June 5, 2009
Maryvonne Fent interviews Raz Ignatian, from Southern California Graphics
1. You currently work at Southern California Graphics?
Yes. I am a Sales Executive with SCG. My responsibilities for the Culver City- based graphic communications company include business development and account management. I currently work on a wide range of projects for corporate and graphic design clients.
2. What brought you to printing, and how long have you worked in that field?
It all started in a seventh-grade print shop class back in 1982. I really enjoyed the printing process and continued to take classes throughout junior high and high school. By the end of high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the printing industry, and with the guidance of two close friends, Richard and Genie Sevigny, I continued my education at Pasadena City College and later graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Graphic Communications.
3. Had any prior job prepared you to work in printing?
While attending Pasadena City College, I got a job in the pre-press department of a local printing company. Later, I worked at University Graphic Systems, a student-run printing company at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. This gave me valuable hands-on experience and an in-depth knowledge of the entire printing process. I also learned a lot by working in construction with my dad. He taught me about customer service and the importance of honoring one’s commitments. He taught me that good intentions count for zero and that results are what matter the most.
4. Where did you work before going to SCG?
My career started at Chromatic Litho. I was there for about nine years, then at Pace Lithographers for even years. I just completed my fourth year here at Southern California Graphics.
5. What was the toughest printing job you ever did?
Only one job really sticks out in my mind. The project itself wasn’t all that difficult. However, because of the assigned deadline, I was required to show proofs and do press checks around the clock for an entire week. It happened to be the week right before my wedding. That was a great initiation for my wife!
6. Tell me something about your life. What are you passionate about?
It’s all about my family. I have a beautiful wife and two children: Isabella who is eight and Andrew who is six. I try to spend as much time with them as possible.
7. Are you involved in sports? have hobbies? have pets?
I’m very active in my kids’ activities. I coach both their soccer teams. They are both starting basketball this summer, and I will most likely help with that. As for myself, I enjoy surfing and skateboarding.
8. What are you listening to on your iPod or your car stereo?
I listen to a little bit of everything: Cold Play, White Stripes, Green Day, System of A Down, Incubus, Jack Johnson, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Billy Joel, John Legend…