Enormous, dramatic banners produced in record time

Sen. Hilary Clinton speaking at the Ann Richards Memorial

AUSTIN—When former Texas Governor Ann Richards died, her family, friends and former colleagues had only a few days to put together a world-class event. More than 4,000 people attended the governor’s memorial service at the University of Texas Frank Erwin Center, including business and government leaders from around the nation. Speakers included U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, New York Post columnist Liz Smith, and Richard’s oldest granddaughter, Lily Adams. Renowned opera singer Jessye Norman performed. The event was covered by international and national media, with more than 400 press credentials issued, and was broadcast live on C-SPAN and National Public Radio.

The most visually important elements of the memorial service were the two enormous banners featuring photos of Governor Richards. The banners were produced by Austin printing company CC West for advertising agency GSD&M.

“GSD&M called us on Friday afternoon and the job was due on Sunday,” said Rex Couch, vice president of CC West. The 20 by 20 foot banners took more than 160 feet of material (Avery Saturn 12-ounce banner material) and required about 10 hours to print on two Mimaki JV3 160SP machines. The original artwork was black and white, but CC West converted the photos to CMYK to add depth. The job was proofed and produced on Saturday, and seamed together prior to delivery on Sunday.

“Under typical conditions, the turn time for a job like this would be three to four days,” Couch said. “We were happy to help our longtime client GSD&M, and to have a part in an event so important to so many people in Texas and beyond.”

“It was amazing to see these enormous banners as the backdrop to national print and broadcast media coverage. We were proud of the work we were able to do under an extremely tight deadline.” Couch said.

CC West is a printing company offering digital, offset and wide-format printing—a combination of services not found at any other printing company in Austin, Texas. The company is known for quality that satisfies even the most demanding print buyers, and has been nominated multiple years by the Austin Advertising Federation for categories including best printer, imaging and sign company.

Banner install captured
for NEWS8 Austin