Sunday, 13 October 2013

Manchester Print Fair 2013.

Yesterday was one of Manchester's key bi-annual events, Manchester Print Fair, held at NQ2022, Dale Street. It's a fantastic opportunity for local designers, illustrators or anybody interested by print design to get together in a friendly environment to sell, buy and browse.

Flyer sourced from manchesterprintfair.co.uk.

 You can keep up-to-date and learn more about the independent event on their well managed blog; http://manchesterprintfair.tumblr.com/.

I went along about midday and the venue was absolutely packed, obviously a great thing to see so many people on both sides of the stalls, although did make it difficult to manoeuvre without breaking a sweat. If there's a bit of advice I could give to people intending on paying a visit to the net print fair it would be; take minimal baggage, easily removable outer-wear and triple the money you think you will spend. The array of prints, products, trinkets and postcards was amazing and all for very reasonable prices!

Intentionally I was visiting to lend a hand with my other half and good pals collective stall, Foursight. Three very talented individuals banded together with a passion for illustration and strengths is all corners of design. Dom and Kris were manning the ropes as Jord was previously engaged, which ended up being a better for everyone involved as there was barely room for one person behind the stall, let alone three.

Selection of tasty prints for sale individually or bundled at Foursight's stall.
Other than Foursight, Lyndsey Green and Alex Frazer were two illustrators that really stood out for me. Their products were exceptionally unique, well branded and at the best prices aswell. I bought myself two of Alex's prints for £5 each, hand pulled and based on songs by two of my favourite bands.

All in all, the day was a huge success and a massive eye-opener. There's some serious competition in Manchester alone but with the event growing every year there's chance for everyone to get a slice of the action. Keep your eyes peeled for the next event in 2014.