Thumbtack Press

I took a little time out of my day recently to interview Thumbtack Press.  If you guys don't know who they are, you should.  After this interview you hopefully will a little better.  Enjoy!

1) Tell my readers a bit about Thumbtack Press and what you guys do.
Thumbtack Press is an open edition art print store. We sell open prints by top illustrator, lowbrow, and character artists from around the world. The idea is to help the artists reach new fans and collectors while allowing fans and collectors who maybe don't have the budget to own an original print still own pieces by their favorite artists.

2) You recently got licensing rights to UGLYDOLL prints. Seeing that UGLYDOLLS were the catalyst for plush art, how have you seen the movement evolve?
Well there are definitely similarities I think with the way the whole vinyl movement took off. As with anything that works, though, the licensing opportunities with any sort of figure or character are immense. I think the key is the style and the story - when there's a figure or a character or a story that grabs people, the impact is almost immeasurable. And UGLYDOLL have done exactly that.

3) How can artists work with you guys?
We're a curated site so we carefully comb through artists we want to work with. But we always love to see people's work so anyone can feel free to send their portfolio or links to their work to info@thumbtackpress.com and we'll happily look at it.

4) How many artists are you guys currently working with?
Right now over 100.

5) With the crappy economy, I feel like affordable art is so important. How has the economy impacted your business?
I feel you. Big time. I think the economy is both good and bad for affordable sites like ours because on the one hand yes the economy is down and people want to spend less so they're maybe more likely to buy an open edition than an original. But on the other hand of course people are less willing to spend money on things in general, so there's that.

6) What's the best part about your job?
Oh man. I get to look at crazy cool art. All. Day. Long.

7) Do you guys plan to expand your product lines?
I wouldn't say we haven't thought about it, but we're wary of selling iPhone skins and t-shirts like a lot of people who sell prints do. Maybe we'd consider it if the right product comes along that we feel deserves to have the amazing art we carry on it. But for now we're happy!