Meet Darin Grassman of LA-Bookmaker in Boulder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darin Grassman.

Darin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m an artist with a material-based practice, meaning the materials play a huge role in conceptualizing work. My way of engaging in the world is and has always been through art. I’m formally trained in painting, drawing, and textile design, and worked for many years as a bookbinder.

In 2007, I began my first job at a book company in Berkeley, CA, producing photography books, gallery catalogs, and artist monographs. I took quickly to the repetitive, physical work of bookbinding: trimming, folding, stacking, pressing. The mechanical processes of binding combined with the high level of craft required to make books spoke to me.

In addition to my art practice, I run a side business called LA-Bookmaker, which was born out of an obsession with office supplies and art materials. It is both a bookbinder and artist’s vision.

 Since it’s inception (at a time when I was working as a book-binder in LA), it has been a way to showcase samples and small editions. Over the past two years, I’ve refined the vision: to create products that enrich people’s notebook experience and that enhance the time people spend with a journal or sketchbook. For this, I create small editions of unique, purposeful, high-quality tools and materials.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve had my share of doubt and uncertainty. As a person who is generally curious and interested in many things, I am constantly at the receiving end of a chorus of voices telling me to ‘choose one thing and stick with it’, “find your passion”, or to somehow narrow my path. It’s a constant effort to ignore these distracting judgements and follow my varied interests.

For example, I have sat on the fence between art and design for ages. I’m drawn to the clever and perfectionist qualities of design and equally the imperfect, earnestness of art. The love of the two often has me agonizing about where on the spectrum I fall, but on a good day, I can embrace both.

A newer struggle, albeit a welcome one, is the challenge to create pieces and products in sustainable ways. I want to be conscious about the materials I use, where they come from, and where they will end up. I frequent my local creative reuse center and am currently shopping for different rubber options to use in the LA-Bookmaker tools.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about LA-Bookmaker – what should we know?
LA-Bookmaker is dedicated to the sacrosanct relationship between people and their notebooks. We create unique office supplies which propel the creative process of journaling and sketching. The aim: to honor and elevate the process of transference between thoughts and page. We believe the perfect tool is simple, sturdy, and holds maximum potential.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had some wonderful mentors. Many of them were people I worked for, who entrusted me with decisions about designing and making their product. I was fortunate early on to work for people who encouraged me to go out, learn about production methods, and return with new ideas. That exploratory process and experimentation is invaluable, especially for small businesses. I feel so grateful for all the times I was told to “just try it out”.

Tremendous support comes from family and peers. I’m perpetually inspired by creative friends and people I meet who bravely make creative things.

Contact Info:

• Website: dgrassman.com
• Email: dgrassman@gmail.com
• Instagram: @l.a.bookmaker
• Other: la-bookmaker.com

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