Alun Davies - Personnel Interview

Alun Davies joined Ottimo Digital in September 2021, and in common with several colleagues, he was already familiar with Ottimo before being recruited. In Alun’s case, he worked for a long-standing Ottimo client in the exhibition sector and got to know the company and people well, before being offered the role of production assistant.

How long have you been working in print and graphics?

I’ve worked in and around print for around 20 years and homed in on exhibitions and exhibition graphics about 15 years ago. It’s an exciting place to work, with bags of creativity and fresh ideas flying about, short runs and turnaround times, and the chance to go big and make an impact with some stunning creations. But it’s also high pressure and can be pretty frantic most of the time.

What’s the best thing about working at Ottimo Digital?

It’s a breath of fresh air working at Ottimo!  I think that’s down to a superb and committed team that Lee and Nick have built. Everyone gets on really well and that promotes a positive work environment. It can obviously get busy at times, but we always pull together and get the job done.

What does the production assistant do?

I move customer orders through our production processes, ensuring consistency and quality at every stage. I have to be able to work at every point of that process, which can mean creating, checking and correcting artwork to make sure it’s appropriate for its print process, ensuring the relevant machines are ready and set up correctly, operating the machines, or finishing and cutting the output.

What advice can you give on commissioning graphics?

Above all else, use a good designer with a firm grasp of production methods. I’ve seen many exhibition graphics fail to live up to their potential because the designer didn’t understand the print process.

How do you relax and unwind?

I love the outdoors and will take most opportunities to take a walk, run or cycle ride or do some swimming when it’s too dark, cold or wet.  Drumming for an instrumental noise-rock band lets me clear my head and stay limber at the same time, and it all helps with the more physical aspects of being a production assistant!