Illustrated Travel, Seasonal Stories & Artful Adventures — Made in Victoria, Australia.
The Overproof Press began as a way to reconnect with Victoria after returning home (my spiritual home!) from twenty years away. I found myself wandering through small towns, coastlines, forests, rail trails, art galleries and country roads ~ sketchbook in hand ~ and realised that I didn’t want to treat any part of Victoria as “lesser” or “overlooked.” Every region had its own colour palette, wildflowers, stories and character.
So I started distilling what I saw and felt into illustrations: a mix of gouache textures, watercolour, hand-drawn linework, field sketches, and place-based colour studies. Those drawings eventually became my illustrated Victorian Travel Calendar, and now they’re the foundation of everything I create for The Overproof Press ~ zines, postcards, prints, totes, creative travel guides and seasonal storytelling.
This shop is where all of that comes together.
Every listing is designed, illustrated, and assembled by me ~ one woman, one small creative press, working often from the road. I print in small batches, partner with local stockists when possible, and pack every order myself with care (and usually a strong coffee).
What You’ll Find Here:
~ Illustrated travel calendars & zines celebrating the 12 tourism regions of Victoria
~ Art prints & posters inspired by regional colour palettes
~ Postcards & stationery for slow, thoughtful correspondence
~ Tote bags & small accessories for everyday creative life
~ Seasonal guides & place-based storytelling for weekend adventurers
Everything is rooted in local research — from native flora and regional colours to history, folklore and personal travel experiences. I draw on-site, take reference photos, and gather stories from the communities I visit. These become the backbone of each product and collection.
How My Shop Works:
As a small press, I run things simply and sustainably.
Small-Batch Production:
I create limited runs to reduce waste, maintain quality control and keep everything feeling special and intentional.
Ethical & Local Partnerships:
I print with Australian printers wherever feasible and with trusted overseas printers when producing larger items. I select suppliers carefully for quality, ethics and environmental responsibility.
Consistent Craftsmanship:
Every product is inspected, packaged and prepared with thought, using recyclable or compostable packaging where possible.
Clear Policies & Easy Support:
You get peace of mind that everything aligns with Etsy’s guidelines and Australian Consumer Law.
A Note on Shipping:
I ship quickly, safely, and securely. All items are checked before posting, and physical prints/zines are packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. Digital items (coming soon!) are delivered instantly through Etsy.
Why “The Overproof Press”?
The name is a nod to strong spirits and strong stories ~ to the idea of life lived a little more intensely: more colour, more curiosity, more adventure. The brand blends travel, art and storytelling into something tangible you can hold in your hands. It’s also for people like me: those who daydream about the weekend, who seek beauty in small things, who love exploring places for their character rather than their checklist.
Thank You for Supporting a Small Victorian Press!
Every purchase helps me keep travelling, collecting stories and creating illustrated guides to the places we love (and the places we’ve yet to discover). If you’d like early access to new drops, behind-the-scenes sketches, or seasonal travel inspiration, you’re always welcome to join The Overproof Press newsletter via my website (www.theoverproofpress.com).
