Marcus Bonszkowski is a graphic designer, typesetter and printer. Together with Tanja Huckenbeck he runs the label höchst*schön. The heart of höchst*schön is the historic printing workshop in Frankfurt-Höchst. This is where design is created with historical technology and modern possibilities. Here it smells of printing ink, in the numerous drawers slumbers kilogram-heavy lead type, there are many strange things like frogs, ships, clichés or very rarely an onion fish. The label offers unusual own works and of course prints high-quality and individual commercial jobs on behalf of customers. For all those who would like to follow in Gutenberg’s footsteps and try out over 550-year-old techniques and implement their ideas, lead typesetting workshops are also offered. Product design from high-quality materials complete the offer.
For me Frankfurt is …
… always different. I think that Frankfurt is a city with an incredible number of facets that you have to work hard to achieve.
What do you love most about your job?
My job enables me to come into contact with the most diverse people. The resulting projects and experiences are extremely varied and inspiring.
Where do you get your ideas from?
The ideas come from many sources, but mainly from conversations with friends, family, acquaintances, colleagues and customers. And, of course, simply go through life with open ears and eyes …
My lunch break …
… since I don’t have a 9-to-5 job, I don’t recall what my traditional lunch break used to be. Whenever there is a break from work, there are many opportunities here in Höchst to recharge my batteries: a short walk to the Main River, a small (lunch) meal at Mrs. Grau’s and so on …
What trends do you think we will see this year?
Sustainability seems to play an increasingly important role in people’s values. We notice that people want to “make” something themselves again, i.e. produce it with their own hands … our workshops are very popular. I am very excited about the Makers Lab here in Frankfurt, which will be opening soon, because I have a few ideas in the drawer.
What else can we still learn?
I believe that we in Germany must learn not to see mistakes and failures as a defeat. In Germany, we are suffocating in an unnatural need for security … and before we make a mistake, we’d better do nothing for the time being.
You should definitely do that in Frankfurt …
…Visit the Höchst district! Best on a Saturday in spring or summer. Then first go shopping at the great weekly market, then take a stroll through the great (and real) old town, before you sit down at the ship reporting office and have a relaxed and good time.
