Started by Brian Scott Bagdonas while working full time as a commercial printer, Fiddleink began as an outlet for his non-job related printing. A majority of Fiddleink prints are made from Linotype composition cast on a 1946 Model 31 Linotype machine. To see a sampling of his print work, check the "Ink" page. When not printing, Brian occasionally can be heard playing fiddle tunes and string band music with friends on front porches, backyards and pubs around Portland, Oregon.
Fiddleink honors hand-crafted print work, with an affection for the tools and techniques of "hot metal" letterpress printing. Like beloved fiddle tunes shared throughout generations, skillfully crafted print work also holds a timeless beauty that feeds the mind and soothes the soul.
Brian is one of three founders of Stumptown Printers Worker Cooperative (1999-2019). Currently he and Rebecca N. Gilbert do commission print, packaging and design work through Craft Printing House. He also is a volunteer and a board member at the C.C. Stern Type Foundry. Brian has had the honor to play with musicians in string bands such as Foghorn Stringband, The Horsenecks, Pig Iron, Crackerbox, Maris Otter, the Dickel Brothers and others.