Loktah: The Journey of a Local Print Artisan
In the ambitious town of West Monroe, one business stands tall as a beacon of creativity and craftsmanship - Loktah. What started as a personal quest for a packaging solution by a skilled wedding and fashion photographer named Joshua Smith has now evolved into a full-service print shop that caters to photographers, artists, and creatives alike. This is the remarkable story of how Loktah became a thriving local printer company that proudly serves its community. The name“Loktah” comes from the ancient handmade paper called Lokta or Nepali Kagaz, made from the bark of Lokta bushes, has been used for the last 1,900 years. It has been traditionally used for religious and government purposes but has gained popularity in recent decades for various creative applications, such as journals, cards, paintings, and fashion.
Josh, the owner and founder of Loktah, had always been passionate about photography. As a photographer capturing beautiful moments and fashion trends, he realized the importance of high-quality prints to complement his artistic work. Frustrated with the limitations of available packaging options, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He is the epitome of a Geeks Geek, and I mean this as the highest form of praise!!!
Loktah's journey began modestly, with Josh operating the printing business from his very own home in Monroe. Armed with dedication, talent, and a vision for excellence, he slowly built a loyal customer base through word-of-mouth referrals from delighted clients. The demand for Loktah's exceptional services grew exponentially, pushing Josh to expand his operations further.
Today, Loktah stands tall in West Monroe, occupying a spacious facility spread across 7,000 square feet, housing state-of-the-art equipment that includes an impressive HP Indigo Digital press and Canon large format Prograf printers. This cutting-edge machinery empowers Loktah to handle large bulk orders without compromising on turnaround time, which typically takes just 2 to 3 days. This quick and efficient service has earned them the trust and admiration of numerous photographers and artists around the country. No need to worry if you're not in West Monroe or even in Louisiana! Lokta ships anywhere in the continental US. So, you can enjoy your prints no matter where you are!
One of the standout features of Loktah's offerings is their diverse range of services, catering to various printing needs. Their Giclée Fine Art Prints, crafted using a 12-color process on a selection of 6 luxurious Fine Art papers, are the epitome of art and photo printing. Among the choices are Fine Art Matt, cotton rag, brilliant cotton rag, Japanese Washi fiber, and Luster semi-gloss papers. To ensure customers make informed decisions, Loktah even offers samples of these papers for review.
Circle Prints are another distinctive offering that captivates customers with their uniqueness. They can be printed on any of the fine art papers available, and their versatility allows them to shine both as standalone pieces or as part of wall collages.
For those who prefer traditional photographic prints, Loktah provides the time-tested and standard silver halide prints, which are widely regarded as the go-to choice for professional photographers. These prints, available in luster and deep matte velvet finishes, are made using Fuji Crystal Archive digital paper, guaranteeing up to 100 years of longevity in typical home conditions.
Loktah also offers Matted Fine Art Prints, providing the perfect solution for in-person sales meetings, marketing projects, or any occasion where you want to display your work without a frame. These prints are professionally color managed to ensure optimal brightness, color accuracy, saturation, and contrast balance.
The options don't end there - Loktah also excels in providing top-notch canvas gallery wraps. These archival-grade wraps are printed using the latest technology in giclée-based printing, using archival-based inks and non-yellowing print varnish for UV light protection and a 100+ years archival certification. With matte, satin, and gloss finishes available, customers can choose the perfect look for their cherished artwork.
One unique canvas offering from Loktah is the Lagniappe Canvas, which exudes vintage charm through its use of archival quality canvas, reclaimed wood, jute, and copper accents. This poster-like canvas creates an artistic focal point, making each piece an individual work of art.
Loktah's dedication to excellence extends to their press printed flat cards, which are almost three times thicker than standard press printed cards, showcasing their commitment to quality in every aspect of their offerings. Additionally, they offer Double-Sided Wallets, perfect for sharing cherished memories with friends and family.
The wide array of services is complemented by Loktah's impressive selection of designer boxes, disc and DVD cases, envelopes in various sizes, shapes, colors, and materials, as well as stunning portfolio folders.
In a world of digital transactions and faceless purchases, Loktah stands out as a local business worth supporting. The joy of being able to visit their physical location at 361 Exchange St., West Monroe, and picking up prints in person is an experience like no other. As a community-driven company, Loktah takes pride in building personal relationships with its customers and providing top-notch service that goes beyond expectations.
For photographers, artists, and creatives who seek the highest quality prints and personalized attention, Loktah offers a haven of artistic expression and top-tier craftsmanship. Josh's journey from a wedding and fashion photographer to the founder of Loktah showcases the power of passion, creativity, and dedication in turning dreams into a thriving reality. By choosing Loktah, you not only invest in exceptional prints but also support a local business that genuinely cares about its community.
On a personal note I am absolutely blown away with the prints I received! The quality is outstanding, and the prints are simply beautiful. Not only did I get my order fast, but the unmatched customer service truly impressed me. Knowing that these prints are locally sourced and made adds an extra layer of appreciation for supporting such a wonderful business. I highly recommend Loktah for anyone looking for top-notch prints and a fantastic experience! If you need further convincing and wish to witness the craftsmanship in person, you can visit Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Don't hesitate to ask Ann at the welcome center to show you the Anhinga print they have on display. It's worth seeing and appreciating Loktahs work up close!
Anhinga Print on display at Black Bayou Lake NWR
480 Richland Pl, Monroe, LA 71203