Georgia In-plant Gives Students a Lesson in Printing

University of Georgia Printing recently offered graphic design students in the Lamar Dodd School of Art an educational tour of their facility. The tour helped students understand the limitations that arise when designing for print, and showed them how a design on the computer will look once printed.

Julie Spivey, associate professor of graphic design at the Lamar Dodd School of Art, saw the need for students to learn about the entire design process, from an idea on the computer to having a printed piece in hand. So prior to the visit, she had her class design business cards, with the intent of having the cards printed at University of Georgia Printing.

This project was different than most for two reasons. A business card is a reflection of each student’s personal brand. Therefore, a business card not only represents each student, but also shows the quality of their work. For graphic design students, this is of great importance. Also, this project was unique in the way that it was delivered. Normally, work may be printed at the Art School, or by students themselves, but this time, student pieces were printed professionally on an offset press.

“As future professional designers, it is essential that these students be familiar with the possibilities and limitations of offset printing,” remarks Spivey, “and it is impossible to expose them to such a tangible experience in the regular studio classroom.”

Spivey’s visits to the in-plant first began when University of Georgia Printing helped print senior exhibition materials for students. Max Harrell, manager of University of Georgia Printing, offered to print the students’ work while they watched, allowing them to ask questions during the print process. Since then, classes have made the short walk from the Art School to the printing department to learn more about the offset printing process.

“Students often remark that this was their favorite part of the semester and their favorite class activity,” notes Spivey.

Class tours also benefit the in-plant.

“We’re excited about being able to bridge the gap from being strictly a production area to being a positive experience for students and to be more student-related,” Harrell says. The printing department is taking proactive measures to contact professors and departments on campus to find ways to be a beneficial resource to students.

“More involvement with the student body will allow those who have an interest in this area to benefit from hands-on experience,” says Harrell.

Winner of multiple design and customer service awards, University of Georgia Printing is a one-stop, full-service printer. Founded in 1938, University of Georgia Printing serves the UGA community and other state agencies in Georgia.