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Orders are mailed out every weekend. Thank you for your patience and support!

FAQ 💬

What is an artists' book, exactly?

Please refer to Printed Matter's excellent definition of an artists' book.

Who designs your books?

    All Sming Sming Books titles are designed in close collaboration and conversation with the artist/author and Vivian Sming—artist, writer, editor, multiple-hat-wearer, and the sole proprietor of Sming Sming.

    Your books don't look the same—what's up with that?

    Sming Sming Books prioritizes the artist/author's ideas to inform the book's design and print decisions. As such, we don't use standard fonts, sizes, or templates.

    Where are your books printed?

    Each book uses a different printing method depending on the artist/author's ideas and work (see above). We believe in developing close working relationships with printers in-person and strive to print locally in the San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles whenever possible. See our About page to find a list of printers we recommend working with.

    How do you select the artists you publish?

    There is no concrete set of criteria for selecting the artists/authors we work with. One of the goals of Sming Sming Books is to create as many different artists' books as possible—ranging in works that provide wonder and joy to criticality and depth. We tend to look for artworks or projects that exist in a form that is challenging to represent on paper—for instance, artists working with conceptual or time-based practices, or in mediums such as sculpture, video, performance, installation, and sound.

    I'm an artist and want to make a book! Will you work with me?

    Sorry, we are not currently accepting submissions. 

    Can I find your books in bookstores?

    Yes! You can find our list of stockists here. Not every location will have every Sming Sming Books title, so it's best to check in with the store to see what is currently available.

    How about in libraries?

    Yes! A list of libraries and collections with Sming Sming Books titles can be found here. Again, not every library will have every title, but most libraries have an online catalog you can search through first.
     
    I'd like to stock your books in my bookstore. Do you offer books on wholesale or consignment?
     
    We'd be honored to have our books in your store! Most books are available at wholesale prices or on consignment (wholesale preferred). You can find our available titles here. Please contact us and indicate which titles you are interested in carrying, and we'll get back to you with more details. Thank you!


    How can I bring Sming Sming Books to my classroom/event?

    Vivian is available for speaking engagements, including artist lectures, panels, workshops, and more! Please reach out here to schedule a visit. Examples of recent talks can be found here.