National Print Awards: What the judges want

The 2015 National Print Awards are open for entries until COB 12 December. So, to all packagers, print professionals, creatives, marketers, and communications experts this is the inside story on how to win.

The 32nd NPA chairman of judges, Luke Wooldridge, is sharing what he knows about making your entry count in the judging room.

The judges will work in two panels, who will operate side by side, with members from each available to the other if additional expertise is required.

“As most people know, the judging is done ‘blind’ – that is, with no details about the entry available to the judges – but occasionally a job is recognised by a judge, who will then excuse him or herself from evaluating that category. If that happens, or if extra expertise is required in a particular instance, each panel can call on the other for assistance. I’ll also be floating between the two panels to be an extra set of eyes, or provide additional, non-identifying information on entries if required,” Wooldridge explained.

In the past, many entries have missed out on selection for a medal due to easily-avoided errors. This year, the aim is to ensure no worthy job misses out on medalling due to an oversight.

TIP NO. 1: Don't leave your selection of entries until the last minute. Take time now to look through the jobs you’ve produced during the eligibility period, from 1 September 2013 until close of entries, that was printed and finished in Australia – and select a couple of samples of each worthy job.

TIP NO. 2: If at all possible, send two copies. “We will always check a second sample if we find a problem with the first that appears not to be the fault of the printer or print finisher, and take care with the way you present and package the job, as this can affect the condition and, hence, the competitiveness of your sample.”

TIP NO. 3: Always double check your entries before submitting them, as the tiniest flaw in printing or finishing in just one of the samples can be enough to disqualify an otherwise perfect job. “Get out your eye glass and use it – you can be sure the judges will!”

TIP NO. 4: Complete your entry carefully and accurately, adding as much detail as possible on the production, any difficulties or challenges, details of all parties involved and notes of any embellishment, special effects or other enhancements required by the customer.

Entry forms are available for download here.

Winners will be announced at the National Print Awards Presentation Dinner in Sydney on Friday 15 May, 2015, to close to the industry’s PrintEx 15 exhibition.