DIGITAL PRINTING IS A COMPROMISE NO LONGER
Digital printing used to feel like a compromise. Now it’s come of age — and is spreading its wings. This statement is found on the opening pages of Mohawk’s newest Maker’s Field Guide. And sets the stage for a printing tour de force created to reintroduce designers to the world of digital printing.
“The new Maker’s Field Guide to Digital Materials and Processes is the latest expression of Mohawk’s ongoing commitment to demonstrating the pivotal role materials play in the success of any project designed for print,” said Chris Harrold, Sr.Vice President, Marketing & Creative at Mohawk. “This edition should prove to designers that digital printing is no longer a compromise, but a sophisticated, agile means to produce beautiful print on an impressive range of materials from fine paper to durable synthetics.”
A Maker’s Field Guide to Digital Materials and Processes was created by Hybrid Design of San Francisco to complement Mohawk’s ongoing series of educational Field Guides. Third in the series, this new Field Guide was designed to demonstrate the flexibility of the latest digital printing presses through print demonstrations showing both paper and non-paper materials.
“The new maker needs to work smarter and faster; this means considering design beyond the screen — using materials and processes to translate ideas into physical experiences,” observes Dora Drimalas, Principal and Executive Creative Director at Hybrid. “From speed to iteration to experimentation, digital printing is a tool that has evolved to meet the nimble needs of the new maker. It’s time we started thinking big(er) about print.”
A Maker’s Field Guide to Digital Materials and Digital Processes recasts digital printing as an answer to the agility of modern workflow. It meets the needs of faster timelines, collaboration, iteration, personalization and the ever-climbing expectations for beauty supported by function. In short we are at a moment in time where the tools for printing are catching up to the needs of the new maker.
The entire 71 page book, including the cover and dust jacket, demonstrates 22 different digitally printed materials and is organized in three useful and high-impact sections:
INTRODUCTION/MAKE GOOD GREAT
This section provides an introduction to the harmonious relationship between ideas, materials and process, including a printed demonstration of the top three digital print techniques followed by an eye-catching composition showing a diverse range of materials from durable paper to magnets readily available from Mohawk.
PRINTED SAMPLES/MATERIALS WITH PURPOSE
This section features six unique sample projects; each suggesting how to use paper in combination with a specialty or a synthetic material. A range of printing techniques from simple single color to wide format inkjet as well as high fidelity, full color printing demonstrate just how far digital print has evolved. Leave your bias at the door, each print sample project is sure to open your eyes to new possibilities.
RESOURCES/BECOME THE DIGITAL PRINT EXPERT
Besides offering a short-hand summary of the preceding 59 pages of the book, this section is loaded with inspirational and educational resources along with tactical tools designed to get you from ideation to making in the here and now.
Starting October 30 get your copy by reaching out to your Mohawk sales rep or your local Mohawk distributor, or to purchase visit mohawkconnects.com/inspiration/field-guides.