A HEX ON YOU : Mobile Printmaking with The Hex Press

by Ted Scheffler

Former elementary school art teacher Anna Hansen is the “Owner-Manager-CEO-Janitor” of The Hex Press, where she and her fellow artists specialize in mobile printmaking on textiles. She says, “I work with a small group of artists. Between all of us we design and hand carve our own linoleum blocks, which we then use to print onto clothing, tea towels, tote bags, etc. Our main specialty is bringing our printing press to craft shows and markets and printing on-site and on demand.” Imagine that: Having your own customized printed textiles on the spot! Pretty cool, I’d say.

“I wanted to spread the joy of printmaking to people that probably have had very little to no experience with what traditional printmaking is,” says Hansen. “I also wanted to set an example to other artists and show that you can, and should, make money from your art.”

When asked how this business idea came about, Hansen says “I was teaching in Southern California at the time, had a small studio in an art colony that participated in a monthly artwalk when I would sell small paper prints and cards. One month on a whim I bought about a dozen shirts from Goodwill and printed some of my block designs onto them. It was the first time I sold enough in one night to pay my rent. So that was that, and it grew from there.”

Based in Salt Lake City, Hansen says that “I really love to create works that pay tribute to Utah wilderness, the outdoors, and bees. I’m a bit obsessed with honey bees.“

As The Hex Press grows, Hansen says “I want to continue creating new works that make me excited and inspire my fans and friends. I want to continue to build relationships with other local businesses, create merchandise for them, and help them build their own brands. Most of all I want to continue making a living and supporting my family doing what I love.”

Regarding her family, she points to hers - and in particular her parents - in providing the foundational support for her business, saying “If it weren't for their support earlier in my life, I would not have the foundation of education and financial stability that really gave me a solid push to take the leap into being a small business owner.”

For anyone thinking of embarking on a business adventure similar to The Hex Press, she says “Don't be afraid to use your own voice and style. Don't feel like you have to do what everyone else is doing. Stick to your craft and you will find your audience and they will support you. And never be afraid to keep making improvements to your work. Learn from your mistakes, and then keep going.”

You’ll find The Hex Press products at farmers markets, and holiday markets and Salt Lake FanX. Look online for The Hex Press at thehexpress.com and on Instagram and Facebook.