Q: What equipment does the studio offer?
A: The equipment available to all members will include:
- 2 Large Poster (up to 30" by 40" screens) Vacuum Presses
- One Station, 6 Colour T-Shirt Press
- Flash Cure Unit (for Plastisol inks)
- Large Format Vacuum Exposure Unit
- Screen Drying Cabinet with Temp and Humidity Control
- Backlit Washout Booth with Pressure Washer
- Emulsion Coating Station
- Apple OSX Workstation with Photoshop and Illustrator
- Windows XP Workstation with Photoshop, Illustrator and CorelDRAW!
- High-Speed Internet Connection
- Epson 3000 Large Format (up to 17" by 22") Inkjet Printer
- Epson 7600 Large Format (up to 24" by 48") Inkjet Printer
- 1" Button Maker w/graphic punch
For photos, check out What's In the Studio.
Q: Who is eligible to be a member?
A: The studio is open to anyone who is interested in screenprinting, from beginners to professional artists. All members must take a one-day workshop in the studio to familiarize them with the proper operation of all equipment and techniques in the shop. This session and all materials are included in the membership fee.
Q: What does my membership fee cover?
A: The fee covers the one-day training workshop, including all materials, as well as a full year of access to the studio. It also covers the use of all the equipment, including the computers and printers, but does not include supplies such as ink or paper. Materials are to be provided by the member themselves, or can be purchased from the studio for a very reasonable cost that should be lower than regular retail.
Q: Are there any other fees?
A: There is a per-screen charge of $20 for each studio screen used. This fee includes the screen, emulsion, emulsion cleanup and maintenance. To understand the cost, if you do a 4-colour print, that is four screens for a total of $80. Members may provide their own screens and emulsion, or purchase screens from the studio outright. Additionally, there is a $5/booking fee if you wish to use the studio during "Prime Time", which is 12pm-12am, with 2 free bookings per month. There is no fee for studio use outside of those hours.
Q: When can members access the studio?
A: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Studio time is booked via email or phone. Members are welcome, and encouraged, to share studio time with other members. You cannot get into the studio without booking an appointment, so members should check the Calendar ahead of time.
Q: Can I get some expert help with my printing or techniques?
A: There is currently no supervision of members while in the studio, nor any formal training in-studio other than the initial workshop - we are hoping that we can offer such services in time. However, members who need help are welcome to contact us to get help with their printing.
Q: Printing sure is hard! Can I bring my friends into the studio to help me?
A: We certainly understand that sentiment - screenprinting is very labour-intensive! As such, members are welcome to bring non-members into the studio to help them work on their jobs. Of course, both members and non-members are expected to behave in a professional manner while using the studio, and as such the member will be responsible for those in attendance.
Q: Where is the studio located?
A: The studio is located at 444 Dufferin St. near the intersection of Dufferin St. and Queen St. in downtown Toronto.