Popfuel is a fully membership-supported screenprinting studio which provides a full range of professional equipment for printing onto both textiles and paper. It is a cooperative, creative environment for people to explore the fun of screenprinting without the pain-in-the-butt factor of trying to do it on hobbyist equipment in their basements.
The way it works is that people become annual members of the studio and have full access to all the equipment needed to make great screenprinted stuff by hand, in a downtown location populated by other artists and creative types.
As an incentive for new members, all people who provide a $75 deposit will receive a full membership for only $275, a savings of $20 over the regular membership price! Membership includes a training class - that's a year's worth of access to a fully equipped, professional screenprinting studio for the cost of a weekend workshop. How can you beat that?
Please review our FAQ or contact us for more information. If you are interested in signing up for the early-bird membership, please fill out the form below and submit it. You will be added to a notification list that will keep you updated via email on the progress made towards the opening of our new studio.
If you're interested in signing up to the studio and want to take advantage of the discount, please fill in the form and select a method of payment for the deposit.
After you click submit, your info will be sent to us here at Popfuel, and we'll process your application manually and add you to the notification list.
Q: What equipment will 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, Four Colour T-Shirt Press
- Flash Cure Unit (for Plastisol inks) with Temp Control
- Small Format Non-Vaccum Exposure Unit
- 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 13" by 19") Inkjet Printer
- Black and White Photocopier
As the studio grows, new and better equipment will be added.
Q: What's the $75 deposit for?
A: Opening a new studio is very expensive - several thousand dollars will be spent before even opening the door. As such, we're asking for a small deposit from people to make sure the demand for an open, cooperative studio in Toronto is there.
Q: What happens to my deposit?
A: It will be put towards your yearly membership fee, minus the discount for early-bird members, once the studio is open. If we do not get enough interest in the studio over the next few weeks, we will refund your deposit in full.
Q: When will the studio be open?
A: We are aiming for a June 1st opening - space has been rented and construction has begun!
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 $15 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 $60. Members may provide their own screens and emulsion, or purchase screens from the studio outright.
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 or other members via the Forum 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: What else does Popfuel offer me besides studio access?
A: Besides below-retail costs on paper, ink and other materials, we plan on launching an online store shortly after the opening of the new studio. This store will offer an opportunity for members to sell their items to a global market that they might not otherwise get due to limited resources. We also hope to be able to facilitate gallery shows and other opportunities for our members. Finally, we offer a web forum to foster a local Toronto community of screen printers and other artists to get the word out about upcoming shows or events, discuss techniques or trade tips.
Q: Where is the studio going to be located?
A: Space has been found! Check out the forum for details.