It seems like every week we hear that another institution in the proud world of publishing is in danger or has imploded. Yet their D.I.Y. “up from the people” counterparts — a community of small publishers — continue to flourish. Technological advances have made possible producing attractive publications on budgets that once might have covered no more than photocopies on colored paper. Though websites and blogs have become the standard platforms for businesses to exhibit their offerings, art-marketing experts encourage artists to create small, inexpensive zines of their work to hand out as a more eye-catching and ultimately memorable alternative. The publish-on-demand industry enables artists and writers to create conventionally printed and bound books, portfolios, and zines of near-professional quality. Meanwhile, a host of small-press publishers use a variety of hands-on methods to create readable works of art. Meet them and learn more at SF Zine Fest. One is 1984 Printing, owned and operated by women; it uses recycled paper, soy-based ink, and animal-free bookbinding. Re/Search has been producing limited edition, punk-ethos-focused books of art, photography, articles, and interviews since 1977. The Lords of Print take the “print on demand” claim literally and will print your T-shirt or poster right in front of you.
Sept. 3-4, 11 a.m., 2011
415-831-5500
