Aaron Kennedy has been the Graphic Design Instructor at Cedar Hill High School in Cedar Hill, Texas since 2012. Early on he recognized the potential for digital printing to help his students express their creativity.
After initially trying another printer, Kennedy invested in a Roland TrueVIS SG-540 54-inch wide-format digital printer/cutter. “The Roland opened our eyes to everything we could be
doing,” said Kennedy. Today, Kennedy and his students are producing signs and graphics for the school and district, as well as helping with fundraising opportunities.
Running an On-Campus Print Shop
Kennedy and his students now run an actual print shop out of his classroom. “The Roland is the only printing equipment in our shop – it’s such a versatile machine, we can use it to handle just about every type of assignment,” said Kennedy.
“The Roland opened our eyes to everything we could be doing.”
The graphics they create, which include wall wraps, door wraps, custom posters, banners and signs, are displayed all over campus. The students also produce decals for cars, Yeti cooler cups, and other objects, and they use a heat press to adhere designs to shirts and aprons. Kennedy’s students have also begun printing “fatheads” and full-body prints.
Exploring Entrepreneurship
Kennedy makes the classroom and printer available to his students so they can create and sell their own designs. “Students run cost analyses to see what they should be charging their customers,” explained Kennedy.
Kennedy notes that the Roland’s print quality, efficiency and ease of use make it the perfect
machine for classroom use. “The printer’s efficiency lets us cut down on costs while still building in a ‘mistake’ factor,” he said.
Print Skills in the Job Market
Kennedy has also reached out into the community, taking his students on field trips and inviting local wrap shop owners to come in and discuss vehicle graphics with the class.
“Students are definitely understanding that they can make a living from producing quality vinyl prints,” he said. “With this experience, they are able to graduate and get a good paying job.”
Blog Article Originally Published by ROLAND DGA, "Print Shop Success at Cedar Hill High School."
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