About

Web2Print Implementation

I am currently working for a Web2Print company based in North London, where my role involves creating editable templates and setting up print portals. The templates i build include various components such as dropdown menus for selecting choice of content, image libraries and variable QR codes that can be customised for URLs or vCards. The company Web2Print system allows custom CSS files to be added to each portal built. This was a great way to improve my CSS and overall coding skills - especially as there is no direct access to the portal's base HTML and so i had to find creative ways of overriding embedded inline styles and reposition elements.

The experience of styling the portals led me to further study and get a better understanding of HTML, CSS, SASS, and JavaScript. After gaining more knowledge and confidence in my abilities, i pushed the idea to update and modernise the default system UI look and feel. This lead on to looking after the UI styling for larger projects as well as developing reusable, customisable CSS base files for other team members to incorporate into their own projects.

Pre Press & Document Composition

I began working for a digital print company based in the West End of London, where i first became involved in the variable data side of the industry, while still managing pre-press projects.

I began by setting up variable documents in QuarkXPress, creating personalised print for stationery, promotional products, and direct mail. The company bought personalisation software called DirectSmile. This had features such as ‘Clip Font’ which allowed text to follow the path of images, which, for example, created effects like writing text in flowers on the grass. As I was starting to take on larger direct mail print projects using the new software, which included a forthcoming large offer campaign for Sainsbury's, i was given the opportunity to further my knowledge of DirectSmile. I travelled to Berlin, where the company was based, for a few days of training at their office.

Eventually, i moved away from pre press work and was one of two people selected to join the newly formed Document Composition team. We focused on large direct mail and personalisation projects using GMC PrintNet T software, following the company’s shift away from DirectSmile. Our clients included HomeServe, Wolseley UK, Citroen, Peugeot, Carlsberg and The Labour Party.

Mac Operator

After completing a year in six form studying Art and Design, i began a course in Graphic Design and Origination. This combined classroom learning with workplace experience, which was an amazing way to develop my practical skills in a professional environment.

My journey began at a print company in North London, where I was artworking, typesetting and working with the scanning department, incorporating their cleaned up images into magazines, flyers and brochures. I also managed the output of files to film and created matchprints for client approval. As i continued my studies, i was offered a full time role as a Mac Operator.