Judging concludes for PrintWeek India Awards 2012

Judging for the PrintWeek India Awards 2012, an awards show aimed at increasing awareness of the print industry amongst those who buy and consume print, has concluded.

The 30-member jury panel viewed and evaluated the work at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai on Saturday.

Commenting about the entries he judged, KV Sridhar (Pops), national creative director, Leo Burnett, said, “Some of the entries submitted by the printing firms are really exceptional. These are fine examples of the kind of printing work that is possible even in India. I was amazed at some of the customised printing opportunities available in the country. We have all seen the personalised calendars and diaries, but the opportunities are galore, and as agencies we need to look at using these for our clients.”

Karan Rawat, executive creative director, Grey, pointed out that with respect to technology of printing, Indian companies are at par with international standards, and some of the entries stood out because of the combined efforts of the designers working hand-in-hand with the printers.

“In terms of technique and technology, we have the best in talent. However, from what I have seen, most of the entries could have become excellent pieces of communication if they had got the design elements right. This clearly illustrates how most advertising agencies have forgotten how to optimise one of the oldest forms of communication,” he said.

Another jury member, Shaziya Khan, executive planning director and vice president, JWT India, also spoke on the importance of design and need for collaboration in the space. She said, “Communication agencies have to look at how the printing technology space has developed and come up with solutions, and I hope more advertising agencies and designers collaborate with printers to come out with even greater work in future.”

Echoing a similar point of view, Shormista Mukherjee, founder, Rickshaw, recalled how designers from her agency started coming up with ‘fresher’ ideas following visits to printing companies. Talking about the awards, she said, “The kind of entries showcased here are some of the great examples of what Indian printing can do. I do hope more people get a chance to see these works, and come up with greater solutions for their clients.”

The Jury Panel for PrintWeek India Awards 2012

Winners are to be announced at the PrintWeek India Awards Night and Conclave on 30 August.