Your Print Specialists (YPS) launched Your Print Institute (YPI) in early 2020. Covid-19, unfortunately, put a hold on in-person classes so the decision was made to move courses online.
After creating online courses featuring our Introduction to the dye-sublimation course and our Introduction to Mimaki Large Format course, we waited until it was safe to bring students into our Institute based at YPS HQ in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
YPI is focused on closing the skill gap in the print industry. From print operators to designers, there is a significant skill gap in the industry. YPI aims to encourage the next generation to consider a career in print and therefore make the industry a more accessible learning tool.
YPS reached out to New College Durham to bring their art-based students into YPI.
NCD art students took part in our Introduction to Dye Sublimation course on Thursday 9th June 2022. Each YPI student printed their own personalised giftware and learned about the applications and process of dye sublimation.
Our Introduction to the dye-sublimation course is taught using the Epson SureColor SC-F500 and the PixMax 50x50 heat press. The SC-F500 is ideal for courses such as this, as the 610mm width allows for the students to print full-size cushions, while the wireless feature allows for all students to link up to the machine without the need for cables.
The course goes into detail regarding the process of dye sub print, from the inks & paper, printer, pressing and overall finish of the product.
New College Durham’s art students took a keen interest in the process of dye sublimation and understood the heat reactive inks and the procedure of dye-sub.
Extending YPS’ knowledge of print to New College Durham’s students illustrates the ethos of Your Print Institute. Sharing our knowledge and skills around print, to young students looking to print their artwork or take an interest in the industry.
“It’s important to YPS that we share our knowledge and encourage the next generation to consider print as a potential career path. A course such as Introduction to Dye Sublimation might be the spark that’s needed and we look forward to welcoming more students into YPI.” comments Lauren Randall, Creative Director.
Our YPI students each printed their own mug and cushion cover, using dye-sublimation blanks and either artwork they had prepared as art students, or they could choose from YPI’s artwork library.
The course overall was a success and we will continue to share our print knowledge with future YPI students! Next course is coming soon!