This year’s judging panel for the Victorian Printing Industries Craftsmanship Awards (PICA) competition will feature several new members, drawn from a field of highly regarded industry experts and former judges and consultants from previous PICA and National Print Awards teams.

Well known industry consultant Garry Muratore, Currie Group’s John Shallvey, Ferrostaal Australia’s Gerard Wintle and Mark Holland from Spicers join this year’s panel, which also includes long-time judges Bill Hicks and Norman Field. The judging panel will once again be chaired by Rod Urquhart.

“With PICA and the National Print Awards now inextricably linked, one key challenge for organisers has been to find a panel of experienced and independent judges for each State competition, and a totally separate one, representative of the industry at a national level, for the NPA,” Mr Urquhart said.

“Recruitment of new judges is part of that process, so that we can continue to ensure that the evaluation of entries is kept fresh and independent, while bringing ‘new blood’ onto the team to make sure we keep pace with the latest techniques and processes that are reflected in the competition categories.

“We’re delighted that these excellent judges have accepted our invitation to join the panel for what we believe is a very important role in the industry – the recognition and encouragement of excellence in ‘the art of craft’.

“All these people understand the pressures of working in a commercial environment and the skill, commitment and dedication it takes to achieve the highest quality while still meeting customer demands for fast turnaround and competitive costs.”

Those intending to enter this year’s Awards should be aware that, as in previous years, all judges have been briefed to be uncompromising in their evaluation of entries, making it more important than ever to check entries carefully before submitting.

“Every year, jobs that are probably worthy of an award miss out because the entrant falls into traps which are easily avoided,” Mr Urquhart said.

“This includes submitting examples of work that have individual faults and entering jobs in an unsuitable category.

“Whilst the judging panel can recommend to the Chair a change of category for entries they believe have been incorrectly entered, work with faults is an error that will unquestionably cost you a medal,” he said.