When You know, You know.
Alex Haug, ROQ’s FIRST Partner In Print in the United States came up to me at the Long Beach Impressions show earlier in the year on a mission. He wanted to ensure that one of his team members, Ella Vickerman, got recognized as one of this year’s Women in Screen Printing Award Winners. She had only been with him for a few months, he explained, but she had surpassed all expectations.
Alex got emotional as he shared how much it meant to him to see his team passionate and fulfilled by what they do everyday and he wanted to ensure this got the recognition it deserved. A few weeks later, I connected with Ella to setup an interview and learned more about her. We weren’t able to connect a few times and had reschedule. Each time we had to reschedule, she followed up to rebook the appointment, confirmed each appointment, and was proactive in each interaction. I’ve been in many of screen printing shops and interviewed hundreds of screen printers, and I have to say, before I even talked to Ella, I knew this one was going to be different.
From Graphic Design Dreams to Ink-Stained Hands
Ella Vickerman, the 2024 Women of Screen Printing Award Winner, wasn't always destined for a life in the print shop. As a former graphic design student, she initially envisioned a career hunched over a computer, creating digital masterpieces. However, fate had other plans. After stumbling upon a job posting on Indeed, she found herself drawn to the vibrant world of screen printing, where creativity and craftsmanship collide.
"I just love the artistic aspect of it," Ella says. "I'm a perfectionist, and screen printing allows me to bring that out. Making sure everything is lined up perfectly, the inks are just right – it's all so satisfying."
A Passion for Perfection: Why Ella Deserves to Win
Ella's passion for her craft is evident in everything she does. She quickly mastered the art of running a press, tackling challenges like registration and ink mixing with a tenacious spirit. Her dedication and quick learning earned her the respect of her colleagues and a well-deserved promotion within her first month at Twin City Tees.
Beyond her technical skills, Ella's artistic background shines through in her work. Her keen eye for detail and understanding of design principles make her an invaluable asset to the team. As she puts it, "Screen printing gives you both sides – the computer work and the hands-on creativity. That's what I love about it."
Rocking the ROQ: A Match Made in Printing Heaven
At Twin City, Ella found her perfect match: the ROQ press. She raves about its versatility and efficiency, allowing her to create high-quality prints with ease. "It's the best press I've ever worked with," she says. "It's fast, reliable, and produces amazing results."
Ella's love for the ROQ extends beyond its technical capabilities. She appreciates the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability, which aligns with her values. "ROQ is always pushing the boundaries of what's possible in screen printing," she continued. "It's exciting to be a part of that."
The Future of Print: Ella's Vision for the Industry
As a rising star in the screen printing industry, Ella is eager to make her mark. She envisions a future where water-based and discharge inks become the norm, thanks to their superior quality and environmental benefits. "I would love to see more people embrace these inks," she says. "They produce such beautiful, long-lasting prints."
Ella is also passionate about connecting with the local artist community and sharing her knowledge with fellow printers. She's already made strides in this area, collaborating with suppliers to improve ink formulas and creating engaging social media content to showcase her work. "I want to inspire others and show them what's possible with screen printing," she claims.
In short, Ella Vickerman is a force to be reckoned with. Her talent, passion, and dedication make her a worthy recipient of the 2024 Women of Screen Printing Award. I can't wait to see where her journey takes her next!
We invite You to join us at the Women In Screen Printing Awards, presented by Screen Printing Magazine, to celebrate Ella and the other awesome leaders. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 10th, 2024 in the Knowledge Center, Booth C4318 (near registration between the two halls) of the Las Vegas Convention Center at Printing United! Register for Printing United FREE with code "439031" at this link. Thank You for the opportunity to have You join us in celebrating 2024's winning class!
