Our History

Smart Set began in 1986 as a traditional typesetting firm founded by two freelance typesetters, Howard Liebhaber and Jana Branch. What started as a small, technically focused studio has grown into a well respected Minneapolis print shop with deep roots in both craft and innovation.

At the time of our founding, Minneapolis was largely a Compugraphic town. Instead of following the dominant model, Howard and Jana made a bold decision to invest in emerging technology. They purchased two Linotronic front end systems and a Linotronic L300 Imagesetter. Because this technology was so new and the market was still developing, Linotype included a PostScript RIP 1 at no additional cost.

That decision proved to be transformative. Smart Set became the first shop in Minneapolis able to output a Macintosh computer file directly to a film imagesetter. This positioned us at the forefront of the desktop publishing revolution just as designers and printers were beginning to shift from manual processes to digital workflows.

As desktop publishing took off, Smart Set evolved from a typesetting firm into a prepress service bureau. We supported a wide range of commercial printing clients by outputting high quality film negatives for offset production. Even as our tools changed, our approach remained grounded in the principles of traditional typesetting, precision, and attention to detail.

As the industry continued to move forward, the need for accurate color proofs grew. Smart Set again invested early in new technology. We adopted some of the first digital color proofing systems available, including the 3M Rainbow proofer, the Tektronix 300i, and the Xerox DocuColor 12 paired with a 3M Imation RIP. Through these investments, we became one of the first shops in Minneapolis to offer on demand digital color proofing.

These advancements marked a significant shift in how printing was produced and evaluated. Instead of relying solely on traditional analog methods, we were able to deliver faster, more consistent, and more precise proofs for our clients.

After four decades in business, Smart Set has fully embraced digital only print production. We did not make this transition simply for efficiency. We chose digital because of its quality and its environmental advantages over traditional offset processes.

Digital printing eliminates the need for harsh chemicals used in conventional plate making. It produces almost no makeready waste, meaning far less paper is discarded during setup. Additionally, all of our consumable parts are returned to manufacturers for refurbishment rather than ending up in landfills. This commitment reflects our belief that great printing should not come at the expense of the environment.

While we continue to serve the commercial print trade, our work has expanded far beyond that original audience. Today, Smart Set Community Printing in Minneapolis serves a diverse community of clients, including small and large businesses, nonprofit organizations, artists, authors, designers, couples, and political campaigns.

What has remained constant throughout our Minneapolis print shop history is our dedication to quality, innovation, and thoughtful production. We blend the discipline of traditional typesetting with modern digital tools, ensuring that every project benefits from both experience and technology.

Smart Set’s story is not just about machines or methods. It is about people, relationships, and a commitment to craft that has endured for 40 years. As printing continues to evolve, we remain grounded in our roots while looking forward to the future.