Mimi Young of Penny Ante

Mimi Young lives in Los Angeles where she publishes Penny Ante, a bi-annual journal of the arts.


Chief Magazine: Why Los Angeles?

Mimi Young of Penny Ante: Why not, I suppose would be the question. There is way too much going on here that goes undocumented that I think today, or in five, ten years will be greatly appreciated. Plus, if you think about how many people inhabit Los Angeles and how many of them use their time to create… Regardless, we don’t only depend on LA for contributors. Book 1 included contributors from London, New York, and there were several who reside in the North and Midwest… We look all over, but work mainly by word of mouth. Book 2 will bring in some contributors from the UK and hopefully with time, as our network continues to grow, we will have the ability to bring in artists, of all kinds, from all over the world.

How did the idea for Penny Ante grow into this book, what was that process?

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It’s a trip really. A random angel dropped a big bucket of cash into the hands of a deadbeat and said, “Don’t waste it.” It stayed in the bank for about 6 months without a home, and finally this idea popped after a friend dragged me to go see a show at The Detroit Bar down in Costa Mesa. I was really impressed with the lead singer’s writing. Each of his words seemed to be carefully considered, yet casual. Really, I was taken. My initial idea was to publish a book of his words only, almost a poetry collection; I was pretty tossed though… and by the time I got around to speaking with him, I just said, “Hey, would you ever contribute some words to a literary… uh art book?” He said yeah, and that’s how the project was born. Then, the next day it was, “Oh shit, now I have to find a bunch of artists… not to mention writers…” The funny thing is, he actually never ended up contributing.

You offer free advertisements, and rely on your budget from readers?  How the hell does that work?

It doesn’t… and won’t. Like said, there was an initial investment, some borrowed money, then we looked for other investors to cover extra costs. We got back just enough to do the same with Book 2, but the future is bleak. It won’t sustain itself. We’ll eventually have to advertise if we want to continue, but it was important to me to show, mainly our contributors, that what they do is important and we were willing to invest in them.

A part of your statement reads: “we aim to support those we feel are underrepresented in today’s congested milieu.”  Does that congested milieu not apply to bi-annual arts books?

All publications that represent the artistic community have their own purpose and do an important service to their readers, but I can’t help but feel Penny–Ante has fewer barriers. We don’t focus in on one area of the arts or have too specific of a criteria; Penny-Ante is more a creative compilation, hoping to respect each person’s contribution. Yes, we look for quality, individuality, but there is no hierarchy. I don’t have a problem putting a high school sophomore’s art project opposite someone like Devendra Banhart… nor do I think he does.

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How many copies did you print?  And how are you distributing them?

I don’t really remember to be honest. It was somewhere around 2000. We distribute them ourselves. There are three people that deal with distribution, including myself. Total grass roots production. We get a list of orders, split them up and ship them out. Call it impractical, but it seems to work. 


What were you doing before Penny Ante?

I was taking time off from school and working. I initially went to school for Economics, which I do somewhat enjoy... I like theory, but that first year of school made me crazy. I felt trapped by a scholarship and although I didn't want to let anyone down, I think it was necessary for me to take some time off and grow up. I started working as a waitress, which was really enjoyable in a lot of ways and also helpful... It helped me, somewhat, get over my fear of people... forced me to communicate. I worked at book shop too, doing inventory... took photos, which brought in some small change... A lot of odd jobs, hobby exploring, reading, writing, moved from here to there.

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What's the secret to making a book like this?  Money?  Networking?

An accumulation of a lot of things... persistence, dedication. I had  an idea in my mind of the finished product and just hoped for the best. For me, things really came together when I met Jason Yates, of Fast Friends Inc.. When he came aboard to do the cover, a lot of my nerves were eased. I really dig him as a person and what he does... and I think that's what it all comes down to. Finding those people you respect and are proud to represent... because it makes the “work” anything but.

Website

www.penny-ante.net

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