PIA MidAmerica’s Graphic Excellence Competition (GraphEx) was created in 1989 to recognize the outstanding abilities of print producers to transform paper and ink into outstanding forms of communication. Since the industry is comprised of very diverse companies, the competition has over 300 categories in three different divisions. The categories reflect products such as: annual reports, brochures, letterheads, newsletters, direct marketing, presentation folders, cross media campaigns, and much, much more. Divisions are determined by size of firm. Division I – Small Firm (1-20 employees); Division II – Medium Firm (21-100 employees); and Division III – Large Firm (101+ employees).
GRAPHEX AWARDS 2024
CONGRATULATIONS!
PIA MidAmerica hosts the annual Graphic Excellence Awards (GraphEx) competition to recognize our industry’s outstanding technical achievements in innovation and print production. Hundreds of entries are submitted each year in an array of categories including brochures, magazines, calendars, campaigns, packaging and much more. Our independent judges select extraordinary pieces in the competition to be recognized for Best of Show, Best of Division, Specialty, Best of Category awards and Awards of Recognition.
In addition, we want to recognize businesses and technical professionals who make up one of the industry’s largest regional trade associations in the United States. These professionals and award-winning companies demonstrate outstanding technical capabilities in print and finishing techniques. Distinguished industry leaders are recognized with Print Champion, and Executive of the Year honors as well as our professionals of the year. Join me in congratulating all the winners on their outstanding contributions that have made a positive impact on our region.
2024 EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR
2024 EXECUTIVE KS/MO
Cliff Johnson
Cliff Johnson is a third-generation printer who learned the craft of printing in his grandfather’s basement, running an antique Heidelberg letterpress. After college, he worked in his father’s commercial printing shop where he learned the business side of a small business. These formative years taught Cliff the craft and business skills needed in today’s advanced technology printing world. In 1988, Cliff founded Alpine Litho-Graphics after breaking away from his father’s business. As the owner, he is involved in every aspect of the business, from collaborating with customers on design to highlighting innovative technology, helping on press checks, or even lending a hand in the shipping department if there is a need. Cliff has a BS in Business Administration from the University of Missouri. He is competitive by nature, and enjoys racing his formula car in the SCAA National competition. Alpine’s building showcases a vintage race car in the lobby as a tribute to his passion.
2024 EXECUTIVE OK/TX
Paul Goelzer Jr.
Beginning his career at age 15, Paul Goelzer Jr. has played a pivotal role in the company’s evolution into a premier envelope manufacturer. This achievement follows the legacy of his father, Paul Goelzer Sr., who founded the company in 1985 with a vision that transformed Goelzer Industries into a nationally recognized leader in direct mail services. Central to Paul Jr.’s leadership is a culture of excellence, emphasizing personal development, mutual care, teamwork, and a commitment to quality. This approach not only secures long-term customer loyalty but also showcases the company’s dedication to excellence. A Baylor University graduate with a degree in finance and entrepreneurship, and a former analyst at NationsBank, Paul Jr. brings a rich blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to his role. As a devoted father to twin daughters Elizabeth and Sophie and husband to wife Carolyn, he exemplifies the balance between professional dedication and personal life.
2024 PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR
2024 PRINT CHAMPION KS/MO
Mike Hutto
Varsity Yearbook
Mike Hutto is a highly regarded leader known for his unwavering faith, high integrity, and self-starting attitude. With a proven track record of success in various organizations, Mike excels in building teams, developing talent, and driving operational excellence. Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated his ability to work with all levels of personnel and management, showcasing exceptional leadership in operations, sales, and supply chain management. He has exceeded goals and managed budgets effectively. As a project manager, Mike has overseen in-house and outsourced projects, demonstrating his expertise in supply chain management, vendor contract negotiation, and project implementation. Mike’s commitment to sustainability is evident through his leadership in the Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative projects. His proficiency in Lean Six Sigma and Operational Excellence training underscores his dedication to continuous improvement. Mike currently serves as Bindery and Commercial General Supervisor at Varsity Yearbook and oversees operations to ensure the highest standards of quality. His exceptional leadership continues to inspire those around him to strive for excellence in all endeavors.
