More take a flyer on print again
FAMILY firm Varsity Graphics has seen many changes to the print and graphic design industry in the past 13 years.
But the most surprising trend is a drift back towards print products including flyers, posters, invitations, menus and signs.
Co-owner Sharon Sewell, who runs Varsity Graphics with her UK-born father Harry Brelsford, said their clients were finding print materials were cutting through more in the marketplace.
“I noticed the return to print around August last year,” she said.
“I think it is the younger generation on the Gold Coast. They like things to have nice branding and the Gold Coast is really coming into itself with all the new cafes. Everyone wants to look nice and print helps with that.”
She said cafes were increasingly turning to classic craft paper and white print for their menus. “Printing is tangible and makes a lasting impression, and locals keen to start a new business will come to us to help get their business recognised,” she said.
“We helped Blackboard Coffee in Varsity Lakes when they first launched, and it’s wonderful to see how the company has grown since then.”
Ms Sewell, who worked as a graphic designer in the UK for six years, said their company had had to adapt to the rise of web-based marketing by producing a more varied line of products.
Offset printing – where an inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket and then printing surface, has increasingly been replaced by digital printing.
Last year the business invested in a state-of-the-art Ricoh printing machine, capable of producing superior quality images, textured stocks, foils and unique white and clear inks.
The technology has meant they have boosted their portfolio of digital and offset print- ing services, including producing invitations, business cards, labels, brochures and name tags. They offer short and long runs, which can vary from a single personalised sticker to big corporate orders.
“At Christmas time we get parents ordering stickers for a scooter for their child, but we also recently produced an order of 20,000 flyers for a major tourism client, so no job is ever the same,” Ms Sewell said.
The company’s largest client is The Star Gold Coast, which rebranded from Jupiters Hotel & Casino in March.
Ms Sewell said products they produce for The Star Gold Coast include restaurant menus, invitations and signs. Key to their success was listening to client requirements.
“We’re branched out into large-format products, such as posters and vinyl signs, because customers keep asking for it. You have to keep up with the trends otherwise you get left behind.”
Mr Brelsford said the company prided itself on its innovative approach and flair.
“We are always on the lookout for the latest gadgets and innovative products to make sure we are giving our customers the best that contemporary printing has to offer,” he said.