Rounding this entire experience at APG Works up, it has given me a very positive and motivating insight into the everyday nature of an independent screen printing workplace. Regarding the limited productivity that I was able to indulge in, it was still an experience that has allowed me to help provide support and assistance to APG, whether that's keeping the building organised, assisting the designing of the postcards or getting involved with screen printing the postcards themselves.
APG Works wasn't really my first choice of places to gain experience in because I'm more into illustration that uses other methods. Although, it surely exceeded my expectations when I got started getting involved with all the various processes a screen printing institution takes. Screen printing is completely new to me and seeing the results that are produced from what they design up on the computer has motivated me to doing more screen prints in my future work.
If there was anything to have done differently for a better experience, it would have been to mix in with the framing process of the work they do a bit more than I did. I didn't feel like I gained as much knowledge or practical experience with that area of APG as I'd have hoped.
Tuesday, 5 May 2015
Sunday, 3 May 2015
Peddler Market // 01.05.15 - 02.05.15
Here is a quick snap of the indoor area of the Peddler Market event. APG Works's stall displaying the prints on the wall behind the crowd.
Final Day at APG Works
10:00-17:00
For the final day working at APG Works, I was helping out with the preparation for the Peddler Market by wrapping up chosen framed prints ready to be displayed at the event. I wrapped them up bubble wrap with cling film holding it down before moving them down the road to the Peddler Market. I also transported other various things ready for the set up of the pop-up stall.
For the final day working at APG Works, I was helping out with the preparation for the Peddler Market by wrapping up chosen framed prints ready to be displayed at the event. I wrapped them up bubble wrap with cling film holding it down before moving them down the road to the Peddler Market. I also transported other various things ready for the set up of the pop-up stall.
Below is the designated stall for APG Works at the Peddler Market.
Reflection
The final day of the work placement proved to be the most active as I had been constantly moving multiple heavy items from APG to the event stall down the road. It was mostly just a labouring type of day but having being part of support for the preparation of a live event was very rewarding as Rupert now considers me as a convenient acquaintance. The final day had opened up another area of experience leading into event organising which widens it out further, instead of the experience being institutionalised in one location and one field of work.
Saturday, 2 May 2015
Day 4 at APG Works
10:00-17:30
It had begun with getting to work on cutting down the card material down to the correct size of the postcard designs. This was done using a craft knife and a large steel ruler, I made a slight mistake of not placing another material underneath and shifting it around so that the lines that I cut don't go into the same groove that appears into the table.
Panoramic view of the screen printing room.
It had begun with getting to work on cutting down the card material down to the correct size of the postcard designs. This was done using a craft knife and a large steel ruler, I made a slight mistake of not placing another material underneath and shifting it around so that the lines that I cut don't go into the same groove that appears into the table.
I then took on the role of using this strip of light to see if any unwanted specs of light come through where they shouldn't by using the same emulsion medium used on the screen to cover them up.
We now had started to place the postcard stencil down onto the surface so we can line up the two exposed screens perfectly for when we finish with printing the white and start printing the black on top afterwards.
To this point we are rolling on with screen printing the white ink down onto the material. Rupert did most of the printing, as it was a professional piece for advertising the company, whereas I was able to assist him with the moving stacking of the prints.
This print in particular below was one that I was given the chance to get a first hand experience of screen printing in APG Works. I was just very relieved that I didn't make a mess, knowing that its a professional piece.
The printing had moved onto using the black ink to finish off the postcards.
Below is the postcard that I actually printed myself, Rupert let me have this one to take home with me.
As you can see below, there's quite a big difference in the layout which makes the postcards not so crowded and more to the point. Before picture on the left and After picture on the right.
Reflection
So far throughout my time at APG Works, this day has been my favourite by far as it has given me the chance to physically get involved in working alongside Rupert and getting a hands on experience on the processes of screen printing designs. It was a long day but it was a very proactive day to which I felt proud that I provided a service in assisting the preparation of the postcards that will feature in the Peddler Markets this weekend. Looking back, screen printing is still not my first stop to call at in relation to my illustration ambition but so far, this experience has definitely opened up a few more doors and my outlook in the professional world wider in breadth.
Day 3 at APG Works
10:00-17:00
I started to observe the designing of new postcards that Rupert was planning to create; using Adobe Photoshop, a large format printer and silk screens. These are the previous postcard designs below, Rupert wanted this design back with only a few changes to the text as an update.