2024 PRINT CHAMPION OK/TX
Tate Rodriguez
C&R Bindery
Tate Rodriguez epitomizes innovation and dedication in the printing industry. With a career spanning various pivotal roles across the sector, Tate has consistently been the driving force behind turning complex challenges into seamless successes. His journey in print, bindery, mail shop, and packaging has cemented his reputation as a venerated figure, renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge and unmatched ability to collaborate effectively with salespeople, vendors, and customers alike. At C&R, Tate plays a pivotal role, applying his extensive experience to oversee operations, ensuring every project not only meets, but exceeds expectations. His philosophy, a blend of unwavering optimism and strategic innovation, propels his team to transform impossible into accomplished. Tate identified C&R as a significant opportunity for the next chapter in his graphic arts career. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tate and his team made the bold decision to acquire C&R. His marriage to Vicky Rodriguez, however, stands as his best idea yet. Tate continues to mentor both clients and employees with his unceasing knowledge of the industry.
2024 CUSTOMER SERVICE PRINT PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Diana McKee
Harvest Graphics
“Diana is very knowledgeable in our industry which instill confidence with our customers. She goes above and beyond coordinating multiple orders daily and communicating in a manner that leaves you feeling confident all i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed.”
2024 CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Amanda Crawford
Cape Equipment & Services
“Amanda is extremely professional on the phone with all of our customers and quick to response internally to our sales team and externally with quotes and bids and any customer issue. She brings new ideas and ways to make our processes more efficient to our Sales Team meetings.”
2024 HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
William Smith
Walsworth
“Will has been instrumental in developing and rolling out our new Walsworth Commercial Sales Development Training Program – designed to bring the next generation of rising sales professionals into the print industry.”
2024 HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Hebert Alvarado
Houston ISD
“We could not be successful without his strong work ethic, unending commitment to our team, easy demeanor and friendly personality. Hebert exemplifies the term “professional” and we owe much of our success to his partnership.”
2024 PRODUCTION PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Shari Keeney
Maywood
“Shari’s years of experience, outstanding creativity, attention to knowing our client base and the look they are wanting is nothing but SPOT ON. She is what makes Maywood what it is today and we are so appreciate and thankful for her to play such a large role.”
2024 PRODUCTION PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Elizabeth Ramirez
Litho Press
“In Elizabeth’s current role as Digital Production Manager, she exhibits a daily commitment to detail & customer service interaction with our customer/clients: the most significant contributing factors to the explosive growth of this department.”
2024 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Cassie Elliott
Walsworth
“Cassie is not only a great leader, but she empowers her employees to better themselves. She implemented cost saving GCR process within the press room and serves on improvement team. Her short time with the company has been noticed and I wish every employee put in the effort that Cassie does!”
2024 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Drew Delaney
Varispark
“Drew stands out as a leader and manager because of his innovation and his drive to make things better at Varispark. He has shown initiative in so many different projects that it has made him stand out as one of the key leaders at Varispark.”
2024 OUTSTANDING TEAM KS/MO
Jasmine Al-Hussain,
Dennis Evans,
Laura Haverkamp,
Grace Haworth,
Loren Kallenbach,
Damon Lewis,
Gene Petrie,
Abbie Shanelec,
John Wallace,
Doug Wingfield
Hallmark Cards, Inc.
“This team has developed new processes, repurposed print technology, developed new materials, doubled productivity. Throughout the initiative, the team stayed united in purpose and determined to persevere. Hallmark is grateful for, and proud of, these agile problem solvers that have elevated us to a new level of print excellence.”
2024 OUTSTANDING TEAM OK/TX
Meredith Clampitt Whaley,
Karlien Murray,
Cindy Petitt,
Jessica Phillips,
Carla Hammer,
Louis Cuellar,
Kailey Walton,
Donna Vaught,
Max Laroach
Clampitt Paper
“The team’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the dynamic field of paper and print is truly commendable. Their foresight has allowed Clampitt Paper to stand as a beacon of innovation, serving as a catalyst for positive change within the print industry. Moreover, the team’s collaborative spirit and effective communication have fostered strong partnerships with creatives, printers and organizations across the country.”
2024 CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPLIER PROFESSIONAL
Bob Buechele
Veritiv
“Bob is 100% customer focused, he consistently gains insights to the customer’s needs and builds solutions that meets the customer’s requirements. He strives to deliver a positive experience with Veritiv customers and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the print industry.”
2024 PRINT PIONEER OK/TX
Eloise Pemberton
Brodnax 21C
“You can ask anyone who has worked with Eloise over the years, and they will all say she is an honorable, trustworthy, caring beyond words, for all of the places she has worked for over all of her life. She doesn’t accept that something can’t be done and will go to great lengths to take care of her business while maintaining a respect and consideration for the company she is working for.”
