My name is Madison Montgomery (Madi), and I am a Graphic Communications major. This first week of my internship as a Print Laboratory Assistant at The Sonoco Institute has been more than exciting. So far, I have learned a lot about the flexography process. With little experience in flexography, aside from GC 1040, I was worried that I would be lost and unable to assist hands-on. Kenny Tucker (Project Coordinator) and Shane Hutchings (Lab Manager) have given me very in-depth and detailed knowledge on how to clean the press machine properly, how to conduct a primary and secondary start-up, how to change substrates without having a web break, how to operate a pallet jack, the different types of inks we use and their differences, the different cleaning techniques used for each ink, the different doctor blade types used for each ink and the different doctor blade materials and shapes and how to conduct myself around the lab. I have appreciated the mentor role that Kenny and Shane have presented themselves as; this teacher type makes it easier for me to ask questions and has allowed me to learn more hands-on. I have had lots of fun learning the different aspects of this job and am eager to learn more. This out-of-class experience has allowed my passion for flexography and print to grow even larger. As someone who previously hoped for a job in design, I am surprised to say that a job in flexography may be in my future. I have learned so much already in this first week and am looking forward to filling my notebook.
Get to Know Me
Name: Madison Montgomery
Major: Graphic Communication
Year: Junior
Hometown: Camden, SC
Favorite Class: GC 1040
Favorite Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Favorite Clemson Spot: Godfrey Hall
What is your favorite part about the Advanced Print Lab internship so far?
My favorite part is learning all of the ins and outs of a press run. I love the hands-on experience I have gained. I have already learned so much that learning in a lecture or large lab course may be harder.
What has been your favorite part(s) of your Clemson experience?
Clemson has allowed me to find something I am passionate in. Clemson does a wonderful job of praising students’ achievements. I appreciate the Graphic Communications community and the many outlets offered to my major students. I have found a passion for print and diving into my passion for design. TAGA (Technical Association of the Graphic Arts) has been one of my favorite experiences as of right now.
What have you learned so far in your internship experience?
So far, I have learned how to properly clean the press machine, run a primary and secondary start-up, operate a pallet jack, and learn the differences between UV reactive ink, water-based ink and solvent ink.
