Testimonials
French Paper sample room Archive March 2010
Chicago TimeOut Around Town write up
Featured on Daily Candy
More reviews can be found on Yelp.
Meg B.(Mudqueens) 
Chicago, IL
Review posted on 1/28/2010
Fugscreens printed all the poster for out Mud Queens events and they always look AMAZING! They are great at helping paper selection and color selection if you need suggestions.
Timely, and a beautiful product every time!
Meg of the Mud Queens of Chicago
Sabrina R.
Chicago, IL
Review posted on 1/28/2010
I’m in a band. Just before Christmas we were preparing for the release of our first album and discovered that the screen printing studio we normally use were closed until after the holidays. We needed promotional discs for our album, and fast! I got in touch with Zissou and he agreed to print promotional CDs for us with a 48-hour turn around time. Fast, friendly, professional, AND affordable. We look forward to working with Zissou and FugScreens again in the future.
Peggy C.
Chicago, IL
Review posted on 2/1/2010
I work as an Art Director, and when work slowed down last year, my creative voice had a raging case of cabin fever. After searching around on-line, I stumbled across a blurb about Fugscreens Studios and gave Zissou a call. Although I’m also a former Art Institute student, I had never taken a silkscreening class, but always wanted to. I knew NOTHING about it but Zissou’s excellent at walking a beginner through the paces (without making you feel like an idiot). The studio’s great, he’s freakishly organized (rare for us arty folks), low-key (read: patient), uber knowledgeable, and makes my weekly class something to look forward to. Plus I wind up with cool art to share with friends!
Teresa L.
Evanston, IL
Review posted on 2/22/2009
Z’s great. You will not get such dedicated 1:1 instruction anywhere else. In addition, the studio space is very professional and complete. You’ll be in good hands with FugScreens; it teaches you the basics of screen printing in a very classical, traditional fashion which is important because it will ground you in good techniques. You won’t have to worry about having to break bad habits because Zissou will make damn sure you won’t have any. That said, Zissou is very flexible, experimental and innovative and will help you create whatever you want-no matter how complicated or ambitious. Lastly, as you become more advanced, you can rent out studio space and hit up Fug’s for stretching and cleaning services.
Tiffany S.
Chicago, IL
Review posted on 2/2/2009
FugScreens is what I would consider a true Chicago gem.
Truly adhering the spirit of entrepreneurship, FugScreens is an upstart by local Chicago artist, Zissou Tasseff-Elenkoff. Specializing in screen printing, FugScreens is probably one the best places in the city to get art lessons. Zissou’s a highly acclaimed artist, without all of the “highly acclaimed” attitude. He’ll definitely be your instructor, and show you the ins and outs of screen printing in ways you never thought imaginable. He also had is own dedicated Daily Candy, which you can check out here:http://www.dailycandy….
The studio is fully equipped, and I believe you can work out a deal with the owner for him to supply materials. Lessons are very reasonably priced, too, and the studio is easy to get to and times are fairly easy to book.
So check out FugScreens, it’s one my favs.
Andrew J.
Chicago, IL
Review posted on 4/19/2009
Zissou is a great instructor. He works one-to-one with students in a professional but laid-back atmosphere. He is meticulous about the processes he is teaching without being overbearing or pretentious. Or expensive. Definitely a go-to place for the beginner who is genuinely interested in learning about screen- printing . In the 8 or 9 months that I’ve been working with him, Zissou has always been helpful and supportive, flexible with scheduling, and has encouraged me to try on new projects that I would not otherwise have thought of. Thanks to his help, I feel as confident as if I had gone through a formal apprenticeship with a printmaker, and that despite the fact that I haven’t always been able to work on a regular basis in the studio. Highly recommended!
Brad K.
Philadelphia, PA
Review posted on 3/20/2009
I started taking classes from Zissou about 2 months ago. I am a designer by trade and spend my entire day sitting in front of the computer, I was looking for a way to have some creative fun while getting a little dirty. Screen-printing is exactly what I was looking for. Zissou is a great teacher and a great guy. The studio is great, he teaches you what you need to know, and allows you the freedom to have a good time and enjoy what you are learning. I would highly recommend his classes.
Molly
MI
Review posted on 2/17/2009
FugScreens is the way to go if you are a beginner testing out if screen printing is an arena you can enjoy. Zissou is very patient and understanding when it comes to those who have no idea what they are doing like me. He has really taken something that could be potentially be very frustrating/scary for beginners and has created a 1 on 1 environment where you can go at your own pace. I found Zissou by word of mouth and and every word has been proven true. I have a great time working with Zissou, and I would recommend FugScreens to everyone interested.
Michael L. 
Chicago, IL
Review posted on 10/22/09
To cut to the quick of it, Fugscreens Studios is just great.
Artist/Teacher/Entrepreneur Zissou Tassef-Elenkoff is really laid back and seems to actually become good friends with most of his residents. The studio has just about everything you need to screen-print in a variety of ways–and is currently expanding with a larger exposure unit.