2024 EDUCATOR PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Chris Huitt
Pittsburg State University
“Chris Huitt brings over 20 years of expertise in printing and screen printing, complemented by his role as a PSU educator since 2009. His contributions to Skills USA and student achievements, including PIA Print Awards and AAF (ADDY) Awards, underscore his profound impact on the industry.”
2024 EDUCATOR PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Tomas Matic IV
Legacy Preparatory Charter Academy
“Tomas shines as a beacon of inspiration at Legacy Preparatory Charter Academy, where his dedication to print education profoundly impacts his students. Through his passion and commitment, he cultivates an environment of learning and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the next generation of printing professionals.”
2024 ESTIMATOR PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Angie Alsop
Trabon
“Angie not only manages our estimating department, but she also provides production planning and estimating for one of our largest restaurant accounts. From day 1 Angie has been a team player and has worked in several positions including sales. Not sure what we would do if we didn’t have her skills on our team. She is absolutely one of a kind.”
2024 ESTIMATOR PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Gary Achilli
ColorMark
“Best Estimator I have ever worked with, no doubt. I wouldn’t have been successful without him.”
BEST OF SHOW
PLATINUM
Print Trends, Virtual Packaging
Gardener of Peace Project
Custom wrapped box stamped with copper and clear foil debossing of the artist’s signature on the outer lid. Made to house the 170-page hard cover book and one original art print tipped on to the inside of the framed lid. Opening with ribbon hinges and ribbon pull for book removal and then set in a dark velvet cavity. The smythe-sewn publication included a ribbon bookmark and foil stamped spine. Printed on a Landa press at Virtual Packaging to achieve the desired brilliance of the International Klein Blue vibrant color and using uncoated Mohawk Superfine text and cover weight paper it was the collaborative effort of 7 partners. Print and project management by Print Trends.
GOLD
OptiGraphics
EMEK Flower Car 3D with Motion Lenticular
This 28” x 40” poster was produced on a UV offset KBA press in 4-color process at 100 LPI using a 22 mil special deep 3D lenticular lens and flatbed trimmer.
SILVER
J&J Printing
PPaper Trails – Finding The Perfect Line
6.5 x 8.75 Perfect Bound Book printed on a Ryobi 750G LED UV 4 Color Press and a Canon ix3200 Digital Ink Jet. Domtar Cougar Papers used throughout: 130# Cougar Super, Smooth White cover, 80# Cougar Smooth White cover, 80# Cougar Smooth Natural cover, 130# Cougar Smooth Natural cover, 100#, Cougar Super Smooth White text, 80# Cougar White Smooth text.
BRONZE
Varsity Yearbook
Wyndham Presidents Club Book
This 11” x 11” hard cover book was printed on 100# gloss cover using an HP Indigo 15000 and a Kluge for foil application.
BEST OF KANSAS / MISSOURI
PLATINUM
Next Page
2023 Best Practices Forum Invite Mailer
Campaign housed in a die cut folder, printed on a Komori press in 4-color process on 100# Solar White Classic Stripple cover.
GOLD
Walsworth
Welcome to Carmel by Liberty Press
Coffee table book printed on a Heidelberg press with a Smyth-sewn hardboard spine and hot foil with black headband. The endsheet is printing using White Glatfelter Endleaf. The foldout, gatefold and interior were printed on Influence Gloss text.
SILVER
Creative Printing and Packaging
Chinet Influencer Packaging
Digitally printed dual-sided outside wrap hand applied to a digital routed out board with magnet. Inside boxes are litho printed, diecut, and glued, then hand assembled. Produced using Acutiy F, Zund cutter, KBA 106, Brausse SBL Diecutter, and a Brausse Eterna 1100 Gluer on .024 C1S, 50pt chip board, and GF 201. This project was executed in collaboration with Allied Litho.
BRONZE
Walsworth
Original Living Magazine – December 2023
Perfect bound with scuff free matte lamination and hot foil embellishment. Digitally printed using 168# White 15 pt Tango Carolina for the cover. The text uses 60# white Influence Gloss text.
BEST OF CENTRAL / SOUTH TX
PLATINUM
Bayside Printing
Celebrating 175 years of Faith
Invitation suite printed 4-color process using both 20” and 40” Heidelberg Speedmaster presses on 100lb Opaque Cover. Sculpted and embossed with gold foil.
