Digital message. Physical postcard.
A web app that takes your words, renders them in custom handwriting, and physically writes them on a postcard with a pen plotter. Then mails it.
The Pipeline
From browser to mailbox — four steps, fully automated.
Write
User composes a message and picks a card design through the web app.
Render
Python engine converts text into handwriting paths using custom SVG fonts and generates plotter-ready G-code.
Plot
Pen plotter physically writes the message on a real postcard with ink.
Ship
Card is packaged and mailed to the recipient. Full order lifecycle tracked in the dashboard.
Under the Hood
Web App
Next.js 15 with server actions for order management. Stripe integration handles payments. Prisma + PostgreSQL for persistence. Admin dashboard for order tracking and fulfillment status.
Rendering Engine
Python service that loads custom SVG handwriting fonts, lays out text with natural line breaks and character spacing, then converts the vector paths into G-code instructions for the pen plotter.
Hardware
Pen plotter receives G-code via serial connection. Real ballpoint pen on cardstock. Each postcard is a one-of-a-kind physical artifact — no two are printed identically.
Deployment
Docker multi-stage build on DigitalOcean. Traefik reverse proxy with automatic SSL. CI/CD pipeline for zero-downtime deploys. Auto-processing of incoming orders.
AI Integration
AI assists with handwriting style generation and design suggestions — the physical production is entirely mechanical.
Stack
Digital convenience. Physical authenticity.
Send a postcard→