To celebrate international woman’s day, not only are we celebrating amazing women in print history, we are celebrating the amazing women who keep Graphic Warehouse running!
First up, is our Production Manager Kelly!
What are your daily job duties?
I plan and organise daily schedules to ensure all orders are printed, of good quality and dispatched on time. I manage a team of 10 people over different shift patterns to make sure our customers are never disappointed!
How did you get into working in print?
I started in a part-time summer role which turned into a full-time role.
What challenges do you think women in print face, and have you had to overcome any of these?
From my personal experience, experience being a woman and managing men who are sometimes older, you not only face sexism but some ageism too.
Do you have any female role models?
Probably my mum.
Next is Megan, a production operative.
What are your daily job duties?
Completing my daily workload and printing jobs to the highest standard to ensure it gets to the customer on time.
How did you get into working in print? I originally applied for a print apprenticeship through a training agency. I have now completed my apprenticeship and I am now responsible for the new apprentices at Graphic Warehouse.
What challenges do you think women in print face, and have you had to overcome any of these?
Being in a traditionally male industry, sometimes it can be difficult.
Do you have any female role models?
My mum.
Moving on, let’s head to our customer service team and meet Frances, our Customer Service Manager!
What are your daily job duties?
Dealing with any customer issues and requests. Producing quotes. Communicating with production to ensure deadlines are met. Monitoring the online chat. Working with the team on sales and sales support. It’s a very varied role and no two days are the same.
How did you get into working in print?
I began my career as a graphic designer and made the transition from there. Plus, Large Format print is more exciting that litho!
What challenges do you think women in print face, and have you had to overcome any of these?
The only challenge women face in the print trade, in general, is the gender pay gap, an issue many women face.
Do you have any female role models?
My mum and sisters have always been my real role models
Do you have any advice for women looking to have a career in print?
If you want to do something different every day, have an interest in media and graphic display, this is the career for you.
Finally, let’s finish up with Kirsty, who is our customer designer/artworker who is based in our Customer Service department.
What are your daily job duties?
I work within the customer service department answering live chats, calls and emails. Helping to advice customers on any enquiries or issues they may have regarding quotes, artwork or deliveries. I also convert customer orders into live job bags for production, fix any artwork issues for example cutters, drill holes, bleed or white ink layers. I liaise with the production and install team on any projects from creation of artwork to the final print stage.
How did you get into working in print?
Throughout school I always had a love for art and design so in 2005 I headed to the Glasgow Metropolitan College where I finished an HND course in Graphic Design. A few weeks after finishing my course in 2008 a friend called to ask if I would consider taking over his role as a junior designer/artworker at a local small format printers. In 2012 I moved into the large format sector and now have 14 years’ experience working within two of Scotland’s largest print companies.
What challenges do you think women in print face, and have you had to overcome any of these?
As with many industries within the UK I would say the biggest difference I have personally faced is the equality in pay. After 9 years in a previous work place I found that I had to completely change my role within the company in order to gain a rise in pay despite colleagues earning a higher wage than the role I was changing too. This left me feeling very overwhelmed and stressed due to little experience in the new role and lead to me seeking employment out width the company. Years on and a little older, I now believe that it is important not to compromise yourself and to fight for your self-worth and what you deserve for the role that you are experienced in. Especially if it’s a job you enjoy being in.
Do you have any female role models?
I have a lot of strong women in my family who have been a great influence on me and I have tried to live life by their example. Within the print world I have also worked with some amazing women who have supported me throughout my career and have taught me a lot about the industry as well has how to achieve my goals. In my personal life I love music and sing in a few bands, having the influence of female singers like Stevie Nicks, Ann Wilson, Julianne Reegan and Floor Jansen has showed me that you can achieve your dreams even in a male dominated world.
Do you have any advice for women looking to have a career in print?
The print world is always changing and there are always great opportunities. Keep learning and training. Take the opportunity to try new things. Never compromise your own goals and fight for what you deserve. Find that work/personal life balance.
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