PLATINUM
Bayside Printing
A Gift from the Heart
Cookbook printed using a 40” Heidelberg Speedmaster 6-color sheet fed press, Stahl High speed folder on Mohawk Options Crystal White Vellum text. Prints in 4-color process + PMS 7531, Cover Wrap: Rainbow Opaque Text with classic embossing, prints 4-color process + foil embossing. End Sheets: 80lb. Mohawk Options Crystal White Cover Vellum finish.
GOLD
Accu-Print
San Antonio Zoo Ball Invitation 2023
Invitation printed using NexPress Color Press on Cranes Lettra 110# cover, 111# Wild Clay Cover (envelope) with accompanying belly-band on dull crack & peel substrate.
SILVER
Horizon Printing & Mailing
Global Engagement Report 2020-2022
Report printed using Mitsubishi Diamond 3000 on 100# Flo gloss cover in 4-color process + soft touch AQ on both sides. Interior printed on 100# Pro Silk text.
BRONZE
Integ
Lunch and Learn Invitation
Invitation printed on HP Indigo 15000 and KM BizHub on 80# GPA Dull cover with an A-10 Envelope.
DIVISION I
PLATINUM
MetroVCS
SFP Wedding Invitation Suite
Hand-assembled save the date card printed on Heidelberg Letterpress using Valiani Custom Flatbed Cutter, Yawa Emboss Press, Yawa Die Cut Press, and a Yawa Foil Stamper. Papers used are Cranes Lettra, Ecological Fibers Velvet, Colorplan Vellum White, and Star Dream Gold.
GOLD
Registermarks
No Worries If Not
Intricate board game package produced on a Potdevin rotary press using 60 pt. chip board and plastic laminate.
SILVER
MetroVCS
David Chipperfield Architects
Printed using an HP Indigo 12000 on 100# Colorplan Vellum White Cover and 100# Mohawk Superfine Ultrawhite Eggshell Text with wir-o binding. This project was also executed in collaboration with Pro Print.
BRONZE
AlphaGraphics Kansas City
Freedom Interiors Show Room
Interior design showroom graphics produced using HP 5500 Latex Printer, GBC Laminator, and a Colex Supercut Pro on 3M IJ40 Wall Film, 3M IJ 180 Vehicle Film, 1 mm PVC Sheet, and 12mm White PVC Sheet.
DIVISION II KANSAS / MISSOURI
PLATINUM
LARGEPRINTING.com
Mahomes Magic: KC Chiefs vs Indianapolis Colts
Holographic image printed on Agfa Jeti Touro on 6mm acrylic using UV ink. The holographic backer is hand laminated.
PLATINUM
Single Source
Stack-a-Cubes
Large, stackable Coroplast cubes printed on Acuity Prime 30 with Fuji UV-LED inks and cut out on Kongsberg flatbed.
GOLD
InStore Design Display
InStore Design Display Holiday Card
Holiday Card with three unique 3D ornaments fabricated with 12pt C25 Tango SBS. 4-color process used on Tauro press. Cutting is digital and then scored on a Duplo. Laser cutting prepared on a 155w CO2 laser.
SILVER
J&J Printing
Interior Design Catalog
A 72-pg self-cover design catalog printed with 4-color process on 70# Cougar white vellum using a Ryobi 750G LED UV Press.
BRONZE
Boelte-Hall
Running Through Douglas County Photography Book
200pg + cover photography book printed on 70# Gloss text using Komori IS-29 press and Komori IS-29 ink.
DIVISION II OKLAHOMA / TEXAS
PLATINUM
Ussery Printing
The Dallas Opera: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly World Premiere Poster
Printed on a Konica Minolta KM-1e HD UV inkjet press with MGI Jetvarnish gold foil digital enhancements utilizing 80# Endurance Silk cover.
GOLD
Impact Stamping
Sculptra Lighted Box
Turned edge rigid box with LED lights produced using a Bobst, GBC, and Box Maker using w film and Eska board.
SILVER
Ussery Printing
Create Impact Desk Calendar
28-page desk calendar with double-thick, mounted, embellished covers, bound with black wire featuring a soft touch laminate finish and designed to stand upright on flat surfaces, with silicone feet on both covers. The calendar is housed in a double tuck carton that boasts Sculpturecoat gloss UV and holographic Ultrafoil treatments. Digital printing is employed throughout, utilizing UV inkjet technology on a KM-1 press. Each calendar page is also finished with a soft touch laminate for a consistent feel.
