2018 Update:

Open Shop Dates are currently by request only.
Currently, we do not regularly staff the shop but may make exceptions for extraordinary causes & projects.  To make a request, reach us: wehavelivingproof@gmail.com.

OPEN SHOP INFO

Open shop is an open-door studio time at Living Proof open to the public.  Need an affordable place to print? We have on for you.  Read below for information on open shop times, requirements, and costs.  If you are interested in open shop, but don’t know how to print, check out our website/classes page for information on upcoming classes or contact us: wehavelivingproof@gmail.com.

Open Shop Requirements:

• Prospective ‘Open Shop’ printers must demonstrate prior printing experience and feel comfortable printing independently – if you have questions about this or are wondering if you are capable or fear you might require additional instruction, just contact us.
  • All members of former exco shops welcome
• Printers must run through shop orientation with a collective member (approx 15 minutes. Please e-mail to schedule) or RSVP if this is your first time coming to the shop so we can prepare for you.
• Printers must bring their own materials to print on – don’t want to spend money on paper? It’s great to use newsprint, old newspapers, reuse papers, use the backs of other printed materials, print on book pages, etc.
• If you plan on running large editions (20 or more prints), please consider bringing your own inks – or if you want to be guarenteed a certain color, please let us know ahead of time

Prepare images for Print:

• We largely use transparencies to burn our images onto the screen – this ensures the best and most predictable results. The transparencies we are use at the shop are 8.5×11 in.  It makes the most sense to prepare your images in a way that is easy and cheap- which means that you can print your images directly at the on the 8.5 x 11 sheets of transparencies at the shop (75 cents a piece).  Large images can be broken down if necessary, of course, but it is good to plan around this idea.
  • 1. You can bring in sheets of paper to create transparencies with.  Each image should be only one color – think of this as dividing your images per screen. You’ll need one image for every color you’d like to print.  Transparencies are only black ink (toner) on clear paper.  You can print these out on computer paper, use handdrawn one color images (black ink is best) – whatever. You’ll be using the COPIER to make this into a transparencies – most important is that it is only one color and fits or can be broken down into 8.5/11in. images.
  • 2. If you don’t want to work by using 8.5×11 seperates. You could draw directly on large sheets of vellum (plastic/transparency like material) with a proper type of marker.  this may require experimentation on exposure times. Contact us if this is something you’re interested in.
  • 3. You can have your images saved as a file on your e-mail or online server, or bring in a USB drive, and use our computer/photoshop/gimp to break the images down.  This may require extra experience and time and is something to consider if you have not worked in the shop before.  Again, contact us with questions.
• You can draw directly on the screen using screen filler.  Fun, on the spot, no computers necessary. Has a certain look. Google this around and see if it’s something you’d like to try.
• If you want to work big or expirement with technieque – You can use thin white paper with black ink/toner to burn onto your screen.  This may also require some experimentation and adjusted exposure times.  You may need to use an oil (baby, vegetable, coconut, almond something like that) to saturate the paper into being semi-transparent, try exposing directly for much longer, etc.  Keep in mind that we do have a more limited supply of large screens and we also have a limiting DIY exposure method, so coverage may not be even on very large pieces.  If this is your preferred method of exposure, you might want to familiarize yourself with the equipment and shop before attempting this on a large scale.

If you have any questions at all about your options or what you need to do to prepare your images for print – please contact us prior to the open shop so we can help to accommodate you. – wehavelivingproof@gmail.com

Menu of Services!

• Shop use fee: $5-$10 sliding scale; includes inks (for small runs under 20 items), printing supplies, cleaning supplies, newsprint, and equipment use (presses, squeegees, exposure unit)
  • The sliding scale is flexible depending on a person/group’s ability to pay and how much the project/artist reflects the LP mission
• Screens – $5 2-day rental
• Emulsion/Screen Filler – $2 per screen
• Transparencies: $0.75; includes printing
• Ink for printing more than 20 items – negotiable – discuss with Open Shop Supervisor

Contributions can be flexible based on shop improvements made or supplies donation.

Clean-Up Checklist for participants!

• Clean up!!
  • Recycle any product you can:
    • Extra Unused Emulsion back into containers/cleaned
    • Excess ink put back into proper containers (unmixed into original containers / mixed into separate containers)
  • Clean up and label all inks
  • Clean all squeegees and other utensils and return to proper location
  • Clean printing area and acetate / wash thoroughly!
  • Throw away/recycle paper as appropriate
  • Collect items from drying rack
  • Remove all emulsion/screen blocker
  • Clean screen with degreaser
  • tables washed
  • supply area organized
  • Set Screens to dry safely
  • Water turned off
  • Power washer off
  • lights turned off

  Don’t know how to screenprint?

• Want to Learn How?
  CONTACT US with a request: wehavelivingproof@gmail.com