Attending the LA Zine Fest in the Arts District of L.A. was an incredible experience. The event, which was thoughtfully organized with precautions for at-risk attendees, brought together a diverse crowd from all walks of life. It was a full house, filled with passionate artists, creators, and zine enthusiasts.
As I navigated through the bustling space, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Christopher Nicholas, Cindy Macias, and the wonderful folks at Place LB. We also made new connections with members of the community, handing out cards for our publishing program, and even seen prints we helped produce being sold. It’s always inspiring to witness the tangible impact of our work on the local art community.
Takeaway as a Local Stakeholder
One observation struck me during my conversations with other artists. Many mentioned that they were producing their prints at Staples or FedEx Office. As a former supervisor of print and marketing at Staples, I am acutely aware of how costly this can be. Businesses like FedEx Office and Staples provide booklet printing most certainly, but to them that’s all it is, a booklet for marketing a business not a piece of art.
A Brief History of Staples (Just because)
Staples, Inc. was founded in 1986 by Thomas G. Stemberg and Leo Kahn in Brighton, Massachusetts. The company aimed to provide a one-stop shop for office supplies, making it easier and more affordable for businesses to get the supplies they needed. The concept was well-received, and Staples quickly expanded, opening stores across the United States and eventually internationally.
In 2017, Staples was acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm for $6.9 billion. Under Sycamore Partners, Staples has undergone significant restructuring. This includes closing underperforming stores, focusing more on B2B services, enhancing e-commerce and delivery services, and diversifying into workplace solutions.
My Experience at Staples
When I first joined Staples, coming from an artistic background, I was excited about the potential for printing services. However, I quickly realized that Staples is not geared towards artists at all. While the company has a tremendous staff that puts customer service above all else, their primary focus is on office printing and marketing products. One example is the offering of materials like CAD paper, which one can use for wallpapering. Sadly, Staples only issues it for construction blueprints. Trying to add a full color image into “Blueprints” option on the website will leave you with an error saying color images are prohibited.
In our opinion the website offers no dedicated options for artists. The closest service available is poster printing, which uses regular glossy and matte rolls, absent of art papers. Staples has great printing services that cater to office supplies, gifts, and marketing materials, just not to the needs of artists.
Simply put, it is a great business with a chokehold on zine making. It’s evident however that this is due to the fact that artists don’t know they have other options… for now.
Advocating for Affordable Printing Resources
At OCEANORGLB, our mission has always been to support artists by providing high-quality, affordable printing services. We believe that creativity should not be stifled by financial constraints. Our facilities are equipped to handle a range of printing needs, ensuring that artists have the resources they need to bring their visions to life without breaking the bank.
Similarly, Place LB offers an excellent model of a community space dedicated to supporting local artists. They provide free or low-cost resources specifically for zine making, giving artists more control over their work. Spaces like these are crucial for fostering creativity and enabling artists to produce and distribute their work sustainably.
Why We Need More Places Like PLACE LB
One of the striking realities observed at LA Zine Fest is the prevalence of black and white zines among creators. This choice often stems from financial considerations; many artists simply can’t afford the high costs associated with full-color printing at commercial outlets like FedEx or Staples, which can range from $10 to $15 per booklet depending on page count.
At Place LB, they’re dedicated to changing this narrative. By offering free or discounted printing services, they empower artists with more than just financial savings. They provide them with the creative control to fully realize their artistic visions. This isn’t just about reducing costs; it’s about enabling artists to explore and experiment with their artwork without the constraints imposed by budget limitations.
When artists have access to affordable printing resources, they can choose to print in color, explore different paper stocks, or experiment with unique formats—all decisions that enhance the artistic impact of their work. By supporting community-based organizations Place LB, you’re not only investing in the financial sustainability of artists but also nurturing a creative environment where artistic expression can flourish freely.
LA Zine Fest plays a pivotal role in celebrating zine culture. Equally essential are organizations like Place LB that provide crucial services to sustain this vibrant community. These resources, especially community print shops, often operate on a precarious footing, typically lasting only three to four years before disappearing…
It’s not just about highlighting these organizations; it’s about elevating them and ensuring their long-term sustainability. By giving these community-driven initiatives the recognition they deserve, we empower artists to maintain control over their artwork and foster a sustainable creative ecosystem.
These organizations provide more than just printing services; they nurture creativity, support local economies, and offer a lifeline to artists who might otherwise struggle with the high costs and limited options of commercial providers. By putting these resources on a pedestal and actively supporting them, we invest in the future of artistic expression and ensure that the culture thrives for generations to come.