Expert Perspectives

Who Lights Your Fire?

Published

11 years ago

May 21, 2013

Screen Printing Screen Printing May 2013 Issue

The world lost a cultural icon this week with the passing of Ray Manzarek. The founding keyboardist of The Doors lost his battle with cancer, but the bulk of his musical legacy lives on in numerous recordings of his legendary band. We’re fortunate to have such documentation of a pivotal time in American music and its role in the major changes taking place in society at large at the time. We’re fortunate to be able to access the works of this remarkable musician, composer, arranger, and producer — and do so on demand.

The screen-printing industry is, indeed, lucky to have a fair number of Ray Manzarek types still active in the game. These folks aren’t afraid to teach the trade to those who want to learn — to share their secrets with screen printers who want to do better and do more with the art and craft that’s responsible for the production of so many things we enjoy daily.

Each time a huge figure in the world departs, whether it’s in music or T-shirt printing, we grow a bit poorer. That’s why it’s essential to listen, observe, and learn while you can. Preserve the ideas and examples that inspire you. Screen Printing magazine is very fortunate to be able to publish some very experienced, passionate voices from this unique and dynamic industry, and many readers keep archives of back issues for that reason — but it shouldn’t stop there. Go out of your way to engage the experts in the field when you see them at trade shows. Call them. Send them an e-mail. Most are happy to assist in great detail if it means keeping the trade alive and growing.

"Strange days have found us
Strange days have tracked us down
They’re going to destroy our casual joys
We shall go on playing or find a new town."

click to Comment(Comment)

Up Next

Imagine! Print Solutions Enhances Screen Print Capabilities

Don't Miss

Encouraging Students

Let’s Talk About It

Creating a More Diverse and Inclusive Screen Printing Industry

LET’S TALK About It: Part 3 discusses how four screen printers have employed people with disabilities, why you should consider doing the same, the resources that are available, and more. Watch the live webinar, held August 16, moderated by Adrienne Palmer, editor-in-chief, Screen Printing magazine, with panelists Ali Banholzer, Amber Massey, Ryan Moor, and Jed Seifert. The multi-part series is hosted exclusively by ROQ.US and U.N.I.T.E Together. Let’s Talk About It: Part 1 focused on Black, female screen printers and can be watched here; Part 2 focused on the LGBTQ+ community and can be watched here.