Reflection
I feel like it wasn't a day that I was able to engage in as much practical work as I'd have hoped for but both me and Rupert agreed with how that is the reality of working in an environment such as a competitive yet independent/local business. Much of the time being spent on this day wasn't as handy as it could have been, so if I actually went to the framing area of the building and observed/indulged in the craftsmanship that takes place there by Rupert's assistant then that would have given me more hands on knowledge about another service that APG Works provides.
I started to observe the designing of new postcards that Rupert was planning to create; using Adobe Photoshop, a large format printer and silk screens. These are the previous postcard designs below, Rupert wanted this design back with only a few changes to the text as an update.
He was able to redesign the layout of the postcard using Adobe Photoshop before printing it out onto film.
As we printed out the postcard designs, we had them ready to be exposed for around 12-14 minutes, laying on a black material so the light doesn't bounce back unnecessary light.
We then washed the screens down so it isn't light sensitive anymore and keeps the exposed design present. The screens were then ready to use ahead of the next day's screen printing.
Below are images of a small job I asked about doing just to keep me busy and useful to APG, during a time of slow/little productivity. I basically cut out the silk screens out of the frames using a craft knife and took all the tape off so they're relatively cleaner for future use.
Reflection
I feel like it wasn't a day that I was able to engage in as much practical work as I'd have hoped for but both me and Rupert agreed with how that is the reality of working in an environment such as a competitive yet independent/local business. Much of the time being spent on this day wasn't as handy as it could have been, so if I actually went to the framing area of the building and observed/indulged in the craftsmanship that takes place there by Rupert's assistant then that would have given me more hands on knowledge about another service that APG Works provides.
Tuesday, 28 April 2015
Day 2 at APG Works
10:00-16:30
Today I started getting practical within the workstation at APG Works by completing the task of cutting up a client's printed photography. Careful consideration was taken into the technique of doing this, such as being instructed to score from one marker to the next and never to slice all the way across the page in order to keep its integrity. Other various roles that I took on today consisted of vacuum cleaning multiple gallery rooms, dusting surfaces and cleaning the glass of the framed work. Keeping the place tidy and clean took up most of the day's work but it was a good to keep the place spotless ahead of the Peddler Market that APG Works will be involved with this weekend. The Peddler Market is an independent street market event for people to enjoy the festivities of street food, music, alcoholic bars and art.
Cutting of the photography work
Reflection
Looking back on this, I believe it was a slow day as was yesterday although some progress has been made which I'm very thankful for. Given the amount of admin work that Rupert has to confront with, he has been very generous with attending his spare time with me so that I was able to physically experience the task of separating a client's prints. I'd have hoped to have done more productive work like this instead of the basics of cleaning/organising the facilities but that is all part of the realistic experience of working in an environment such as APG Works, a competitive printing institution. Rupert and I did discuss what tasks there are likely to be done by tomorrow which mainly included in screen-printing postcards/flyers for the company ahead of a live event this weekend. This will be something straight forward but I'm really happy that its further progress.
Monday, 27 April 2015
Day 1 at APG Works
10:00-16:30
As Rupert (the owner) stated a few days before my start of the work placement in APG, they're currently not engaging with much screen printing as they usually take in so in terms of getting in on that area of the business, it will be fairly limited. I still accepted the offer to work alongside them as I understand it is that situation that can occur in the reality of the workplace in any field.
What happened:
As it was the first day of the placement, it consisted of observing and becoming familiar with the routines and activities that take place in APG Works, such as:
Reflection:
As limited as the activities are for this week, I believe the steady start has been informative and easy to become familiar with the nature of APG Works and what they have to offer for me. Rupert is very considerate about how much valuable experience I can get out of this week and that it makes something to the best of my opportunity. I believe him that I will get out the best that I can be given while working at APG.
As Rupert (the owner) stated a few days before my start of the work placement in APG, they're currently not engaging with much screen printing as they usually take in so in terms of getting in on that area of the business, it will be fairly limited. I still accepted the offer to work alongside them as I understand it is that situation that can occur in the reality of the workplace in any field.
