A book design and print studio for artisans and writers.
Connecting people to paper through custom book work, small scale publishing, and hands-on learning.
A decade in service:
Re-opening in Ithaca, NY, summer of 2026.
Onward...
Onward is a book design center and education facility that serves enthusiasts, artists, and writers nationwide. We focus on art books and experiential learning: slow work that is tangible and beautiful, using a joyful mix of historic machinery and modern technology.
Onward runs programming and a small store throughout the year and accepts projects on a limited basis with long timelines. This allows us to perform best, source high quality materials, and move through the process with the intention artisans and authors deserve. Our studio often works collaboratively to create work we then promote and sell via a grounded and ethical joint-publishing model.
Onward is Queer-owned and operated by Zachary Lifton: you can learn more about my experience, ethos, and the story of how Onward came to be, here.
& Company
The "company" part of Onward is you, the community we engage with. Onward is an open studio; we host site visits, classes, and training in traditional print and book art practice using a collection of vintage equipment. Your company is welcome: Onward is anti-racist, trans-inclusive, spectrum-friendly, ADA compliant, and affirming of creativity that manifests in a myriad of ways.
Our production work often leads to partnering with artisans and designers to create or sell in tandem. This includes items we sell via our shop, Onward Stationers. Creatives: please reach out with collaborative ventures in mind.
Project Direction | Special Edition Production
Onward Studios
Book Project Direction:
Ideation through Production
Onward offers in-person and virtual advising on various aspects of book and print production. Our "design through bind" knowhow stems from a decade of assisting artisans and authors on everything from digital layout to paper selection.
Project management and industry knowledge are our forte. Consultations happen year-round and nation-wide: we are here to guide your process regardless of location.
We encourage clients in the region to schedule time to meet in person: the studio features hundreds of paper, print, typography, and material sample books. Virtual consults are scheduled via phone or Zoom in order to review files and techniques live.
Special Editions and Bespoke Book Work
For creatives who need something special. Onward's professional studio produces micro-runs of custom work in a variety of book formats. We collaborate with artists who have a vision for their collected work but need assistance with overarching design and execution.
Special editioning at our studio involves long timelines, individualized material sourcing, and one-on-one personal project management. We've worked in the arts for 20+ years: making books is emotional, complex, and wonderful--Onward is here to support all of it.
The studio takes on limited projects throughout the year in micro-batches: typically editions of 1 to 50. We excel at premium, memorable objects requiring expert care to create one at a time.
Please reach out to see if our studio is the right fit for the project you have in mind.
Signature Formats: Chapbooks, Exhibition Booklets, & Photo Lookbooks
For smaller budgets and simpler work, the studio uses our Signature Format model to provide templates and structure for standard book forms packed with a punch. Signature Format books are elevated by select quality papers, hand touches, and amazing print quality.
Onward takes on limited Signature Format projects throughout the year in small runs: typically editions of 50 to 200. More information is pending.
Please reach out to see if our studio is a good fit to produce your short run art book.
Small Batch Print-Matter: Letterpress & Digital Offset
Speciality printing for letterpress and fine art work are offered in-house on a limited basis. Onward produces small runs of high quality broadsides, chapbook covers, and art prints. All on specialty and custom-sourced papers. Services begin in mid-2026: please reach out to discuss now and get on our calendar
Specialty Products | Education
Onward Stationers
Factory Store: Drop-in Shopping
Onward Stationers is a mico-shop featuring our line of quality notebooks and stationery goods, all made in-house, on vintage equipment. Each item is handcrafted with quality materials, on a machine you can see right on site.
Additionally, the shop features a highly curated selection of quality writing tools from world-renowned vendors and select vintage desk-top goods.
Located in Ithaca's West End, the shop will open in 2026. Please follow along for opening announcements.
Workshops
Onward offers a rolling series of classes for the community. We focus on letterpress and simple bookbinding.
Public programming is designed to be inclusive, introductory, and fun for all skill levels. Classes are offered for various age groups as well as specific safe-space workshops for the Queer community.
Advanced Courses & 1:1 Training
Longer-form courses and custom trainings are offered on a limited basis, or as-requested.
Advanced workshops involve multiple sessions to learn various techniques and tools, or produce a full book project from start to finish in a group environment with other learners.
1:1 training is a chance to learn the nuances of letterpress or bindery equipment operation during a set period, or for the scope of a specific project.
Tours and Group Visits
Onward offers guided experiences in our historic workshop which features traditional print and binding equipment nearly a century old.
We work closely with the school system, tourism industry, higher education, and Girl Scouts merit badge program to customize each visit to meet your needs.
Host a print party with friends or an in-depth historic tour with your students. Our space is open for education year-round. Educators and institutions please reach out: we are currently booking visits through 2026 and beyond.
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