Students from Birmingham City University (BCU) were recently invited to a special workshop organised by Epson to promote the flexibility and creativity that can be achieved through the use of digital textile printing technology.
The day focused on colour space, eliminating uncertainty about the reasons for setting up files in RGB. The OEM then showed students their files printed from different settings so that the theoretical knowledge was translated into practical results. The students were then able to print their designs onto different fabrics as well as producing T-shirts to wear at the workshop.
The Printed Textiles senior technical demonstrator, Kelly-Marie Sifleet, says it was “one of the most beneficial workshops our staff and students have attended.”
Téa Dawkins, a student who attended, says: “I thoroughly enjoyed the Epson colour workshop. I gained a lot of insight into the different things to consider when digital printing. My favourite tip of the day was to always have your colour profile as Adobe RGB for dye-sublimation work to maximise your colour space. I’m sure this ‘need to know’ tip will really help when making sure my colour palettes are correct.”
Her view is echoed by fellow student Eleanor Brown, who says: “I found the ‘insight into colour’ workshop very worthwhile. Moving forward I have a lot more confidence applying accurate colour management to my work.”
The Epson partnership with Birmingham City University is now three years old and has proved mutually beneficial, according to the two organisations. Epson has gained from the ideas, creativity and thoughts and concerns of the next generation of textile designers and their mentors, while BCU has benefitted not just from working with Epson technology but with competitions, some adopted as degree modules, and from the shared technical knowledge and information imparted in workshops like the hands-on day.
Zoë Hillyard, senior lecturer in textile design, says: “Epson’s collaboration with BA Textile Design at BCU goes from strength-to-strength. Students have benefitted from Epson’s generosity in terms of resources and have also appreciated the expertise imparted during various colour workshops.
“Live projects have led to innovative design ideas being generated and students have been thrilled to see their designs showcased on the international stage and in industry journals. A lucky few have received an Epson Industry Award at the end of the academic year.
“The experience, confidence and industry insights students have gained from the collaboration have been invaluable. It has helped them to secure work placements and take the skill of working with colour into diverse career directions. Links continue between Epson and some of the alumni, providing additional support to our graduates as they enter the industry.”
BCU students are starting work on a new brief to create eye-catching designs which will be shown on Epson’s Fespa 2019 stand – one of the world’s leading exhibitions dedicated to both digital and traditional printing, which this year takes place on 14-17 May in Munich.
Heather Kendle, market development manager at Epson Europe, says: “For Epson, links with education are a key strategy. It is immensely rewarding to see students uncover the power of digital print and for us to be able to showcase their ideas and deliver creativity. It is immensely encouraging to see this next generation of designers coming through with their genuine passion and give them a live commercial brief that lets them colour our world.”
