Design Gets Recognition in Awards Succession Plan

Design Gets Recognition in Awards Succession Plan

Fraser Gardyne's appointment as Assistant Convenor of Judges for the New Zealand Pride In Print Awards next year - rising to Convenor in 2009 - is being hailed as underlining the importance with which "design" flair is now regarded as being part of overall "print quality".

Fraser Gardyne', Assistant Convenor of Judges for the NZ Pride In Print Awards
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Fraser, a partner with Auckland graphic design consultancy gardyneHOLT and a past president of the Designers' Institute of New Zealand, has been appointed in line with a "succession plan" to ensure the supervision of the Awards evolves seamlessly.

The succession plan was initiated two years ago because of the huge increase in the popularity of the Awards. The Pride In Print Committee decided that with the Awards spreading to more sectors of the industry and involving greater technical challenges, it was wise to give the future Convenor a year's "education" in the role as an assistant, rather than having to make the dramatic step without any preparation.

After being in the "co-pilot's seat" next year, Fraser will then take over the top position from Auckland print finishing identity Grant Letfus.

Having been involved with Pride In Print since the Awards' inception in 1994, Fraser said his appointment could be taken as a sign of how printers were now more willing to communicate and recognise the importance of designers to the finished product.

"Traditionally, printers could be a little protective about involving others in their work, but I see a great deal of positives in having designers working alongside printers to achieve the best result from a job.

"I think my appointment shows a growing trust in the contribution designers can make to finished print quality."
Fraser said he was committed to the concept of Pride In Print - "I care about the Awards and I want to see them continue to succeed and grow."

Asked about the style of leadership he would bring to the Judges' Panel, he said transparency was the key element.

"Transparency is something we must always try to achieve. We want people to understand the judging process and learn from it. That is how we will continue to raise standards for the good of the print industry generally."
Fraser's role will be largely a managerial task during the three days of concentrated judging. He will assist Grant Letfus facilitate the decision-making process, ensuring the correct criteria are met.

The judging panels cull the entries down to a short list, but from there the Convenor and his Assistant must keep everyone's focus on the rules pertaining to that particular category, and ensure all entries are examined fairly. There is always a lot of debate over the final decision and the Convenor has to assist the process of finding a consensus of opinion.

Pride In Print chairman John North said he was thrilled that someone who has been such an astute contributor both to the committee and the judging panel should have his contribution and abilities recognised by his peers in this way.

"The fact that he represents designers is also a very big confirmation of the size of his contribution, when what is essentially a print-driven committee and process should elevate him to this position. Fraser will, I am sure, help to raise the profile of the Awards a little higher."

Current Convenor Grant Letfus also extended his congratulations to Fraser on his selection.

"After an association with the awards for 14 years he will fill the role admirably. He has the respect of the industry as a whole, especially so amongst his fellow judges where his knowledge, logic and wit are much appreciated."

ENDS

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