Interview with Neil Bruington of PIASD
MARKZWARE: Welcome, Neil. So, I’m always fascinated to learn how people find their
way into this crazy world of graphic arts. What piqued your interest
initially? How did you get your start in this business?
NEIL: While I was attending San Diego State I worked for an Large Architectural
Firm running their InPlant. They did large government projects that required
manuals and proposals for each set of drawings. I went on to get a secondary
teaching credential and a Masters Degree. I taught high school graphic arts
classes for 11 years before going to Palomar College for 25 years.
MARKZWARE: What are some of the classes you currently teach at Palomar College?
NEIL: I used to teach most of them! I am retired, just teaching part time. I teach
digital imaging classes, introduction, intermediate and advanced.
MARKZWARE: I suppose one of the challenges in teaching graphic arts design and
production is really keeping up with the fast-changing technologies out
there–all the applications, and so forth. So, how do you personally keep up
to date on technical developments as they unfold in the industry?
NEIL: It is very much “shifting sands” given changes in technology. I still take
classes at conferences and attend seminars to keep current. The internet
helps deliver educational information on broad topics in the digital world.
There is always the challenge of acquiring hardware and software to provide
students with the current technology.
MARKZWARE: One of the woes I often hear in the industry these days is that many of
the graphic arts programs out there focus so much on aesthetics–on the
creative aspect of the business–and often neglect the mechanics of how to
get those designs to print. In your courses, how do you prepare budding
graphic designers for the “real-world” of graphic design today?
NEIL: Palomar College Graphic Communications still provides that comprehensive
educational package for students. We have several Certificates that require
the Students to take pre-press and press classes. We have current CTP
equipment and presses that are used both by the college and the educational
department. The real answer to your question is that it is less expensive for an
administrator to offer pure design class than to invest in pre press and
press equipment. That is at the college level. The high school level has
totally different set of requirements and funding. The CSU and UC’s have an
enormous influence over what is offered.
MARKZWARE: So much attention in graphic arts has shifted to electronic media. Kids
coming up want to learn how to design for the Web, which is clearly
important these days. But what does it mean for print? In your opinion, what
impact will the Web have on print in the coming years?
NEIL: I think that is great! We live a digital world. Content flows to where ever
the costumer thinks is an effective way to communicate their message. Sure
market segments are smaller, but blending of the delivery systems increases
the probability of client success for reaching the target audience. I have
always felt that we have a powerful medium. Why don’t we use it more to
promote Print?
MARKZWARE: Obviously preflighting and quality-control for print is dear to our
hearts here at Markzware. And a lot of our customers face challenges as to
how best to create content for a plethora of output intentions–print, the
Web, maybe CDs or other types of electronic media. Is there any advice you
can offer to them? Any best practice suggestions for ensuring that the
content they painstakingly create reproduces the way they expect?
NEIL: Print is unique because it is “Custom Manufacturing.” (Don’t have your sales
manager call me, I know Printing is a service and is sold that way.) Each
job possesses it’s own unique properties. Workflow varies and anytime you
increase the variables in manufacturing that leads to assumptions and that
leads to problems. You have a good solution in Fight Check.
MARKZWARE: Another question I field often is “What resources or industry
associations should I know about if I’m new to the graphic arts industry?”
Any suggestions?
NEIL: We encourage everyone to seek out and become a member of Professional
Organizations. Don’t just look at one or two, look at all the related
Organizations. You may get better perspective with a related group than the
“good old boys”. All have website that have wonderful information. PIASD is
a wonderful organization, but there are a lot of valuable professional
organizations. Shop around an mingle.
Tags: designers, graphic design, Markzware, Markzware News, preflight