I actually was an intern there and the experience was really valuable. More than just cleaning screens and running errands, I actually got to participate in a few of the studio’s gigs. I also got to work on my own project there, for free!
I would definitely recommend Fugscreens Studios to anyone who wants to learn about screen-printing in a casual, fun atmosphere. If you have had a special project you’ve been wanting to print and you’re in the Chicago area, this is THE place.
Bee L.
Chicago, IL
Review posted 2/10/2009
A graduate from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Zissou Tasseff-Elenkoff turned his knowledge into teachings, offering a creative outlet during the recession stress. I admire Tasseff-Elenkoff’s ability to nurture screen print novice into creative, independent artists. He owns a fully equipped studio that artists dream of having and as a teacher, he would provide you with lots of inspirations from the collection of art books in his library.
If you are timid to do anything hands-on just yet, FugScreens also has a wide variety of silk screen pieces available for purchase. I assure you that it would be a very dynamic choice to your own art collection at very reasonable prices.
Drama free, super economical classes and to be able to create something that you are very proud of, FugScreens is the top choice of the city.
Eric S.
Chicago, IL
Review posted 8/10/2009
I had an overly positive experience at FugScreens, an amazingly professional and yet intimate setting for learning to screen print.
The studio itself is on Ashland Ave, near Cortland, you can tell they recently moved in, as everything seems shiny and new. The studio is clean and very well organized, which seems a rarity with these artist types.
My teacher was the Zissou guy that everyone has previously mentioned, which I’m still not convinced is his real name. Zissou seems very structured in his teaching approach, although he is immensely helpful and very easy going. Also, he wasn’t excessively critical or issue any judgments like private teachers I’ve had in the past. Zissou didn’t mind at all that I wanted my first project to be t-shirts featuring nude images of the Jonas Brothers, in contrast to other teachers I’ve had, he was very encouraging of my artistic concept.
The only detraction from the whole experience was the studio’s neighbor across the hallway in the same facility. I know that Zissou can’t pick his neighbors, but this douchy carpenter with a studio next door was a real pain. He kept knocking on the door and interrupting the lesson, he was also very critical on my project’s concept. Zissou handled it all very well though, assuring me that he would have words with the neighbor to avoid interruptions in future lessons.
Chris S.
Chicago, IL
Review posted 11/8/2009
I’ve been printing at FugScreens for a few months now and I’ve really enjoyed my time there. The atmosphere is humming with progress whenever I come by. Students and residents are always there working, discovering more about themselves as artists and about the craft of screenprinting overall.
Zissou is a great tutor and friend to those sharing the space. He invites everyone to make the images they want, to reject self-censorship and seek that which makes you happy.
The studio is efficiently organized and the materials well-kept and the location is convenient for all modes of transportation (bus, train, car, bike, foot). I recommend everyone call or email and set up a tour of the facilities and meet the man yourself. You can see for yourself the best in Chicago.
Isymille L.
Chicago, IL
Review posted 2/19/2009
FugScreens is both recreational and challenging. A space to learn the art of screen printing from teh most basic levels to being able to create your own art in a clean studio space, Fugscreens has something for everyone.
I am currently developing my third peice- it seems that once you start, more and more ideas come flooding in and the instructor is eager to guide the student into any and all avenues available. Zissou is dedicated to his students and print shop, and his talent for art splashes over into his skills as an tutor. I would highly recommend checking FugScreens out for anyone interested in learning to print. Plus it’s cheap and that of course puts it over the top!
Emily A.
Chicago, IL
Review posted 2/3/2009
I have been taking lessons in Zissou’s studio for around six months now (after reading an article about the service in Daily Candy), and I am completely addicted! Working as a cubicle monkey 7:30 – 4:30, five days a week doesn’t exactly get my creative juices flowing, so I find it both relaxing and stimulating to work on projects with Zissou a few times a month.
Kudos, Zissou, on a job well done. FugScreens gets my endorsement for sure!
Manufacturer C.
Chicago, IL
Review posted 3/13/2009
Zissou is a great teacher and makes it easy and fun to screen print. I am glad I found him because I would not have learned half as much as I already have.
Cherie T.
Chicago, IL
Review posted 11/10/2009
Fugscreens gets A+’s in several areas. Convenient parking? Check. Clean, non-scary bathrooms? Check. Spacious area, immaculate studio and awesome teacher? All present. Whether you are a beginner and don’t even know what to do with a squeegee, or need some space to figure out your creative masterpiece, Zissou is there to help you out. He is knowledgeable in every of serigraphy process and is very patient with explanations.
The print shop is organized fully stocked and roomy. You never feel like you are bumping elbows or waiting in line. Zissou will listen to your ideas, give constructive feedback and help you to improve your craft. The level of professionalism for a one man shop is amazing.
Link A.
Chicago, IL
Review posted 10/26/2009
FugScreens is a great place to learn how to be a screen printer. It is always something I wanted to learn and this studio gave me a great chance to learn a new skill.
Zissou is a great teacher. He gives you a lot of opportunities to learn what you wan and in the way you want to learn it.
