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GSM Blog - read more about print on paper.

  2. GSM Blog – read more about print on paper.

Career pathways in the print industry

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career print industry

What are the career pathways for young people thinking about getting into print? We recently caught up with Sonia Dench, GM at Spectrum Print, to glean her thoughts on the topic... It’s no secret that print has experienced some challenges in recent times. Many of us had to rally to re-establish connections and stay relevant post-COVID, dealing with it’s fallout on our businesses and that of our customers. However, as part of navigating this, we are experiencing a new and unexpected challenge—people. More specifically, where are the young people wanting to enter the world of print? And how do we entice them into the industry?...

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The Message Stick – Pauly Vandenbergh of Munda Wines

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Munda Wines

Munda is the Wirangu and Kokatha word for land - “It’s our mother, our provider. If you look after munda, it’ll look after you.” Munda Wines is an Aboriginal-owned wine company founded on deep cultural values and grounded in Country. Director and Co-Founder Pauly Vandenbergh, a proud Wirangu and Kokatha man, shares how he’s rewriting the narrative of wine in Australia — with integrity, purpose, and place at its heart.   More Than Terroir Munda is the Wirangu and Kokatha word for land — and pre-dates the French notion of terroir by over 65,000 years. “We don’t believe you can...

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Rakau Korero Māori Design

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maori architect

In this instalment we talk to architect Jade Kake about design from a Māori perspective, and provide some tips for positive collaborations between Māori and non-Māori. In GSM23, we featured BEST purple winning project; Rewi: Ata haerre, kia tere. A book celebrating the work of Māori architect Rewi Thompson. Following on from this, we reached out to author of the book, Jade Kake, architect and housing advocate. We asked Jade for her thoughts around design from a Māori perspective. Whilst her thoughts centre around the built-form, much of this can easily be applied to visual communication. Here’s what Jade had to offer… Kia ora...

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Sculpt by Studio Ok-Ok

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Studio Ok-Ok

Now and then, a project comes cross our desk that really jumps out. Whenthis exquisite coloured card package turned up at GSM we knew we needed to show it. Here is Sculpt by Studio Ok-Ok. Sculpt - a cosmetic studio with a difference Based in Adelaide’s inner east, Sculpt is a cosmetic studio with a difference. Welcoming all body types, tones, genders and maturities, and offering an approach grounded in rejuvenation that goes beyond the aesthetic. Treatment services, backed by progressive technologies, encourage physical and mental wellbeing to help restore confidence towards one’s skin. A welcome change in an industry often focussed on...

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The good folks at Dow Goodfolk

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Dow Goodfolk

Annie and Greg Dow, and the team at Dow Goodfolk and Brother Design, have been instrumental in shaping many of the most recognised fast-moving comsumer brands in Aotearoa New Zealand. Sadly, Greg passed away in 2007. Displaying remarkable fortitude, Annie pushed forward, becoming a pre-eminent figure in the NZ design scene. Her mantra, 'Design delivers value' is the stuff of legends. An early intro into the world of advertising The year was 1964, and like many British migrant families before them, the Leggett family sailed from the UK to Auckland, drawn by the possibilities of new opportunities. Annie was three.  Annie’s father,...

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Rebrand & New Label for Outcask Wild Rum

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outcask

Recently, Karu Distillery undertook a significant brand refresh for its Outcask Wild Rum. Originally, it had been released in a bit of a rush, and wasn't feeling 'quite us'. GSM takes a look... Karu Distillery, launched in 2018 by husband-and-wife team Nick and Ally, is an up-and-coming Australian brand known for its innovative spirits that blend traditional distilling with a modern sensibility. Located in the Devils Wilderness, NSW, the range has grown to include Affinity Gin, Lightning Navy Strength Gin, Morita Chipotle Vodka, and Outcask Wild Rum. As one of Australia’s most awarded distilleries, Karu is celebrated for its passion...

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Best & AGDA Design Awards: Class of 24

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Best award 24

2024 was another year of stellar entries in the national design awards in both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. GSM takes a look at two award-winning print-based entries. The Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) Design Awards and the BEST Awards (hosted by the Designers Institute of New Zealand (DINZ)) are the two premier annual award events recognising excellence in design in our part of the world. And, thanks to some forward-thinking people within these organisations, entries are open to studios on either side of the Tasman. Both events include a wide range of entry categories across the visual design spectrum....

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The Message Stick: Carrying the stories of our people

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First Nations stories

Emrhan Tjapanangka Sultan is a co-researcher and the Project Manager for Solid Lines. He has previously worked as a First Nations engagement advisor for a variety of organisations, including Orygen, Relationships Australia, The Salvation Army, Oxfam Australia, and CAAMA. He is also a dynamic artist. Emrhan belongs to the Luritja and Western Arrarnta Nations in Central Australia as well as Kokatha Nation in South Australia. In this issue of The Message Stick, GSM talks with Em about his approach to projects in the commercial world, about carrying the stories of his people. When working as an Aboriginal artist in the...

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Rākau Kōrero – RUN Aotearoa & Storytelling

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RUN Aotearoa

At RUN Aotearoa, we beleive that design is storytelling - connecting people, cultures, and communities. As a Māori-owned globally award-winning agency based in Tāmaki Makaura Auckland, storytelling lies at the heart of what we do.  When we co-founded RUN, it began like many creative agencies—working across a variety of clients without a specific niche. Over time, our direction evolved, driven by both internal reflections and the needs of our clients. Today, our agency spans advertising, design, and cultural storytelling. Much of our mahi is for clients who are Māori-owned or Māori-led. Or organisations with a Māori strategy, or are wanting...

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Quick Chat Print – Caxton, working with design students

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Janice Page Caxton

We recently caught up with Janice Page, General Manager at Caxton, to hear her thoughts on working with the current crop of Kiwi design students. Caxton (formerly The Caxton Press) was founded in Christchurch in 1935 by celebrated New Zealand poet and publisher Denis Glover. The award-winning printery has a long history of producing high quality work and supporting the local industry. Recently, Caxton printed the NZ edition of the BJ Ball Calendar featuring winning entries from our 2024 Student Design Contest. Here’s how it all went down… GSM: Does Caxton have much involvement with Tertiary design schools and their...

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