Offset Lithography Printing

Offset lithography

Offset lithography is a process used for printing on a flat surface, using printing plates which are thin metal paper of plastic plates. An image is transferred to a printing plate, which can be made of a variety of materials such as metal or paper. The plate is then chemically treated so that only image areas (such as type, colors, shapes and other elements) will accept ink. Water and ink is applied to the plate. Because of the chemical treatment, ink only "sticks" to the image areas, which reject the water. Areas without images reject the ink. The plate is then rolled onto a rubber cylinder applying the inked area, and in turn the rubber cylinder (or "blanket") applies the image to the paper. The system is "offset" because the plate does not come in direct contact with the paper, which preserves the quality of the plate. Offset printing is its high and consistent image quality. The process can be used for small, medium or high-volume jobs. It is normally use to print magazine, book

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Silk Screening Printing Technique

Silk Screening

Silk screening is a process which is used to create prints on a wide variety of materials, from fabric to wood. Many commercial printers use silk screening to print, since it is cheap and easy, and when done well, it results in high quality prints. Home crafters and fine artists also use the silk screening technique for projects, and it is relatively easy to learn. People who want to learn how to make high quality screen prints may want to consider taking a class to learn the basics.

To silk screen, a very fine mesh is stretched tightly onto a frame. This mesh was made from silk until the mid-twentieth century, although it is usually polyester today. A negative design is created on the screen using a variety of techniques, and ink is rolled or sponged onto the screen, which is pressed onto the object being printed. Most printers use a squeegee or a similar tool to gently press the ink onto the printed product before removing the screen and hanging the print up to dry.

Most people use photosensitive screens for screen printing. The screen is covered in a light sensitive emulsion which reacts to UV light. The artist places a stencil of the desired pattern on the screen, exposes it, and washes the screen. The areas exposed to light will harden, creating an impenetrable layer, while the covered areas of the emulsion will wash away, allowing ink to pass through. Multicolored prints can be produced through silk screening with the use of different screens. The CMYK color process can be used to create very complex color designs, which are printed with the lightest color first and the darkest last. Many crafters like silk screening because it is fun, easy, reusable and it can produce excellent quality work under trained hands. It also requires fairly minimal equipment, and none of the equipment used is very expensive except for the light sensitive emulsion used to make screens. Silk screen printing specially be found on garments such as jean, shorts and t-shirt.

Graphic Lab, 2010

Screen Printing,  2011

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Letterpress Printing Technique

Letterpress Printing

Letterpress is the oldest form of printing. In this method, a surface with raised letters is inked and pressed to the surface of the printing substrate (paper) to reproduce an image in reverse. Typically, metal type has been used but other possibilities include carved wood or stone blocks.

After the Gutenberg press introduced movable type to the process in the 15th century, letterpress was the predominant printing method for 500 years. The creation of huge rotary presses made industrial printing and newspaper production practical.

By the 1950s other type of printing such as xerography and offset began to supplant letterpress and by the end of the 20th century, digital printing and related technologies had become the industry standard for many uses. Nevertheless, letterpress is still used for some specialized commercial applications. The old method is also enjoying resurgence among modern-day enthusiasts who prize the hand-made qualities and historical nature of letterpress print. Nerveless letterpress printing is not a quick and easy it’s hard, long work but it yields warmth and a tactile quality that just can't be achieved with any other printing technique. Especially when combined with soft papers, letterpress printing conveys a beauty that leaves a lasting impression. Letterpress can be found on marriage card, post card, files and chocolate wrap or box.

PC WORDSMITHS, JUNE 2010

Jessica Hische, 2010

Gravure Printing Technique

Gravure Printing

Gravure is a printing method in which an image is applied to a printing substrate by use of a metal plate mounted on a cylinder. Unlike other processes, gravure uses a depressed or sunken surface for the desired image. The image to be reproduced is engraved into the metal plate, sometimes with the use of a laser or electronically all the image are screened, creating thousands of tiny cells on the metal plate. These tiny cells carry the ink from the tray while the excess of ink is stripped off by the means of a blade. The impression roller is presses the web (roll of plastic or paper) against the form cylinder and the ink penetrates into the web creating the printed image by capillary action which draws the ink upward against the force of gravity to enters the web. The printed web is then dried in ovens between one printing unit and the next by high velocity heated air. After the last color has been applied and dried, the web is wound back into the original roll form. Gravure printing presses configuration is particularly flexible; these machines are best suitable for the production of all kinds of packaging materials with various formats. These prints can be found on cans food, boxes, and bottles such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta and many more.

