Pittsburgh - The Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA) is known for nurturing and ushering in the future of print technology. As technology has progressed, the association evolved and soon the logo that adorned TAGA publications was dusty and out of date. TAGA focuses not only on graphic arts systems, software, and computer technology developments, but on the more traditional areas of press, ink, and paper engineering applications and needed a logo to reflect that.

When TAGA decided to redesign their logo, they turned to their ambitious student members. Entries flooded in that doted on every facet of the TAGA organization--some cleverly featured a literal tag, others a satellite dish in the midst of a communication--and the judges pored over the choices until a result was in. The chosen entry came from Kristina Chung and her logo--five neat squares, colored in the order of KCMYK, emblazoned with a registration mark and "TAGA"--took home top honors.

Kristina admits that she would have never entered this contest if it wasn't for the graphic communication department at Cal Poly, saying, "They really fueled my passion for graphic design and print. Every class would make me eager to learn more and continue practicing my skills. Over my college years, I was able to take part in a handful of logo contests, but participating in the TAGA logo contest was even more special because it was for an organization that was closer to my heart."

Her design was simple but hit the nail on the head. Mark Bohan, managing director of TAGA, says, "The judges were looking for something that represented the industry's move toward becoming more dynamic. It is not just about putting dots of ink on paper, but rather about a communication industry which is continually evolving."

Kristina Chung received a plaque, recognition at the 2010 TAGA Conference, two years of free membership to TAGA, and the honor to have her logo adorn every official TAGA-related publication. But she took much more away from her experience, saying that, "After being invited to the 2010 TAGA Conference, my eyes were opened to the vast opportunities and communities available to members. My favorite part about going to the conference was meeting so many people and realizing we were all connected, no matter where we were from, or where we went to school, or how old we were. We all had a passion for print and the graphic arts."

On hand to witness Kristina receiving this great honor were distinguished speakers, delegates of the conference, and, most importantly, her family. To say they were overjoyed would be an understatement.

Kristina is currently working as a contract graphic designer for two companies. The first is the eco-friendly home textile, Pure Fiber in Ontario, CA, where she is responsible for all design work: marketing, catalog, packaging, and website design. She also works for XYZ Textbooks and helps with the page layout for the high school level textbooks, as well as creating original artwork to help illustrate mathematical problems in the book.

Thanks to the sponsors of the event, Dow Jones, Heidelberg, Kodak, manroland, Mimeo.com, and EFI, for without them this would not be possible. This was a huge success that helps illuminate the importance and future of the printing industry.