31 Issue 253 - June / July 2024 email: news@signlink.co.uk machines, and laser cutters. As the world and print and signage industries evolve, businesses must adapt to move away from the typical image of a print or sign company supplying just brochures or built-up letters. Many in the industry can often be described as brand experts as they frequently find themselves involved in World Unseen, Steve Hardy, managing director at Prosign Print and Display, says: “We live in a world that is technology driven and I believe it’s incredibly important to embrace changes and bring new technology into our businesses. Elevated tactile prints can add so much interest into what can be a boring every day sign or display. “There are limitations to how small and fine text can be cut on a laser machine so signage can be complemented by using this process.” Like many who attended World Unseen, Hardy was very emotional when attending as he got to see first-hand someone with a guide dog approach a print and “light up” upon touching and feeling the image for the first time. “This in itself was worth all the effort and it was at this point I knew I had been involved in quite possibly, the most rewarding piece of print that I’m ever likely to be involved in and one that is capable of improving people’s lives - how can that ever be topped?” Evolution is Key Prosign Print and Display first started with a Canon imagePRO which Hardy had set up in his bedroom before investing in a Canon Arizona. Today the business is run by Hardy along with his wife, Angela Hardy, and son, Connor Hardy. The company defines itself as a visual display company as it can supply various elements of a visual project including print, signage, exhibition stands, and various types of graphic design which it achieves through a myriad of technology including 3D print devices, CAD EVENT SPOTLIGHT: WORLD UNSEEN building or fulfilling the wishes of a business which wants to convey a brand or message. Hardy says: “When we started the business I always referred to us as a print company, but I soon thought that this was restricting us when we produced so much more and sometimes the print was a small proportion of a finished project.” Speaking about the work with Canon and World Unseen, Hardy adds: “When I was approached by Canon with the idea of this project I instantly knew I had to be involved! For many years outside work, my passion has been underwater wildlife and I’ve very often thought to myself how lucky I am to have been able to see these things […] Unfortunately for me I’m no longer able to dive as I have to wear hearing aids but once again technology steps in and is helping me to correct my small disability. “When I saw the images that were going to be part of the exhibition one that stood out to me was the image of coral spawning. That was one of those moments when I thought how lucky I was to see this happening and now be part of something that can help people who don’t have the ability to see what this looks like.” Canon has promised that more work such as World Unseen will continue to come as the company looks to demonstrate the capabilities of its technology but also share the knowledge of how brands and businesses can shape the future. It’s evident that technology like tactile printing can make a huge impact, changing the lives of many. The main focus for businesses and brands is to learn about working together with different organisations and communities in creating more diverse and inclusive spaces. ▲ Tactile print was applied to photographs taken by Canon Ambassadors ▼ [L to R] Mathew Faulkner, Canon, with Steve Hardy, managing director at Prosign Print and Display ► Check out Print7’s video coverage of World Unseen including further comments from Dave Williams and Lucy Edwards
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