Help Open a Community Print Shop!!

I want to open a socially-responsible, community-minded print shop and art space in Los Angeles and need your support!

My studiomate and I have been operating our existing art space in the Historic Filipinotown neighborhood of Echo Park as a private studio for 2.5 years, but I'd like to convert the space into a full-service screenprinting shop, open to the community for apparel and flatstock printing services, workshops, art exhibitions, and other events!

The shop is called "TEMPLE of MERCH" because I want to create an art space that is almost altar-like – I want customers to walk into the front of our shop and be overwhelmed by the rich texture of all manner of printed goods. Like a merchandise market. Like a shrine of screenprinted things. Fresh art all the time.  The shop also gets its name from it's location - we're at 2124 W. Temple Street, right near Alvarado Blvd. in the 90026 neighborhood.

I want to help produce and sell work by a huge array of artists and welcome the public to come witness both the process and the product. I want to aid the community by offering a standard discount on all services to non-profit organizations, co-ops, spiritual institutions, schools, and art organizations. 

As an art space, Temple of Merch will host monthly art exhibitions and group art shows. As a fully operational print studio, the space will welcome visiting artists and host residencies wherein artists produce work that is displayed in the gallery and sold in the storefront. Temple of Merch strives to be a place that supports and contributes to the arts. 

I hope to foster art in the community with an approachable spot for screen printed goods – from gig posters and art prints to apparel, pennants, skateboards, patches, and bags – as well as offer classes to educate the public about screen printing. I want to print for artists, bands, designers, and brands. I want to print for your daughter's Girl Scout troop and the local cafe. I want to make shirts for your band and posters to promote your short film. I want to print for Los Angeles, and I want to print for YOU!

As an artist and designer who’s passionate about fair labor issues, I've struggled to find trusted manufacturers and suppliers. I want to be that reliable resource for others. I want to make it easy to give a shit about how and where things are made. I want to produce specialized, high-quality pieces, at an affordable price with a 100% sweatshop-free guarantee. All apparel blanks and paper stock will be sourced from American-made manufacturers. It's not about patriotism; it's about fair labor and better working conditions for the people who dye, cut, and sew the clothes we wear. There's a gap in the LA market for ethically-sourced merchandise (and youknow everyone in LA has a brand to promote!). I want to help change that.

In order to open to the public, I need essential equipment. That’s where you come in! By supporting this campaign financially, you can help me create a sustainable and ethical print shop. That being said, I don't want to ask for something in exchange for nothing. Therefore, all sizeable donations will act as a pre-order – if you contribute now, that money goes toward future printing services. Check out the Reward Levels for a ton of options.

If I raise less than 75% of the total funding goal, I won’t be able to move forward with this project. In the event that occurs, all contributors who donated more than $25 will receive a screen printed shirt that reads, "I CARED ABOUT SOMETHING" and a handwritten “Thank you.” For larger donations, I will work out a way to refund your contribution, less the campaign fees. If we raise (a lot) more than anticipated, I'd love to further commit to running a sustainable shop by converting the building to solar power and adding event more workshops and events to the calendar. 

Thanks again for taking the time to consider contributing to this cause! I am infinitely grateful to work toward this goal with you.

My very best,
Hannah