Nick Lovegrouve.2010

CNC Design.2009

Flexography Printing Technique

Flexography 

Flexography printing is frequently used for printing on plastic, foil, acetate film, brown paper, and other materials used in packaging; flexography uses flexible printing plates made of rubber or plastic. The inked plates with a slightly raised image are rotated on a cylinder which transfers the image to the substrate. Flexography uses fast-drying inks, is a high-speed print process, can print on many types of absorbent and non-absorbent materials, and can print continuous patterns (such as for gift wrap and wallpaper).

Also known as flexographic printing or flexo, some typical applications for flexography are paper and plastic bags, milk cartons, disposable cups, and candy bar wrappers. Flexographic printing may also be used for envelopes, labels, and newspapers.

http://www.labelsunlimited.co.uk

Andy Cruz, July 2010

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The Structure and operation of the design industry

The Structure and operation of the design industry

The structure of the graphic design industry can differ for example in an adverting agency it depends on the type of client that it severs. Normally there is a general organizational structure for a traditional advertising agency. However and well established agency contains five different departments account management, account planning, creative, media planning and human resources. These five down into different focused departments with particular responsibilities that complete that advertising process in a successful and effective manner for better results to satisfy the client.

• Account Management
  Account management is responsible for overseeing the client's account as a whole. For example, a client meets with the manager of the account and the discussion of campaign needs takes place. Once the direction of the campaign has been established, the account-planning department takes over the strategizing for the advertising campaign.
• Account Planning Department
  The account-planning department develops a creative brief, which is a blueprint for the direction of the advertising campaign. Other responsibilities of the account-planning department include strategizing what aspects need to be included in the campaign, as well as research.
• Creative Department
  Once the creative brief and research have been completed, the creative department develops the artwork and copy writing for the campaign. The creative department must take the creative brief and communicate the client's needs through graphics and copy writing.
• Media Planning Department
  The media-planning department contacts media companies and researches the most accurate channel to place the advertising components in. For example, an ad for a gas station is appropriate for outdoor advertising, while an ad for an interactive magazine is more effective within an online flashing banner advertisement.
• Human Resource Department
  The human resource department is in charge of scouting new talent for the advertising agency and making sure that everything runs smoothly in the process of interviewing new candidates.

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Design Associations

Design Associations

Design associations are organizations where designers work for the future in the design field that they wish. They have a vision and a mission in each association that is either to promote their design sector or to assist other members. There are several associations divided in several fields around or throughout the world. Here are some examples of design associations:-

Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA)

The Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) is the peak national organization for professional graphic designers. It was founded in 1988 to facilitate the advancement of the graphic design profession in Australia.

The goal of the AGDA is to establishment a fair, productive working and more trustful relationship between graphic designers and their clients. We do this by providing designers with the tools and information to take control of their professional lives. We also work on increasing the awareness value and importance of graphic design in business, education and also in culture.

AIGA
AIGA, the professional association for design, stimulates thinking about design, demonstrates the value of design and empowers the success of designers at each stage of their careers. AIGA’s mission is to advance design in professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force. It was founded in 1914 AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design, and is also a nonprofit educational institution.

International Interior Design Association (IIDA)

The vision and mission of the International Interior Design Association stands for the Future of Design. IIDA, with respect for past accomplishments of Interior Design leaders, strives to create a strong niche for the most talented and visionary Interior Design professionals, to elevate the profession or talent to completely next level and to lead the way for the next generation of Interior Design innovators. The Association provides a forum to demonstrate design professionals’ impact on the health, safety, well-being and virtual soul of the public, balancing passion for good design and strategy for best business practices. IIDA stands at the intersection of passion and strategy where designers create unique interiors and experiences


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