Solopress welcomes Graphic Design students University Centre South Essex

Solopress recently opened its doors to a group of BA (Hons) Graphic Design students from University Centre South Essex, offering them a practical insight into how design ideas are transformed into printed products. The visit formed part of the college’s continued efforts to connect its learners with the creative industries, and gave students a close-up look at how their studies translate into commercial outcomes.

About South Essex Colleges Group and the Graphic Design BA

South Essex Colleges Group is a well-established provider of further and higher education with campuses in Southend-on-Sea, Basildon and Thurrock. The institution offers a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, including a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design delivered in partnership with the University of the Arts London. The course encourages experimentation across traditional and digital media, equipping students with the technical, creative and professional skills needed for careers in branding, publishing, advertising and more.

Exploring the design-to-print process

During their time at Solopress, the group engaged with several departments including Sales, Design, Marketing and Production. The aim was to provide a full picture of how design concepts are developed, refined and ultimately produced at scale. Through informal discussions with team members, students explored the many stages that sit between a creative brief and the delivery of a finished printed item, from branding workshops and layout considerations to client proofs, prepress processes and the challenges of colour accuracy.

The tour extended into the factory, where students were able to see live jobs being produced across a variety of formats, including business stationery, large format and promotional print. From high-speed digital presses to wide-format flatbeds and finishing lines, the visit highlighted the complex relationship between design and production. For students used to screen-based outputs, it was a chance to appreciate the precision, planning and logistics that underpin commercial print.

Exploring the role of AI and new ways of working

During the visit, the students were introduced to some of the ways Solopress is using AI as part of the creative process. Client-facing designer Connor Mihill shared a recent poster project that was developed with AI assistance, prompting discussion about how new tools are reshaping design workflows. The students were intrigued by the quality of output possible when AI is prompted and directed with care. Senior Designer Matt Bruty led a conversation about how prompting AI effectively is likely to become a valuable skill in many creative roles, particularly as automation and generative tools become more integrated into day-to-day work.

In addition to sharing knowledge, the visit was also an opportunity for us to learn from the students. As part of the session, we invited their feedback on how they and their peers might approach ordering print, both now and in the future. Their input gave us a useful perspective on how younger designers think about sourcing printed materials — from how they access services online to how they consider options for customisation and finishing. Their thoughts will help inform our approach as we continue to improve how we support designers at every stage of their careers.

Connecting education with real-world experience

Steve Page, Programme Leader for Graphic Design at South Essex College, noted that the visit had a strong impact on the students. They left with a clearer understanding of how design fits into real-world commercial workflows and were struck by the scale and professionalism of the operation. Seeing design applied beyond the classroom gave them fresh perspective on the opportunities available within the print industry.

For Solopress, the visit reflects an ongoing commitment to supporting local education and contributing to the development of future creative professionals. Several current colleagues began their journeys at South Essex College, including Senior Designer Ellise Collins, who graduated from the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course in 2017 with first class honours. Ellise’s own success story, which is featured on the college’s website, stands as a reminder of the strong links between education and industry and the career opportunities that can arise when those links are maintained.

A lasting impression

Visits like this help foster a greater understanding of the print industry among those who will go on to shape its future. As the landscape of design continues to evolve, there remains a clear need for print expertise, from understanding material finishes and colour profiles to planning layouts for different formats. By bringing students into a live production environment, Solopress aims to demystify the process and make those pathways more visible.

The Graphic Design BA is just one of many creative courses offered by South Essex College, which continues to invest in partnerships with employers across the region. As part of that network, Solopress is proud to play a role, whether that’s providing work experience, reviewing new product ideas or simply showing what happens behind the scenes when a concept leaves the sketchpad.

For the students who visited, the experience delivered a valuable combination of technical insight and industry perspective. And for Solopress, it was a chance to give something back to the community that many of our team call home.