Merrell win Best International Book 2011 for Abstract Graffiti!

Cedar Lewisohn’s book was a clear victory over its nearest rival at the Graffiti Art Magazine Awards.

f1 colour carry out the pre-press on many of Merrells titles throughout the year and Abstract Graffiti was interesting as it was to be printed on an uncoated stock. The images were supplied as digital files and covered the whole spectrum regarding quality, from a random snap taken by an amateur to a high quality professional shot on top level equipment. All images were brought into the chosen Fogra colour space and evaluated for best reproduction.

The page proofs were run via our GMG proofing system on a 140gsm GMG uncoated stock, so the client got a great indication of what the images would look like once printed and the printer got a proof that was achievable on press. And the result was an award winner all round!

Lewisohn interviews both established graffiti artists and new practitioners of avant-garde forms of art in public spaces – such as Knit Graffiti and Street Training – and traces the art-historical lineage of these abstract trends. Addressing such issues as street art as a form of protest, graffiti as a crime, the place of street art in museums, and the evolution of materials, this book offers unrivalled insight into some of the most exciting and challenging work on the contemporary art scene.

In Abstract Graffiti, Cedar Lewisohn provides a vibrant account of the ‘outer limits’ of street art and graffiti that are being explored by artists in cities as diverse as London, Prague, Philadelphia and São Paulo.

To find out more about this timely overview of emerging trends and style developments in global street art, see either Merrell’s website: www.merrellpublishers.com
or their facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Merrell-Publishers/111093568942058

Happy New Year! f1 colour gets RIPped for 2012…

2012 is going to be a great time to be in London with the Olympics coming to town. There will be colour and vibrancy everywhere and we at f1 are always leading the race with all things colour.

So with that in mind, we have taken the plunge and invested in the Gold standard of RIP technology… GMG color proof 5. With so many new features, this iteration is right up there in the medal tables.

The new Adobe 2.5 PDF engine has the most accurate compatibility with Adobe Creative Suite 5 yet and the already very impressive spot colour handling has been enhanced even further to allow us more control over conversion.

Calibration is an area we are particularly pleased that has been developed, tightening the margin for error even further in a critical area of our business.

Our proofing paper range still covers everything from Uncoated, Newsprint, Satin, High Gloss and even Canvas, for processes including Gravure, Web and Sheetfed.

So with these great new features, the speed enhancement, also the latest Pantone look up tables and not forgetting shiny new Epson proofers to go with it, this is the release we have been waiting for.

This upgrade really keeps f1 on the proofing podium!

f1 colour publishing clients scoop multiple awards at APA awards 2011

f1 colour would like to offer their congratulations to clients Seven and Sunday for picking up several awards at the 2011 APA awards 23rd November.

We are proud to have played a small part (basically, the pre-press) in their success at the APA awards, International Content Marketing Awards 2011 and we look forward to working with them and all of our clients in 2012 for continued success.

Award: Best consumer publication (retail)

Winner: Sainsbury’s magazine – Seven

Award: Best integrated marketing solution of the year (consumer)

Winner: Sainsbury’s Little Ones – Seven

Award: Grand Prix

Highly Commended: Sainsbury’s Little Ones – Seven

Award: Best public sector/government title

Winner: Ethos, Serco – Sunday

Award: Best membership title

Highly Commended: Modus, RICS – Sunday

Walt Disney goes ‘transmedia’ for iPad generation

It was a welcomed surprise to read a ‘transmedia’ story in a mainstream newspaper (the London Evening Standard) last night on the way home. Does this mean it’s now alright for us all to start talking opening about our passion for cross media, multi channel campaigns in public? I’m guessing it will still provide a glazed look if you try it on your mates down the pub but equally it did make me think how mainstream this (what was once considered ‘geeky stuff’) has now become.

The article was talking about Disney’s strategy on our new multi channelled world and how their Chief Marketing Officer, Tricia Wilber views the new iPad generation. It resonated well with all of us here at f1 and offered many parallels to our experiences with many of our customers who are equally realising the potential of cross-media campaigns.

Also what was also very refreshing to read was their realisation that cross-media isn’t just about linking across the various web channels (email campaigns, purls, mobile and websites), but it’s more about “everything from the physical to digital and all points in between” excellent validation to what we’re constantly pointing out to our customers and highlighted the fact that existing and potential customers have so many and varied touch points into a brand that a true multi-channelled campaign has got to be the norm and not the exception.

For anyone that missed the article you can read it here, for those of you who’d like to chat more about our experiences to date please contact us here.

Can SMEs really compete in the UK Web2Print market?

We happened to notice an interesting article in PrintWeek (19th August 2011). Jon Severs wrote a good summary on the adoption of W2P systems within the UK, comparing us to both the US and European markets.

It does suggest that the UK has been relatively slow in offering these systems, however thankfully, our experience seems to be bucking the trend in that we’ve seen an increase in interest from our clients as the current economic climate dictates that they begin to look for the additional savings and efficiencies that these SaaS services can offer.

To read the full article click here.
f1 < artwork > Here to read about f1 < artwork >, our W2P system or here for additional enquiries.

Congratulations to Trailfinders

f1 Colour would like to pass on their congratulations to Trailfinders on winning ‘Best Travel Company’ in the Which? 2011 Awards.

If we were giving an award for “Best Client’, they would certainly make the short list!

f1 Colour carries out the pre-press on the Trailfinders Magazine.