Success of Windles’ workshop sees waiting list for next GCA print event
Extolling the virtues of litho printing was the aim of a special GCA workshop in collaboration with print group Windles – and it was so successful there’s already a waiting list for the next one!
The event on Tuesday, 4 July, allowed GCA members to enjoy a free hands-on experience day at Windles’ eco-friendly premises in Thame, where the print specialist showcased the litho process to publishers interested in transitioning to this method of greeting card production.
“We were absolutely delighted to show so many publishers our new KBA press that we call Lydia after a female print pioneer,” Windles’ Emma-Louise Allen told PG Buzz. “Everyone was able to watch their design at every stage while picking up hints and tricks ready for when they take the leap into printing litho.
“Litho printing is tactile and very visual and the intention is to dispel the myths and remove the complexities that can put publishers off exploring this manufacturing route sooner.”
Saffron Bubbles owner Jo Groeneveld was one of the 10 publishers who took part in the workshop and her verdict was a resounding: “It was brilliant! What a great initiative, thanks to Windles and the GCA for taking us under your wing. Looking forward to the next event.”
Emily Nash, of Emily Nash Illustration, added: “I’ve been printing with Windles for a few years now and am always really happy with the quality of their prints. It was great to finally see their impressive machines at work and meet more of the Windles team.
“The workshop really helped me to visualise the whole litho process from start to finish. And I’m so pleased with the cards that I got to take away on the day!”
Before the day, attendees sent in a piece of artwork which Windles used to demonstrate its Flexisheet service where different publishers’ orders are combined to make more efficient use of the printing plates, which allows short runs of 1,000 cards at litho rates.
“They were able to follow its path live through production with their cards being made available for them to take home at the end of the day,” Emma-Louise explained.
She added that publishers often begin their greetings journey by digitally printing their designs to enable speed to market then look to litho printing for bulk production with the cost efficiencies it offers, and Windles founder Bruce Podmore – who invented the cold foil process – and Ian Kear-Bertie, who looks after the design and creative side at the group’s MuchMore studio, were on hand to explain the various processes and systems.
GCA council member Sarah Jackson, of Stormy Knight, helped organise the event with Windles and GCA membership and marketing coordinator Adriana Lovesy, and they already have a waiting list of publishers for the next workshop.
Sarah explained: “Litho printing is a subject that a lot of our smaller and newer GCA publisher members have a lot of questions about. It can feel intimidating and a bit overwhelming to make the leap from digital to litho printing so we wanted to set up a webinar or workshop to help them get a better understanding of the process and how it could benefit them.
“Windles were brilliant – leading the publishers through the pre-press department, proofing process and then showing them their own designs being printed with their newest litho machine and cut down for them to take away that day.
“It was great to see so many publishers asking questions and learning about the process, which they will hopefully be ready to use in the near future.”
Emma-Louise said: “Windles take great pride in hand holding publishers on the cusp of this move so they fully understand the mechanics of litho printing from sheet up to physical proof approval, not to mention educating them on finishes and machine packing options too!
The attendees also included Lois Wynter-Hincliffe, of Wyntieré; Meg Hawkins, of Meg Hawkins Ltd; Ron Buurman, of Jane Buurman Handmade; Michelle Fiedler Design’s Michelle Dunlop; Klara Hawkins from Klara Hawkins; Emma Bryan of Emma Bryan Design; and Artthi and David Little, from Arrthi’s Studio.
