Leslie Ross-Robertson

Leslie Ross-Robertson is a Lecturer in Graphic Design at Otis College of Art and Design, where she serves as Laboratory Press Manager. She founded Modern Optic (2001), a Los Angeles design studio specializing in contemporary letterpress, and Wavelength Press (2012), dedicated to artist collaborations for special edition prints. Her work merges traditional letterpress techniques with digital technology while prioritizing eco-friendly materials and social causes.

Her research focuses on revitalizing letterpress printmaking through hybrid digital-photopolymer methods, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. She explores intersections of contemporary art, architecture, and social justice, producing limited-edition prints that support environmental initiatives and cultural institutions. Her practice actively fosters entrepreneurial mindsets among emerging artists via hands-on studio education.

Ross-Robertson's publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory of high-complexity print collaborations with major contemporary artists, documenting technical innovations in multi-pass printing and sustainable practices across gallery and museum contexts.

Her award recognition includes:

• People’s Choice Award for Pluto at New Impressions Exhibition 2022 (Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum)

She mentors students through letterpress education at Otis, though specific grant funding isn't detailed. Her studios function as entrepreneurial incubators, supporting artists via custom projects for clients like MOCA, Knoll, and Herman Miller while advancing printmaking pedagogy.

As Laboratory Press Manager at Otis and leader of Modern Optic/Wavelength Press, she maintains collaborative production spaces for artists, poets, and craftspeople. These studios emphasize sustainable material sourcing and have placed works in 12+ university special collections, including USC, UC Berkeley, and Stanford.