Happy 68th Annual International Printing Week!
 

This tradition began in 1944 when a printer from New Jersey proposed that The Graphic Professionals Resource Network (IAPHC) create a week-long recognition of the craft, art and science of graphic expression. Today many university art departments and graphic industry experts take the week (kicked off by Benjamin Franklin’s birthday on Jan. 17) to celebrate their work and share new innovations.
 

Printing has had many progressions and milestones throughout the years. The first known duplication of images occurred in 3000 BC with the invention of round cylinder seals for rolling images into clay. There is evidence of early image printing with small stamps on cloth in both China and Egypt. Block printing artifacts date back to the 4^th century in Egypt.
 

The invention of moveable type in China around 1040 was the next major advance in printing. Johannes Gutenberg developed European moveable type printing technology around 1439 and this is cited as the beginning of the European age of printing. From there, lithography was invented in 1796; offset press techniques were developed in the 1870s and screen-printing became popular in 1907.
 

The advent of the color laser printer in 1969 was a major advancement. Prior to this, newspapers, magazines and paper goods were the main industries using any printing technology. This advancement allowed small businesses to begin using color printing for banners and other marketing materials.
 

In 1993 digital printing revolutionized printing once again. Business managers use digital printing for business cards, signs, brochures, banners, and even gift items such as coffee mugs and t-shirts. Digital printing makes producing small batches much more affordable. In conjunction with the rise of internet, digital printing commerce allows individuals and businesses to quickly develop marketing ideas and materials.
 

How will you celebrate International Printing Week?