BRONZE
Spartan Printing
E&M Wedding Invitation Set
Laser-cut invitation printed on Indigo 7800 using 110# uncoated cover. Envelope is hand-lined.
DIVISION III
PLATINUM
Walsworth
Historic Style by Missouri Life Media
Smyth-sewn hardcover book printed on a Heidelberg press. Dust Jacket: Sterling Ultra Litho FSC with matte lamination and hot foil; Endsheet: White Accent Opaque Smooth text. Text: White FSC Endurance Silk text.
GOLD
Brodnax 21C
Sebastian Construction 75th Anniversary Group
Printed on a 40” Heidelberg CD 102-6 LW/UV using 130# Cougar Opaque Smooth cover and 130# Cougar Opaque Smooth text.
SILVER
ColorDynamics
The Comisar Collection
Custom-printed and bound catalog using Komori LS UV 10-color perfector with 2 tower coaters using 4-color process with gold foil stamp on front, back and spine on 1.2 mil lamination, 80# gloss book. Turned edge cover printed 4-color process + Soft Touch AQ and writable spot gloss UV Cyrel Plate on 130# Polar Bear Gloss cover.
BRONZE
Mainline Printing
Scorpio Gold and Inverse
Printed on a Fujifilm Acuity Prime 30 machine using Mainline-produced 12pt Gold and Rainbow Holographic stock and Fujifilm Uvijet Inks.
BEST OF DIGITAL KANSAS / MISSOURI
PLATINUM
Modern Litho
Seasons Symphony Ball Program & Envelope
The program was printed on 100# Royal Sundance Brilliant White Cover and 80# Royal Sundance Brilliant White Text using a Ricoh 9210 printer. It featured a bronze foil stamp, applied in post production. The envelope matched the paper with the inside pages of the program and was printed with the IJet Digital Inkjet Envelope Press.
GOLD
C K Print & Design
Barracuda Sales Booklet
Booklet printed and stitched on Konica Minolta Accurio Label 400 Press. Covers: Soft touch laminated one side then spot raised UV and spot metallic applied on MGI. Printed using Konica Minolta 14000 and MGI 3D Jet Varnish. Paper: 100# Gloss cover & 80# Gloss text.
SILVER
Stouse
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Sign
Large, cut-out Tito’s sign printed using an Inca 540 on corrugated plastic.
BRONZE
Boelete-Hall
KU Sig Ep: 100 Year Anniversary Book
16-page book with soft touch laminate and gold foil application on the cover. Printed on Komori IS-29 press with 4-color process throughout on 100# matte Silk cover and text.
BEST OF DIGITAL OKLAHOMA / TEXAS
PLATINUM
ColorDynamics
Main Event Brand Playbook
Branding playbook printed on HP Indigo 12000 digital press on 120# uncoated cover with soft touch laminate on 1 side, 80# dull book for 89-Page Text, and 60# GPS White Semi Gloss Permanent Zero Split Kiss Cut Label Sheet printed 4-color process.
GOLD
Brodnax 21C
BuDhaGirl Sparkling Zen Labels
6 versions of labels for BuDhaGirls’ new champagne and wine bottles. Printed 4-color process on HP Indigo Press on 2MI PET Permanent C1SBright Silver Stock. Finished on MGI with Raised Spot Glass Varnish.
SILVER
Jarvis Press
Jarvis Press Holiday Box
Promotional holiday gift box printed 4-color process on dull sheet mounted to corrugated box with variable tray insert die cut to accommodate acrylic cube with Jarvis name and logo engraved on one side using an HP12000 Indigo, Kodak NexPress and Xerox Iridesse. Holiday card printed opaque white ink with gold and silver and clear coat dimensional inks on 122# Red Plike Cover.
BRONZE
Integ
South Texas College 100 Year Anniversary Table Topper
20.52 x 14.93 inch table toppers printed on HP Indigo 15000 on #140 Tango C1S with UV gloss coating on front side in collaboration with Crown Embossing.
BEST OF BINDING OKLAHOMA / TEXAS
PLATINUM
C&R Bindery
Craftmade Lighting and Ceiling Fans
Binding required three passes through binder and utilized a combination of UVA and PUR glues produced on a Muller Martini Acoro A5.
