Darryl Thorpe visits from Austin Printing

Darryl Thorpe from Austin Printing recently visited Hank’s Publications class. Austin Printing is just one of Consolidated Graphics’ 70 printing facilities in 25 states. Offering the vast resources and collective knowledge of a large company, along with the personal service and hands-on approach of a small one, Consolidated Graphics employs over 5500 people nationwide. Thorpe spoke to the class about the strengths and weaknesses of digital printing, about traditional offset printing, and about the uses of various types of paper.

Approximately fifty percent of all files sent to the printer cannot be output exactly as delivered. The reasons for this are varied but include such issues as missing fonts and incompatible software. Printing problems become expensive as projects are delayed; however, if printing is factored into the creative process from the beginning, from concept to press, the troubles can be avoided.

Because Portfolio Center believes it is imperative for our students to understand the production side of the industry, expert creatives and business professionals such as Thorpe are frequently invited to offer their expertise in this hands-on, interactive environment.