Found Image Press: Behind the Scenes
Welcome to Found Image Press, where history, artistry, and a touch of whimsy converge to craft one-of-a-kind paper gifts. We’re not just curators of vintage imagery; we’re your gateway to a nostalgic voyage spanning the 1800s to the 1970s. Our collection is a trove of over 60,000 hand-picked images, each with a distinct narrative ready to captivate, educate, and amuse.
The Story Behind Found Image Press
Once upon a time in sunny San Diego, California, an artistically inclined paper collector had a dream. Barry Bell, along with his wife Cate, started Found Image Press in 1996 to turn his unique assortment of postcards and vintage paper ephemera into a notecard publishing business.
Their vision was to share Barry’s collection of regional postcards and other curious, elegant, kooky, and sometimes kitschy images he had collected. High-quality paper products like notecards seemed like a good start. The sheer volume of images meant that Found Image Press could not use traditional inventory methods, so Barry and Cate adopted a print-on-demand business model. Over time, they hired an eclectic team of computer geniuses, visual artists, sisters, cousins, daughters, and friends to help them build a fun, people-centered business.
The Creative Process
Our creative process is a blend of discovery and craftsmanship. We start by sourcing vintage images from postcards, brochures, decals, labels, and other paper ephemera that pass Barry’s artistic standards for beauty and historical interest—most images date from the 1890s to the 1970s. Each original image is carefully scanned and reproduced exactly as found, with minimal retouching or alteration. Sometimes, Barry incorporates a humorous modern twist by adding text or changing colors.
Our team is a close-knit group with a passion for vintage art and storytelling. From our Customer Experience Specialist to our Printing, Finishing, and Shipping Goddesses, each member plays a vital role in bringing our products to life. Together, we strive to ensure that every item upholds our standards of quality and authenticity.
Our Products
Found Image Press offers a variety of products that bring vintage charm to everyday items:
- Classic Postcards: Our 3.5" x 5.5" postcards are miniature time machines, perfect for sharing nostalgia or collecting. Available in wholesale quantities of 20.
- Greeting Cards: These 4.5" x 6.25" greeting cards, blank inside and packaged with an envelope, offer a personal touch for heartfelt messages. Wholesale quantity: 6.
- Stickers: Our 3.5" x 5.5" high-quality vinyl stickers add personality to any surface with long-lasting vintage images. Wholesale quantity: 12.
- Art Prints: These 12.5" x 18" art prints are perfect for framing, each packaged with a backing board in a clear glassine bag. Wholesale quantity: 1.
- Magnets: Our 2.5" x 3.5" badge-style magnets feature high-quality prints of vintage images, perfect for adding a retro touch to any magnetic surface. Wholesale quantity: 6.
- Postcard Booklets: Each 3.5" x 6.25" wire-bound booklet contains 8 perforated tear-out sheets from our vintage collection, ideal for multiple greetings. Wholesale quantity: 10.
- Desktop Calendars: Our 6" x 7" easel-style desktop calendars feature a different vintage image each month, packaged in a clear glassine bag. Wholesale quantity: 6.
Every year, Barry dug into the archive to create over 100 calendar titles covering places from New York City to Paris and topics from Frogs to Cocktails. Two years ago he passed the baton to Cate and their daughter Aurelia, and now they are having fun mining the archive for the best vintage images to carry on Barry’s vision while they create new titles and freshen up customer favorites.
Our Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
At Found Image Press, we print and manufacture on-demand in the USA. This allows our customers to order in smaller quantities, reducing the waste associated with maintaining warehouse space and disposing of unsold inventory. Our commitment to manufacturing in the USA also means we avoid the pollution caused by shipping freight containers overseas while supporting American workers and suppliers.
Found Image Press provides unique and high-quality vintage paper gifts. Our love for history and artistry fuels our drive to create products that inspire, inform, and entertain. We warmly invite you to delve into our collections, engage with us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and embark on this nostalgic journey with us. Visit us at wholesale.foundimage.com and unearth the perfect vintage treasures to enrich your collection.
