Cyclone Press: Reviving Artistry and Sustainability in Asheville

Hook – A Press for the People, Powered by Passion

If you’ve ever held a piece of paper so beautifully textured, so thoughtfully crafted, that it made you pause — chances are, it came from somewhere like Cyclone Press. Amid a world of digital everything, this Asheville gem is drawing serious attention by reviving a tangible, heartfelt form of communication. Their presses whisper stories of passion, patience, and place. Keep reading to discover how this small print studio became one of the most visible and vital brands in western North Carolina.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Cyclone Press

2. Business Overview: The Art and Soul of Letterpress

3. A Legacy in the Making: Cyclone’s History and Growth

4. Community Impact: Supporting Creators and Causes

5. Customer Experience: Stories from the Studio

6. Visual Experience: A Glimpse Inside the Workshop

7. Call to Action: Support Cyclone Press and Local Creators

8. Discover Similar Local Businesses

1. Introduction to Cyclone Press

Located in Asheville’s River Arts District—an area known for its eclectic charm and abundance of working artists—Cyclone Press has carved out a niche that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. As one of the most visible brands listed on CompaniesByZipCode.com, Cyclone Press has been garnering attention not only through word-of-mouth but also with a strong uptick in social media shoutouts and local media features.

2. Business Overview: The Art and Soul of Letterpress

Cyclone Press is a hand-bindery and letterpress printing studio that specializes in custom stationery, business branding materials, and limited-edition art prints. Founded in 2015 by Emily Sauer, an artist and designer with a love for vintage printing techniques, the business was born from a desire to create tactile, lasting pieces in an increasingly intangible world.

At the heart of Cyclone Press’s unique appeal is the use of antique presses — including a 1960s Vandercook proof press and an 1899 Chandler & Price platen press — that add layers of detail, texture, and finesse which can’t be replicated by modern digital printers.

From boutique wedding invitations that become keepsakes, to recording mix albums for local musicians with personalized liner notes and packaging, Cyclone Press transforms ideas into beautifully crafted reality.

Core Offerings Include:

• Custom letterpress invitations and announcements
• Hand-bound journals and sketchbooks
• Collaborations with local artists for limited-run art series
• Bespoke business stationery (think luxury business cards, logos, and catalogs)
• Eco-conscious packaging and print materials

3. A Legacy in the Making: Cyclone’s History and Growth

Emily Sauer started Cyclone Press in her garage, driven by a fascination with historical printing techniques and a desire to bring that craftsmanship to today’s design world. What began as a one-woman operation has grown into a thriving studio employing three full-time designers, two apprentices, and a rotating cast of local collaborators ranging from illustrators to calligraphers.

Over the years, Cyclone Press has expanded its repertoire to include corporate branding projects and product packaging. During the pandemic, they pivoted smartly — launching caregiver appreciation kits and remote ‘print-at-home’ workshop packages that allowed customers to stay creative while isolated.

4. Community Impact: Supporting Creators and Causes

Cyclone Press does more than just beautify paper — they support the web of art and community that makes Asheville unique.

Each year, the studio hosts a Summer Print Residency open to emerging printmakers, illustrators, and poets. This residency includes access to Cyclone’s antique presses, mentorship, and gallery showings of the printed work. It has become a breakthrough opportunity for young creatives in the Appalachian region.

The company collaborates with nonprofits, too. From fundraising posters for local shelters to pro-bono printing for climate awareness events, Cyclone Press makes a practice of using their skills to amplify voices and causes that matter in their community.

One ongoing project, “Letters to Asheville,” is a community-wide initiative inviting residents to submit open letters reflecting on their lives in the city. Cyclone Press hand-types and letterpresses selected letters, creating a traveling installation for schools and local libraries.

5. Customer Experience: Stories from the Studio

You won’t find many Yelp reviews for Cyclone Press that aren’t glowing. Customers praise not just the breathtaking prints, but the care and thought poured into every project.

“We wanted wedding invitations that felt personal and timeless. Emily and her team made us feel like royalty. The results… stunning doesn’t do them justice!” – Olivia R., Hendersonville, NC

“I gave my partner a hand-bound sketchbook from Cyclone Press for her art practice, and she cried. It was that beautiful.” – Jordan M., Asheville, NC

One of the most touching testimonials came from a bereavement counselor who commissioned remembrance cards for families:

“Cyclone honored our request with such empathy. The cards they produced conveyed calm, strength, and compassion — exactly what our families needed.”

Additionally, local retailers love collaborating with Cyclone for their bespoke packaging, which frequently results in increased online engagement and stronger customer loyalty for the retailers themselves.

6. Visual Experience: A Glimpse Inside the Workshop

7. Call to Action: Support Cyclone Press and Local Creators

Ready to support Cyclone Press? Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind wedding invitations, handcrafted paper goods, or a thoughtful gift, visiting them is worth the trip — or a click.

Visit their studio to see the presses in action, browse their online shop, or follow their journey on Instagram @cyclonepressavl to witness paper magic in real time.

👉 Search ZIP Code 28801 on CompaniesByZipCode.com to find Cyclone Press and discover other artisanal brands that are lighting up the Asheville scene.

8. Discover Similar Local Businesses

Looking to support more artisan-focused, community-empowering businesses like Cyclone Press? Check out:

• Ink & Grain Studio – A custom wood and print shop based in Nashville, TN
• Paper Petal Co. – Sustainable handmade paper flower creators in Portland, OR
• Copper & Pine – Hand-lettered stationary and art prints from Boulder, CO

Each of these businesses can be found and explored further via CompaniesByZipCode.com’s ever-growing directory of local legends.

Whether you’re an Asheville native or a visitor browsing for unique local experiences, Cyclone Press is a can’t-miss stop on your art-and-heart-fueled journey. By mixing history with innovation, and personal service with global-caliber design, they do more than just print — they leave a lasting impression.