering supplies from home, but it is not required to get the full conference experience.

Workshop sign-ups are included with your ticket price on a first come first serve basis. Selections are made during the checkout process when attendees purchase their tickets.

To attend a LetterWest workshop, you will need to purchase a LetterWest ticket, then register for which workshops you’d like to attend through the Ticket Tailor portal. While some require an additional fee for supplies, some have no additional cost. However, we will have a free, interactive lunchtime activity that anyone (regardless if they are a ticket holder) can participate in.