Graeme Richardson-Locke welcomed to the ASDPT in Las Vegas

Graeme Richardson-Locke discusses his delight in being welcomed as a member of the Academy of Screen and Digital Printing Technologies and his attendance at the Academy’s dinner in Las Vegas.

As many of my friends and colleagues know, I have worked for nearly 35 years in screen printing and for a long time in wide format digital imaging. From the first Encad Novajet and HP Designjets to the current array of UV, Latex, solvent-based solutions and now emerging single pass presses, I have been watching and using more and more impressive printers. Screen printing retains its place as it has more creative potential than CMYK imaging alone. I’ve been involved in the development of skills standards for NVQ’s, I’ve taken part in validating HND and Degree courses in surface decoration and completed more technical training than I care to list. I still print fine art reproductions digitally with the odd screen-printed enhancement.

This year when I joined FESPA as Technical Support Manager I felt extremely grateful for the faith placed in me to provide a full time technical voice into the organisation. I have enjoyed bringing my experience and contributions to FESPA’s very talented team.

Whilst I’m no longer using a squeegee and inking up a press day to day, the skills I acquired along the way remain relevant when presenting papers at conferences or working on the wide range of tasks at FESPA. I do it because I love printing. There I’ve said it, sad some may say however, all these years have allowed me to print everything from flexible printed circuits, to clothing, to art, to retail POS. In fact, a very diverse range of products that have all required production, trouble shooting and an understanding of how to get them made swiftly and accurately.

It’s from this viewpoint, that I wish to share my understanding and where possible improve print through screen and digital techniques. I have been involved with the FESPA UK Association and its predecessors for many years and have benefited from the generosity of too many people to mention here (you know who you are).

It was with some surprise and delight that I recently received an email from the Academy of Screen and Digital Printing technologies (ASDPT) in America who informed me that I’d been proposed as a member. My proposer was Michel Caza the ‘guru’ of screen and digital printing, this alone, was enough of an accolade, but the next stage was to make an application for consideration by the membership. This required several hours of trawling through my memory, looking up dates of projects I’d been a part of that may lead them to say, yes. However, with the support of Jacek Stencel of Pasja in Poland and Lorenz Boegli from Atelier Fur Seibdruck in Switzerland I felt that I may be in with a chance either this year or next.

Caption: Las Vegas at night

Several weeks ago, the vote took place, myself and Alan Howe in the US were both successful. I booked a flight to Las Vegas, where the SGIA show was taking place and attended my first dinner with the Academy.

Caption: After the presentation at SGIA

It was a very enjoyable experience, although being asked to make a speech after dinner caught me by surprise. During my speech I explained that I’d been reading technical articles and I drew inspiration from many of the members, such as Don Newman, Scott Fresner and Mark Coudray over the last 25 years. To be now considered a peer is a tremendous honour. I can add many more individuals to this list of inspirational people I’ve made contact with during my career but to have this recognition is something that I will personally treasure. I look forward to seeing many of the Academy members again during FESPA 2019 in May in Munich.

Caption: Myself with Michel Caza and my fellow ASDPT Members.

I conclude this blog with a massive thanks to everyone who has contributed to my growth and development and I commit to helping where I can as we seek to address the future challenges this industry faces.