25/08/2026
Meet the Maker - Paul - one of our very important Platemakers in Prepress.
This is the stage where your digital artwork file is processed through a Computer-to-Plate (CTP) system, where the image is precisely imaged onto aluminium printing plates. Each plate represents one printing colour and is mounted onto the corresponding plate cylinder of the offset printing press. During printing, the inked image is transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket, which then offsets the image onto the paper, producing an accurate and consistent printed result.
Paul has been with us since January this year, but has worked in the print industry for almost 50 years!
Over his career, Paul has seen prepress evolve from a labour-intensive, craft-based trade into a highly automated digital workflow. In the 1970s, every stage, from typesetting and image reproduction to page layout and plate preparation, was performed manually using photographic film, light tables, and precision tools, requiring specialised skills and apprenticeships.
By the 1980s and 1990s, desktop publishing, digital image editing, and electronic page layout began replacing traditional paste-up and film-based processes.
Today, most prepress work is completed entirely on computers using integrated software, PDF workflows, automated preflight checks, colour management, and computer-to-plate (CTP) technology. Tasks that once took teams of specialists and days to complete can now often be carried out by a single operator in a matter of hours, improving speed, accuracy, consistency, and flexibility while fundamentally changing the skills required in the industry.
In his spare time, Paul enjoys cycling. We're delighted to welcome you to the Printcraft team, Paul. Your experience and expertise are a valuable addition, and we're pleased to have you on board.
Interested to learn more about the printing process and the variety of career paths available in the print industry?
Follow our page or check out our website
printcraft.com.au
