About The Overproof Press
Creative Adventures for the Culturally Curious
The Overproof Press is a small creative publishing house based in Victoria, Australia, dedicated to helping people rediscover the joy of wandering ~ slowly, thoughtfully, and with a sketchbook in hand. We make beautifully illustrated zines, maps, calendars, and travel keepsakes inspired by regional exploration and local culture. Every piece is designed to help time-poor explorers uncover Victoria’s hidden gems ~ the coastal trails, small-town bakeries, and artist-run corners that make a weekend feel like an escape into another world.
Our philosophy is simple: travel doesn’t need to be grand to be transformative. Each collection celebrates the seasons, encouraging you to follow your curiosity, notice the small details, and build a keepsake collection of your own creative adventures.
Our Story
The Overproof Press began as an act of creative reinvention — born from long drives, filled sketchbooks, and a longing to make time for freedom and slow travel again.
After years working as a consultant and creative professional, founder Jay Dee Dearness realised that what so many of us crave isn’t more information, but more inspiration — the kind that helps you reconnect with art, place, and yourself. Drawing on over 25 years as an artist and storyteller, Jay Dee began creating small-batch illustrated guides and journals that could transport readers into the heart of Victoria’s landscapes — from the misty edges of Gariwerd to the sunlit vineyards of the Yarra Valley. Each design is made to be tactile, timeless, and quietly rebellious in a world that’s always rushing.
The Overproof Way
We blend creative place-making, slow travel, and an artisanal voice to bring the spirit of a place to life. Every map, zine, and print is drawn, designed, and packaged in-house using tactile materials, vintage-inspired typography, and seasonal colour palettes that reflect the changing Australian landscape. Our printing is done through trusted suppliers, and we ensure each piece supports the community it celebrates.
At its heart, The Overproof Press exists to remind you that creativity isn’t a destination — it’s a way of travelling through the world.
So pack your curiosity, and join us for the journey!