SPECPRINT has recently welcomed two new faces to its team who will work alongside commercial print manager, Ashley Quinsey.

Kevin McElgunn and Anna Fay will fulfil a number of different roles within the graphic design department of the Hamilton Spectator.

SpecPrint uses the latest digital print presses and technology to produce high quality products - both digital and hardcopy.

Mr McElgunn is a new addition to the office and said the entire team had been very welcoming and he was “excited for what the future will bring”.

Growing up on a farm outside Koroit, Mr McElgunn looking to spread his wings after high school, attended Swinburne University and studied a Bachelor of Design with a major in Communication Design, as well as a Diploma of Graphic Design.

“I worked a few jobs in Warrnambool and Geelong while also working on the side to further my career as a graphic designer,” he said.

“When I found out I had got the job at SpecPrint, I was ecstatic and relieved because I’ve spent so many years trying to land a job as a graphic designer.

“My favourite part of what we do is the design process and being able to see the end product.”

Growing up in Kaniva, Ms Fay is also familiar with the Western District and brings with her a Bachelor of Design with a major in Communication Design.

“I’m so excited and grateful,” she said.

“It’s my first year out of university so it’s pretty hard to land a grad job – especially in the middle of a pandemic.

“I actually started studying journalism before I switched to graphic design so now, I can get a taste of both industries.”

Ms Fay said one of her main interests within the department was completing print jobs for larger clients as they always make for interesting work.

“I love seeing how the entire design process comes together, from the initial designs on the computer to the finishing touches such as binding and trimming,” she said.

“Working on designs for the newspaper and seeing them come together is probably the highlight.”

Both Mr McElgunn and Ms Fay have been kept busy with the array of services SpecPrint offers, printing business cards, books, designing ads, social media marketing plans and bereavement printing.

They have also spent time learning how to operate state-of-the-art industrial printers, guillotines and other machines.

Ms Quinsey is a familiar face around The Spectator office and will lead the new, highly skilled team.

Starting in 2013, she has experience in a range of roles within the office, working in graphic design, sports journalism, advertising and page pagination.

Ms Quinsey looked forward to sharing her knowledge and experience with the new team.

“It’s a new year and new start, stepping up from graphic designer to commercial print manager has been a learning curve, but 2020 taught us we can adapt to anything and keep moving forward,” she said.

“I am grateful to be given this opportunity and to have the support of my colleagues in assisting departments, people like long-serving employee, Sue Jellie, have boosted my confidence.”

The SpecPrint team can assist locals with logo and corporate identity design, graphic design, brochures, flyers, publications, history books, catalogues, posters, invitations, business cards, presentation folders, invoice and order books, stationery and stickers.

“If you’re looking for creative ideas for your project or business we are here to help - our customers are at the centre of everything we do,” Ms Quinsey said.

“Whether it’s assistance to develop business print and marketing solutions to enhance your business profile, or assisting event organisers to promote and market events, our friendly staff are here to work with you.

“Technology and print design is an evolving world and I’m excited to be leading a young team into a new era here at SpecPrint.

“We look forward to working with our current and new clientele, as well as The Spectator Partnership to help advertisers market their business and events, and continue to improve our print copy.”

Call SpecPrint on 5551 3820 or visit the office at 59 Gray Street (COVID-19 restrictions permitting), to see how they can help you.