GOLD
Blanks Printing & Imaging
Loloi Big Book
546-pg book with 4-pg cover + 2-pg insert + 32-pg Cougar stock + 512-pg Maxcote stock printed 4-color process + PMS + double bump soft touch coating with blind embossing on a Heidelberg CD102 and Heidelberg XL105. Invercote 19.1pt Creato cover, 80# white Cougar cover and 80# White Cougar text.
SILVER
JPS Books & Logistics
Clampitt Paper School Book V2
Instructional paper book printed using a Canon Colorstream; Canon IX 3200; KM 14000; foil stamped and highlighting Sylvamo, Billerud, Neenah, Mohawk, Sappi, CTI Paper, Pixelle papers.
BRONZE
Jarvis Press
Sprint 2023 Catalog Mailing Kit
Source book 9.25” x 11” wire-o catalog with die cut tabs on 100# Opus gloss cover and accompanying saddle-stitched Look Book and Price List on #100 Opus gloss cover, 80# Anthem gloss text and 100# Anthem gloss text. Printed 4-color process with dull AQ on a Komori press.
BEST OF FINISHING KANSAS / MISSOURI
PLATINUM
NextPage
NextPage 2023 Holiday card
3D card produced on a Komori press and Bobst. Die cut, score and hand assembled using 100# Neenah White cover. Shape-cut envelope on Accent Opaque Smooth text.
GOLD
Mpress
Evelyn Hofer, Eyes on the City
Brochure printed 4-color process + satin AQ on 100# Dull cover. Die-cut and hand-assembled.
SILVER
Alpine Litho-Graphics
Alpine Litho-Graphics 2023 Holiday Card
Greeting card produced with HP Indigo 7800 and MGI clear spot-raised UV and spot silver holograph foil with soft touch laminate on the front of the card. Die-cut using Heidelberg Letterpress. Envelope produced with Ryobi offset press with 3 PMS colors.
BRONZE
Boelte-Hall
Kauffman Graduation Celebration Card & Envelope
Invitation and envelope printed on a Komori IS-29 digital press and IJet press using 100# Cougar cover, Glama Natural Digital Clean Translucent and 60# Cougar Opaque Square envelope.
BEST OF FINISHING OKLAHOMA / TEXAS
PLATINUM
Performance Specialty Service
Cook Children’s Invite
Foil stamped and die cut window panes and the letters ETM on the Kluge and then applied Glamma Natural “window” to the creative piece prior to folding.
GOLD
MetroVCS
Contemporary Menu – Presented by Swewll and Headington
Foil Stamped menu printed using Infinity Copper Foil on all 3 pieces. Base mounted to 2 ply, die cut all 3, insert eyelet in middle to finish. Printed on a Yawa Handfed Foil Stamper, Yawa Die Cut and eyelet inserter. Paper: Base 2 ply #122 Touche’ Blue Cover.
SILVER
Impact Stamping
Wedding Invitation
Unique wedding invitation with letterpress ink, traditional foil, sculptured emboss, laser etching, Arturo paper, and hand assembly.
BRONZE
Brodnax 21C
Irving – ICVB 2023 Holiday Card Mailer
Intricately designed card sleeve with folded holiday card insert and envelope printed 4-color process + silver metallic ink using a Xerox Iridesse. Clear holographic foil on the snowflakes applied using the MGI. Project used 100# Euroart dull coated cover white and 111# Touche concord matte cover which was laser cut.
SPECIALTY AWARDS KANSAS / MISSOURI
BEST USE OF INK
Modern Litho
Mesmerica
48-pg perfect-bound book printed 4-color process + strike through AQ on a Heidelberg XL106 10-color, XL106 8 Color, and a Muller Martini Perfect Binder. 100# Endurance Gloss cover, 100# Endurance Silk text.
BEST OF INNOVATION – GOLD
Trabon
2024 Insight 2 Design Product Catalog
64-pg 8.5” x 11” perfect bound design product catalog printed 4-color process on Fujifilm J Press.
BEST OF INNOVATION – BRONZE
NextPage
Product Portfolio with Holographic Spread
36-pg 8.5” x 5.5” SS product portfolio book with holographic center spread laminate printed on an Osaka and saddle-stitched on Gloss cover 80#, 4/4 S1/S2 HUV.
