At Hemlock, we don’t just value beautiful printing. We are dedicated to education and community-building within the world of print. That is why we co-sponsored the 2026 edition of the LA Art Book Fair.
The LA Art Book Fair was presented by Printed Matter, Inc., “the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination, understanding and appreciation of artists’ books and related publications.” Over the weekend, over 12,000 people attended, and the crowded rooms of the Pasadena Art Center campus bustled with energy. Arms grew heavy with books as a kindred love of print was shared by all.
Community Connection
Hemlock’s retail channel, Paper Chase Press, ran a table at the fair showcasing our custom printing and print-themed retail products. Paper Chase’s well-established partnerships with many in the room made the opportunity to connect in person unquestionably impactful.
The publications we saw reflect what we see in our own clients and their print projects. That is, today’s consumers increasingly value high-quality material and embellishments that make for a tactile user experience. As a recent article from Rolling Stone explained, “Print has shifted from being a default medium to a luxury experience. With beautiful design and thoughtful storytelling, each issue feels like a collectible in a world of disposable pixels.”
Educating Community About Designing for Print
Hemlock also hosted a panel discussion: Designing for Print – File Preparation, Image Quality, and Production Realities for Art Book Printing. Panelists Tony Manzella (Founder of Echelon Color) and Andrea Hawkin (Founder of Field Guide LA) joined Hemlock panelists Janel Elliott (Pre-Production Lead) and Carolyn Seng (Account Manager) to demystify the production process. Moderated Ollie Loorz (Sales and Retail Specialist, Hemlock Printers), the panel was one of the most well-attended events of the fair.
Besides offering general insights, the purpose of the panel was to provide tangible resources on file preparation, colour management, and image quality. With print education programs getting harder to find, it is critical to make this information accessible.
Hemlock was one of the only printers represented at the fair. As such, another important takeaway for designers and artists was how to have open dialogue with their printer. These conversations provide a foundational level of technical knowledge.
One audience member stated, “I feel better equipped to be on the same page as the printer going into my next project and am excited to eliminate needless back and forth dialogue that slows us both down. I learned specific details as well as big picture ideas that illustrate why print matters more than ever.”
As artists, designers, printers, and readers continue to gather around print, Hemlock remains proud to help foster the knowledge that will carry the industry forward.