Fred Who?
Evan F. Johnson (Fred) is an artist and papermaker based in Lawrence, Kansas. He earned a BFA in printmaking from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, where he discovered a deep love for papermaking and process-driven craft. Fred has worked in studios, restaurants, and remote islands — including an internship in Micronesia, troubleshooting a laser cutter to shape handmade paper from banana trees for wallets.
In 2020, Fred founded Fred Paper Co., creating fine art paper and stationery from recycled and unconventional materials. A member of the Lawrence Art Guild, and the Kaw Point Fibershed, Fred has actively engaged with the local community, organizing events and teaching workshops in drawing and papermaking, sharing both the technical skills and personal lessons he’s learned along the way.
His work goes beyond the objects themselves — it’s about trusting your instincts, making space for growth, and showing up, even when it’s difficult. Through his craft, Fred hopes to remind people (including himself) that while it’s never easy, it’s never too late and always worth building something you can be proud of from scratch.
Fred Paper Co. is a contemporary handmade paper studio based in Lawrence, Kansas, creating unique paper goods that blend timeless craft with modern design. Fred specializes in high-quality papers for artists, beautiful stationery to promote the art of letter writing, and custom announcements that mark life’s biggest moments with intentional craft. Fred aims to preserve and promote the craft of hand papermaking through practice and education and to promote a local economy of handmade art supplies all while minimizing waste. Fred Paper uses discarded textiles and locally grown fibers to make beautiful, sustainable paper by hand—one sheet at a time. Whether you’re an artist seeking premium handmade paper to suit the specific needs of a project, a letter writer who cherishes the written word, or someone celebrating a milestone moment, Fred Paper Co. offers paper with a story that could never be found in a commercial paper.
