The printing industry’s star is on the rise if the Pride In Print judging is anything to go by – entries are booming and the quality of those entries has taken the industry to a new level.
Awards manager Sue Archibald is thrilled with what the industry is showing to its customers through the Award entries. “We have seen the highest entry level for seven years. Numbers were up 14% up on last year’s already-high entry level, which is a huge result. Moreover, the work quality was outstanding. It reflects a dynamic industry that is innovative and progressive.”
Convenor of judges Symon Yendoll agrees, saying that in his first year as convenor it was both satisfying and inspirational to see the Power of Print at work: “One of the reasons I love this industry is to see how companies continue to develop and we had great examples of boundaries being pushed to the maximum.
“It is not just about extending technical boundaries for the sake of it. The techniques shown in our entries are done to meet or exceed the expectations of the customer, and also provide the opportunities for other print buyers to see the possibilities of using these new innovations for still more customers. That is how print develops and gains commercial strength.”
He adds that the printing industry is finding ways to showcase the unique qualities of print that no other medium can match. “We know we are competing for the marketing dollar against lots of other media and the printing industry constantly pushes itself to create new opportunities for the print buyer.
“Our judges were meticulous in judging the craftsmanship and techniques of our entries, but beyond that, examining closely the commercial application of those entries in the marketplace. Always, that must be the key to Pride In Print – lifting the bar of quality and finding new ways to apply print, so that our industry is seen as commercially dynamic.”
As convenor, Yendoll was moved to see the level of professionalism and passion among fellow judges who put aside their own preferences and the interests of their own sector for the wider good of the industry – “You can see the respect they have for the opinions of others, in deciding on the merits of entries.”
And he added a message of respect to the traditionof craftsmanship in the industry. “While I love the innovation shown by our evolving print industry, I also love the craftsmanship I see in the entries. To recognise the value of craft quality is I think a tip of the hat to the printers of the past as well as to the print industry of the future.
“When people see the winning entries on Award Night and in the Pride In Print tabloid, I think you will agree – there is still plenty of Power in Print.”
Awards Night is on Friday May 13 at Sky City in Auckland. Tickets can be ordered on the website www.prideinprintawards.co.nz