Creatives in Publishing: Binding a Path to Being Published

Publishing is a timeless method used by artists to share their practice. In an ever-shifting landscape, how does one work towards being published or self-publishing as well as collaborative publishing ventures? This course aims to demystify the artist publishing world by addressing key topics such as finances and sharing guidance based on first-hand experience from Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck about being published by international imprints and running an artist imprint for a decade.

This course is suitable for new to established artists or writers interested in publishing their work or learning about self-publishing, particularly for those with a visual arts practice, and welcomes those from other art practices, including writing. Participants will learn how to prepare their practice and body of work towards publication and gain skills, confidence and an appreciation for the patience and playfulness this process requires.

Refunds or exchanges are available only if an event is cancelled or rescheduled. If this occurs, check the Camden Art Centre event webpage for details, and we will email you any changes. Camden Art Centre allows a 24-hour cooling-off period for refunds and will honour all bookings for new event dates if rescheduled.

Info: Part A :
-Welcome and introduction to the history and context of artist publishing, setting a framework for the course.
-Introduction about Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck’s practice.
-Introduction to the course and its aim – including an overview of what participants will learn in
the following modules.

Part B:
- Keys to self-publishing I: Planning - Understanding the different types of publications (e.g., zines, art books).
- Group introductions and aims (Prompt: Share your practice, your goals for the course, and your current thoughts on publishing).

Info: Part A:
- How to make yourself ‘publish-ready’
- Budget
- Keys to self-publishing: Printers: Selection, understanding paper types, and print runs
- Collaborating
- Basics understanding of the role of a distributor

Part B:
- How to get published by an (established or indie) publisher?
- How do you refine your pitch and portfolio for submission?
- How to approach galleries, publishers, and institutions.
- Contracts and essential legal considerations.

Info: Part A - I:
- Precision on the role and benefits of having a distributor
- Riso Printing
- A list of Printers

Part A - II:
- A list of publishers with a focus on zine.
- Recommendations for inspiration.
- London - to visit / to do.

Part B:
– A 45-minute bookbinding session.

Info: Part A - I:
- Financing: Crowdfunding, self-funding, or working with collaborators to raise money.
- Marketing: How to market a self-published book (not in-depth due to time constraints.

Part A - II:
- How to take part in Indie Book Fairs?
- Larger print run: Lithography also known as offset printing.

Part B:
– Final Q&A — wrap up with a reflective session. Prompts: What are your next steps after the
course? How do you envision applying what you learned in your practice

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Camden Art Centre