What happened:
As it was the first day of the placement, it consisted of observing and becoming familiar with the routines and activities that take place in APG Works, such as:
- engaging with customers and discussing the proportions of the frames, window mounts and glass that they enquire about for their work
- printing out images of people's photography, designs, artwork etc. on a large format printer, interchanging between different types of card, paper, rolls and sheets
- measuring and adjusting the size proportions of the prints and the borders that are applied in order to fit perfectly with the customers preferences
- moving, arranging and organising the storage of the screens and various other supplies
Large format printing in process
Rupert adjusting the proportions on Shiraz.
Panoramic room view
Large format printer
Main Office
Shop floor
Framing examples displayed on the wall
Reflection:
As limited as the activities are for this week, I believe the steady start has been informative and easy to become familiar with the nature of APG Works and what they have to offer for me. Rupert is very considerate about how much valuable experience I can get out of this week and that it makes something to the best of my opportunity. I believe him that I will get out the best that I can be given while working at APG.
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
APG Works
I received a reply regarding my enquiry into working with APG Works, me and the owner (Rupert Wood) discussed meeting up and so we did. From then on, I was able to have a look around the workplace as well as getting a brief induction on what I will be doing while working with them. Rupert was very considerate regarding how beneficial this experience will be for me and my interests, skills and ambitions for the future.
"We want you to get the best out of this as you possibly can" - these were the words I can recall being spoken in the discussion.
Knowing that the work that's being produced by APG Works can be provided for areas such as theatre, this has grasped my motivation and interest into the screen-printing workplace even further. Gaining the knowledge and practical work at this place will hopefully provide me with links to big names/institutions.
Work placement begins 27.04.15 - 01.05.15.
Source
http://www.apgworks.co.uk/blog/?row=1
"We want you to get the best out of this as you possibly can" - these were the words I can recall being spoken in the discussion.
The Designers Republic // Work Buy Consume Die 02/07/2014
PHO-KU CORPORATION WORK BUY CONSUME DIE colour screen print
485x700mm Somerset Tubsized Satin 315gsm
Limited Edition of 100 embossed and numbered
Printed at APG Works.
Knowing that the work that's being produced by APG Works can be provided for areas such as theatre, this has grasped my motivation and interest into the screen-printing workplace even further. Gaining the knowledge and practical work at this place will hopefully provide me with links to big names/institutions.
Work placement begins 27.04.15 - 01.05.15.
Source
http://www.apgworks.co.uk/blog/?row=1
Saturday, 21 March 2015
Scruffy Dog Ltd.
I have also sent an email to this set design company who work with a variety of areas such as festivals, tv/film set construction and themed visitor attractions. They provide very good breadth of fields so I'd be very excited to be involved with any of those services that they provide to clients.
Source
Perry Scenic Creative
I have sent off an email enquiring about the possibility of a work placement for this set design company. I hope I back from them soon because they've worked for clients such as Katy Perry, Rammstein, John Bishop, Muse and Lady Gaga.
Muse Stadium Tour 2013
Rammstein Tours
Lady Gaga - Monster Ball Tour
Source
Saturday, 14 March 2015
GingerBred, APG Works and Plum Pudding Illustration.
GingerBred
I have sent off an email to an illustrator located in Sheffield known as Sarah Ward to enquire about gaining experience alongside her to see how she goes about doing her work.
APG Works
A slightly different place I've enquired about is APG Works, which is a company who make designs for companies using printing methods mostly.
Plum Pudding Illustration
Most recently, I have sent an email to the illustration agency known as Plum Pudding Illustration. I found them through the website of Sarah Ward.
I have sent off an email to an illustrator located in Sheffield known as Sarah Ward to enquire about gaining experience alongside her to see how she goes about doing her work.
APG Works
A slightly different place I've enquired about is APG Works, which is a company who make designs for companies using printing methods mostly.
Plum Pudding Illustration
Most recently, I have sent an email to the illustration agency known as Plum Pudding Illustration. I found them through the website of Sarah Ward.
Sunday, 1 March 2015
Sheffield Lyceum Theatre
I have sent an email enquiring about the possibility of getting involved with the team who work with the preparation of sets for the theatre. There wasn't any information about volunteering opportunities but I have contacted the company nonetheless.
Website
http://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/
Image Source
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2162/2536181181_da1b665280.jpg
Website
http://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/
Image Source
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2162/2536181181_da1b665280.jpg
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