BEST USE OF PAPER
Trabon
Rockhurst High School Vision Book
36-pg yearbook with cover printed on HP Indigo 7900, 4-color process with 1.5 mill soft-touch lamination and blind emboss on 100# Cougar Digital White Super Smooth cover. Text and flysheet produced 5/5, 4-color process + 871 metallic on Komori GL640 on 100# Cougar White Smooth Opaque text and 40# Glama Natural Translucent.
BEST OF POP
Mainline Printing
AE ICONIC award
Reverse-printed award produced on Fujifilm Acuity Prime 30 using UV Ijet inks, Kongsberg X-Edge on 14” clear acrylic.
BEST OF PREPRESS
Varsity Yearbook
Williford Art Book
13” x 10” art book printed on Heidelberg XL 106. Paper is 100# Matte text with Sun Chemicals Legend Series Ink.
BEST OF SIGNAGE
Trabon
The Capitol Grille Lunch Plates Menu
24” x 36” on 3/16” WBB (White/Black/Black) Ultra Board produced using Fujifilm Acuity Prime 30 Large Format flatbed printer with UV Inkjet Primer + 4-color process + clear coating.
BEST OF SUBSTRATE
Hallmark Cards
“We Bring Ideas to Life” STEM 2023 Poster
Poster printed using a Thompson Foil Press and Kodak NexPress on Tiara Shasta 65# with Kodak NexPress Digital Toner. Stock was foiled prior to printing.
SPECIALTY AWARDS OKLAHOMA / TEXAS
BEST USE OF INK
Metro VCS
Diania and Michael Wedding Menu
Custom wedding menu engraved using 4 different engraving inks on 236# Savoy natural white cover. Embossed Flowers with Brass Die. Cronite Engraving Press used to print with Cronite custom mixed inks.
BEST OF INNOVATION – PLATINUM
Craft Signs and Specialty Printing
Frog Paddles and Pickleball Paddle
Pickleball paddle printed on Canon Arizona 1360XT, Canon Arizona 6170XT, and Colex Sharpcut using Plascor 14mm Honeycomb Polypropylene 1mm Carbon Fiber Facing Mirri Rainbow 15pt C1S.
BEST OF INNOVATION – SILVER
OptiGraphics
EMEK Cyber Man 3D Motion Lenticular
3D with motion lenticular limited edition posters by artist Emek.
JUDGE’S CHOICE
Blanks Printing & Imaging
GSD&M SXSW Variable Data Posters
Signed and numbered variable data poster printed using an HP12000, XMPie software, and on 80# Accent Opaque Smooth white cover HP with 4 color palettes and variable options for elements such as font, facial features, and other design elements.
BEST OF PACKAGING
Impact Stamping
Bacardi Coffin Box
Bacardi Coffin Box for Halloween theme party featuring digital foil and spot UV. Printed on a Eskaboard with a Scodix and hand assembly. Black and red foil accents this retail box.
BEST USE OF PAPER
Metro VCS
D.R. Horton Bluestem Sales Kit
Hand-stitched sales kit printed 4-color process and White Ink using HP Indigo, Yawa Emboss, Yawa Die Cut, and Kluge Score. Paper: 130# Colorplan Racing Green, 100# Classic Crest Desert Storm Smooth Cover, 100# Mohawk Superfine Ultrawhite Eggshell Cover, 100# Mohawk Superfine Ultrawhite Eggshell Text. Process used include print, die cut, emboss, saddle stitch and hand assembly.
BEST OF POP
Spartan Printing
Texan Honey POP Table Display
Foam core, contour cut POP display of a female/human bee using Vutek QS2 Wide Format. Paper: Foam Core board with easel back.
BEST OF PREPRESS
ColorDynamics
David Dike Fine Art: Texas Art Auction Campaign
Combination auction catalog and direct mail piece make up this sales campaign. Printed on Komori LS UV 10 Color Perfector w/ 2 Tower Coaters using 100# Gloss cover and 80# Dull book.
BEST USE OF SUBSTRATE
Performance Specialty Service
70th Birthday Party Invitation
Invitation printed using Kluge foil stamp press on acrylic substrate.
STUDENT AWARDS
FIRST PLACE
Pittsburg State University
Kayla Rosche Portfolio Self-Promotion
SECOND PLACE
Kansas City Art Institute
BlossomTime App
THIRD PLACE
University of Houston
National Slurpee Day Card
BEST CLASS PROJECT
Legacy Preparatory Charter Academy
Gazeta de Caracas: 2023 LPCA Print
BEST OF FINISHING
University of Houston
Easter Bunny Holiday Card
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SPONSORS
