Christchurch printing apprentice Melissa Dalgety had to tread the catwalk of success in front of hundreds of people at the Pride In Print Awards in Wellington, not once but twice.
She made her first appearance as the winner of the digital processes for print category in the Apprentice of the Year awards. Her second appearance on stage came as a welcome surprise. She won a gold medal for her entry of her design portfolio in the specialty products and processes category.
Speaking about the awards, Dalgety says, “I felt like I wasn’t even there, like it was honestly just a dream. I was nervous throughout the awards and my category was near the end so I had to wait anxiously as the awards were presented. As my name was read out, it felt like fireworks were going off all around me. I felt so proud, emotional and excited, it was quite surreal.”
Dalgety has worked for Rainbow Print Group for just over three and a half years. She previously studied for a diploma in computer graphic design at Natcoll Design Technology. At Rainbow, her tasks include processing files supplied by clients, advertising or design agencies to ensure they are set up correctly for print. She also designs concepts and finished artwork, working to briefs from account managers and clients.
Dalgety’s employer Graeme Duncan suggested entering her portfolio into Pride In Print because of its high quality. Dalgety says, “Before Graeme suggested the entry, I wasn’t aware that I could as an individual or there was a category it fitted. I felt that if I had a positive outcome it would be a fantastic reward for all the time, effort, heart and soul involved.”
She created the design portfolio to show the variety of graphic design work that she produced during her apprenticeship in digital print, at Rainbow Print Group. She says, “I spent a lot of time researching and planning how I would present my work. I wanted to use a variety of methods, materials, printing processes and embellishments to create a unique piece. I considered in great detail the content, fonts, colours, imagery and paper stocks.”
Dalgety has ambitions to move ahead in the industry. She says, “I am setting some new goals for myself as I would like to remain in the print and design industry and am keen to explore new areas and other opportunities. At present, I am expanding my knowledge in the area of variable data. I’m looking at possibilities to use my GAPF (Graphic Arts Pre-Press Federation) professional development scholarship, which I received at the apprentice awards.
“Short-term I am looking at obtaining new skills in the area of web design so that I can be more familiar with this area and perhaps look at advancing this new knowledge further in the future. I am currently looking at joining a toastmasters group as I would like to become a more confident speaker.
“Throughout my career I would like to expand my graphic design skills, and be exposed to this creative process more. I would like to learn from others who are experts in this field so that I can continue developing my skills. My future goals are to progress into a management role and potentially I would like to become a print co-ordinator and/or brand manager.”
