Singapore Art Book Fair was a location we had dreamed of boothing at one day. After all, we’ve only been doing collab zines for about a year or two at most.
Initially, we were rejected after applying. But by some divine means, we received an email saying that someone had dropped out, and we could now participate! In the past few months we consolidated the zines we had made previously, and printed some smaller zines and one print just for SGABF.

Personally, as the organiser, it was truly an eye opening experience. We had so many people come to ask and talk with us about our zines. It was a chance to share about Liminal, about Play, and also about the 2*A5 group. We also got in touch with more people who were keen for collabs.
Meeting some of the fellow creatives was also extremely heartening. These were people we followed and chatted with online. But now we were finally boothing in the same space, it was really crazy! It was crazy because we could just speak about our zines, and the people around us knew exactly what we were talking about. I felt so at home, if that makes sense.

As part of our work, we also wanted creative youth to participate at the fair as well. Here are some of their experiences:
Sabrina Yeo (@holdmeimtired), participated in PLAY:
My highlight of sgabf was experiencing the crowd both in-front and behind the booth. I could observe interest and awkwardness in those that wanted to see whats on at the booth. As well as, observing how Joel and Kim had managed that by inviting them to browse, giving them insight on the creative processes behind the works. It also made me realise that I really do appreciate listening to the artists talk about their passions and that its a good tactic to use to sell works, compelling people to patronise the booth for either staying too long/ to support you LOL!
Kim Wang, (@egomame) participated in PLAY,
Having the opportunity to participate boothing for TTR this year has made me understand how much the community matters here in SGABF, every year we have artists coming together enjoying the fair and sharing their works, and I’m happy that TTR was able to make that connection with the crowds, not just through our works but also our inspiring community spirit who were willing to share our collaborative works and processes as well! I really hope TTR has the love and motivation to create new works so that we can have another opportunity to booth again in the future !
Along with the youth, our new staff, Dawn (@dmentalnoise) also had an interesting time. This was her first Art Book Fair ever, and it was a real experience!
Love and care are 2 major things I feel from participating SGABF. The enthusiasm and support from art books loving people and artists. No matter I am selling or buying the art, there is one thing in common, Care. There are so many people who care to know how the artworks transpired to the final works and interested to know the process of making as well as appreciating it. Wonderful things happen when like-minded people come together. A few friends were made and artists buy art from one another too. We are truly grateful for the amazing support to those who visit. Now we have an awesome experience to hold onto til next one!
Ler Xinying, currently in an unpublished collab shares:
I am truly thankful for the opportunity that Through the Roof has given me as it gave me meaningful exposure to a fraction of world of designers and creators. It made me feel alive, it made me feel like I belong here in this industry. I am more than ever inspired to create and not just consume. It was really fun seeing the different kinds of styles and my favourite part was getting all the little mini projects and trinkets that brings a little joy to my life
Looking ahead, we already have a few zines to work on this year, but we are excited to involve more people in collabs for the year ahead. Hopefully, 2025 will be a great time to showcase the wider, updated range of Through The Roof collabs!

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