FESPA Awards - excellence in screen printing, non-printed signage, fine art and paper

FESPA Awards are categorised into 18 specialist groups which are then judged by a panel of experienced judges. The Awards help to showcase the creativity, innovation and craftmanship within the print and signage industries. This article highlights four winners from 2023, Kolorcraft, Stylographics, Graffiti Siebdruck and Sincerely Screen Co., whose work showed the dynamic possibilities within screen printing, non-printed signage, fine art and paper.

FESPA Awards are categorised into 18 specialist groups which are then judged by a panel of experienced judges. The Awards help to showcase the creativity, innovation and craftmanship within the print and signage industries. This article highlights four winners from 2023, Kolorcraft, Stylographics, Graffiti Siebdruck and Sincerely Screen Co., whose work showed the dynamic possibilities within screen printing, non-printed signage, fine art and paper.

Kolorcraft’s Vibrant Summer Food Festival Display (Gold Award -Display and POP on paper & board)

Kolorcraft won the Gold Award for its innovative POS campaign for Waitrose’s Summer Food Festival, transforming stores into busy street markets with vibrant tuk-tuks, canopy displays, and signage panels. Developed using Sketch-Up, Photoshop, and ArtiosCAD, Kolorcraft’s designs were printed on eco-friendly corrugated boards, polyprop, and honeycomb materials.

Using thorough prototyping, Kolorcraft perfected the design, using virtual walkthroughs to view the project as customers would. In total, over 700 display pieces were produced and installed across 21 locations. Kolorcraft’s display achieved all campaign goals and was recycled at the end, ensuring sustainable practices in retail design.

Stylographics’ Floral Signage for Hobbs (Gold Award - Non-Printed Signage)

Stylographics received the Gold Award in the Non-Printed Signage category for an impressive spring campaign created for UK fashion brand Hobbs. Simon Wheeler, Managing Director of Stylographics, described the campaign as a blend of art and craft, featuring 40 oversized floral displays designed for Hobbs’s flagship stores. Made from eco-friendly materials, the displays used aluminium stems wrapped in crepe paper with hand-formed card petals, creating an eye-catching 3D effect that perfectly complemented Hobbs’s seasonal collection.

With only three weeks from initial concept to delivery, Stylographics turned rough visuals into 3D renders for client approval before moving into fabrication. The flowers were able to be assembled by store staff, and the materials allowed the display to be recycled after use by store teams.

Graffiti Siebdruck’s SERICHROMA halftone screenprint “The Porsche Jump” (Gold Award – Serigraphy’s and Fine Art)

German company Graffiti Siebdruck was awarded a Gold Award for its version of ‘The Porsche Jump,’ celebrating the iconic 1960 photograph ‘Der Porsche Sprung’ by Egon Zimmermann. The project involved intricate colour separations in Photoshop, resulting in a black and white reproduction printed in 7 shades of grey and a colour version created with 14 hues, all on Canson BFK Rives 300gsm natural cotton paper using a Thieme 3020 press. The six-week project emphasised the need for high image accuracy and flatness and was achieved through the meticulous selection of materials and inks.

The team of five members, faced unique challenges due to the different approaches needed for the black-and-white and colour images, which required precise linearity and stability during the printing process. Their expertise allowed them to successfully navigate these challenges, ensuring consistent results and excellent gradation in their prints. The company prides itself on understanding client briefs deeply, delivering exceptional quality while prioritising sustainability through waste reduction and renewable energy practices. For the company, winning the FESPA award was a significant recognition of their artistic approach to screen printing by a panel of experts.

Sincerely Screen Co.’s ‘Covert Power’ Artwork (Gold Award - Serigraphy’s & Fine Art)

Sincerely Screen Co. achieved the Gold Award in Serigraphy’s & Fine Art for ‘Covert Power’, a complex multi-layer screen print inspired by Thai mythology. Featuring the Garuda mask in high-density silicone inks, this layered print utilised glow-in-the-dark and photochromic inks to create a dynamic experience. Over nine weeks, Sincerely Screen Co.’s artists built up the mythological imagery with inks taken from natural pigments and minimal waste throughout production.

The entry impressed judges with its 3D depth and attention to detail, showing the potential of screen printing. The award recognises Sincerely Screen Co.’s dedication to blending traditional art with sustainable practices, making their project more present in the fine art category.

These award-winning projects show some of the best creativity that can be achieved in print and signage, while highlighting how sustainable materials and eco-conscious practices are transforming the industry.

Join us in 2025 for the next edition of FESPA Awards, alongside the FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin. Applications are now open, apply here!  If you are interested in visiting FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 taking place from 6 – 9 May at Messe Berlin, Germany register your interest here.