Visual Communication Design students learn about printing processes from alumni!
The event titled “Everything About Printing Processes!”, organized by the Department of Visual Communication Design at Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Fine Arts (GSF), was held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in J Block Lab 251 with strong participation. The speakers were department alumni Graphic Designer Melek Gülşen and Graphic Designer Enes Dalgıç.
The main goal of the event was to introduce students studying graphic design to the real-world applications and industry relevance of printing processes. In this context, the two alumni designers shared their post-graduation professional experiences, offering insights that combined the technical and creative aspects of printing.
From Technical Preparation to Practical Execution
In her speech, Melek Gülşen emphasized how critical proper preparation for printing is in the design process: “Even the best design won’t deliver the desired result if it isn’t prepared in a print-friendly format. Technical details such as color separation, resolution settings, and the differences between CMYK and RGB are crucial elements that distinguish a professional output,” she said. Gülşen added that these aspects were often overlooked during her student years but became much more apparent once she entered the industry.
Industry Realities and Time Management
Enes Dalgıç, on the other hand, highlighted that printing is not merely a technical task—it also demands effective time and crisis management. “Meeting deadlines, communicating clearly with the print house, and producing flexible solutions based on client demands are among the most common challenges in the field. Gaining awareness of these aspects in advance provides a major advantage once you begin your professional career,” he noted.
High Interest from Students
Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to engage directly with the alumni and ask questions about the printing process. The alumni’s firsthand experiences helped students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Attendees gained both technical and creative insights on topics such as preparing files for print, post-print applications, and the differences between digital and offset printing.
At the end of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to the speakers, followed by group photo sessions with the students. Department officials from Visual Communication Design stated that similar industry-focused events would continue in the upcoming term, aiming to further support students in their professional development.