With a long history in book making, Tiny Anchor founder Robyn York has been making and publishing artists’ books since 2004. Along with personal artistic projects, she has assisted in the design and publication of all books from the Grace Harlow Press, and has helped self-publishing authors create, produce, and promote their books. She earned her Masters degree (MFA) in Rochester, NY, specializing in photobook publishing with a non-profit management certificate. She has run the artist book publishing project Anchorless Press since 2010, and has published over a dozen full-length artists’ books to date.
Over a decade working in the non-profit artist-run community at Gallery 44, a centre for photography in Toronto, and employment with Business Improvement Areas allowed Robyn to hone a commitment to success, no matter the financial barriers. As Head of Communications & Development, Robyn doubled Gallery 44’s fundraising program revenue and created a signature fundraising event, which continues to provide support for the gallery’s operations. She also handled successful project grant-writing, and a communications strategy, with valuable input from a volunteer-run committee.
Working with a Business Improvement Area in communications, branding, and event planning allowed Robyn to focus on growth and support in the small business community. This experience was vital to launching her own small business in 2018, Tiny Anchor Printing. Tiny Anchor Printing supported women-led small businesses with design and printing services, as Robyn continued to design books alongside this work.
In January 2021, in the midst of a pandemic, Robyn started researching the viability of a new and used bookstore in her secondary unit, currently acting as home office and bookmaking workshop. The bookshop will be opening in Spring of 2022, operating alongside her book design business, and publishing business. Many hats.