Today was quite a special day.
It was my first time visiting the National Printing Office in the heart of Athens (Omonia) for a free tour. I wanted to learn and hear firsthand stories about how the printing industry operated in the past, which machines were used as the field evolved, and how typography developed over the years.
I learned about an old profession called "typesetting," where people manually arranged letters with meticulous techniques to create printed materials—a highly time-consuming process.
Over time, as printing machines were introduced, the typesetter’s role was phased out, allowing for faster and more efficient production. I also heard fascinating stories about how metals were recycled, melted down, and remade into the necessary letters.
The tour included historical anecdotes about Gutenberg (whom I had recently read about), the evolution of bookbinding (starting with thread and later transitioning to leather covers for protection), and the meticulous preservation of official documents and laws stored securely in special cabinets. There were also discussions about how declarations were made during the Greek occupation and how, during King Otto's era, they had to wait two years for his coming of age to take the throne.
I saw beautiful artworks on the building’s walls and learned that computers gradually entered the industry in the 1990s. The building was transformed into a museum and officially became the National Printing Office in 2018 after extensive research and effort. Interestingly, in 2015, interviews were conducted with people who had experienced these times firsthand, bringing the museum’s vision to life.
Towards the end of the tour, we discussed many topics related to graphic design, particularly something I had mentioned earlier that morning: each individual in the field of graphic design follows the specialization they enjoy and know best. Not everyone can master every aspect of graphic design. It’s a lifelong learning process. Becoming a professional doesn’t stop at completing studies or mastering the fundamental tools (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign). True expertise comes from choosing the specializations that best suit each person’s strengths and interests.
This visit was incredibly inspiring, and I’m proud to have had the opportunity to explore such a significant part of our cultural and professional history.
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