Industry professionals braved a wet Melbourne night last week to join LIA Victoria for a technical event at the multi-award-winning Taylor’d Press in Knoxfield, Melbourne.
The night was hosted by the company’s dynamic owners, James and Kirsten Taylor, who provided a warm welcome and an unmatched insight into their business and the craft of print and embellishment.
James and Kirsten are both qualified print professionals, and James is also on staff as a teacher in the print facility at Holmesglen TAFE.
His talent for teaching really came to the fore during the tour, as he took visitors through a detailed demonstration of the company’s Heidelberg platen presses, which were used to print, foil and die-cut several versions of specially-branded LIA drink coasters.
Guests were fascinated by the process, and by James and Kirsten’s explanations of their approach, which owes as much to art and passion as it does to technical proficiency.
Robyn Frampton, president of LIA Victoria, said it was one of the most fascinating and successful LIA events the Victorian chapter had organised.
“James and Kirsten are not only consummate professionals, but are also incredibly passionate about print, and that really came through on the night,” said Frampton.
“James was incredibly generous with the information he shared on their production techniques, and together with Kirsten, provided some fascinating insights into the way their business operates, and how it has grown and changed over the years.”
Jason Girling from Placard, who won this year’s Holmesglen TAFE apprentice of the year, also spoke to the guests about his experience as a mature-aged apprentice, mentioning in particular the value of visits to Taylor’d Press as part of his training program at Holmesglen.
The importance of apprenticeships was echoed by James during his demonstrations, saying the foundational understanding it provided turned operators into true craftspeople, who understood the machines and the processes, rather than simply ‘making a machine work’.
“We know that people enjoy the chance to come together, learn about different aspects of our sector, and get a ‘behind the scenes’ look inside industry businesses,” Frampton added.
“It was good to see a number of new faces last week, with some guests joining LIA Victoria for the first time, and wonderful as always to see old friendships renewed and new connections made between people across a wide range of roles and sectors of the industry.
“By the close of the evening, a good many of the guests were still in the print room ‘talking print’ with our hosts, and when you can’t lure people away for drinks and nibbles, it’s definitely a testament to the level of interest.”
The event was the first for LIA Victoria for 2026, with the association planning three more for the year. Details are expected to be announced shortly.