Matt Wolff on the Nostalgia of Tickets, Mental Health in Print, and Finding Joy in Challenges

Matt Wolff on the Nostalgia of Tickets, Mental Health in Print, and Finding Joy in Challenges

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Matt Wolff explore the dynamic landscape of ticketing, from the evolution of Ticket Time Machine to the impacts of digital tickets and COVID-19. They discuss the nostalgia of physical tickets and the challenges around exclusive digital ticketing policies, proposing solutions for offering printed tickets. The conversation touches on the market for collectible tickets and the sentimental versus monetary value of collections. They also address industry practices, scalping issues, and legal aspects like Ontario's anti-reselling law. The episode delves into mental health in the print industry, the dual role of AI in support, and the importance of laughter and personal growth through comedy and improv. (0:00) Introduction and Matt Wolf's background (1:27) The roller coaster of business ownership (2:40) Ticket Time Machine and the evolution of ticketing (3:28) Impact of digital tickets and COVID-19 (4:54) The value and nostalgia of physical tickets (6:26) Issues with exclusive digital ticketing policies (8:15) Potential solutions for offering printed tickets (10:02) The market for collectible and rare tickets (12:24) Sentimental vs. monetary value of ticket collections (14:10) The challenges of getting physical tickets at events (16:19) Business opportunities in printing commemorative tickets (20:03) Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and industry practices (21:16) Ontario's law against ticket reselling above face value (22:28) The problem with bots and scalpers in ticket sales (23:17) The Savannah Bananas' approach to ticket scalping (24:45) John Mayer's impact on Dead and Company (26:29) Challenges of replacing iconic band members (28:22) The importance of varying concert setlists (30:01) Difficulties in business networking (34:26) The impact of mental health on personal and professional life (41:20) Mental health initiatives in the print industry (43:24) The universality of mental health challenges (44:36) The dual nature of AI in mental health support (45:57) The impact of phone usage on social interactions (46:31) The benefits of breathing exercises for stress relief (47:03) The balance of good and bad in people (51:07) The current political climate and civil discourse (53:29) The influence of loud voices in public debates (55:47) Personal reflections on being a good person (57:19) The importance of laughter and comedy in life (58:28) Pickleball experience and spreading joy (1:00:31) The value of improv and comedy for personal growth (1:03:15) Potential

Jay Busselle on Innovating Print Culture: Leadership, Mentorship, and Marketing in a Changing Industry

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Jay Busselle discuss the evolving challenges in the print industry, focusing on engaging youth and the impact of figures like Gary Vee. They explore bridging communication gaps, adapting to technological changes, and promoting a positive industry culture. The conversation covers innovative technologies like Nova Glue and Felix Gluer, and the importance of company identity. They also delve into leadership, mentorship, integrating new salespeople, and the role of AI in marketing. The episode concludes with insights on fostering connections and the importance of humor in business. (0:00) Introduction, guest welcome, and print industry challenges (2:00) Importance of youth and influence of Gary Vee (4:26) Communication gaps and adapting to technology changes (10:01) Value of student engagement (13:33) Promoting a positive industry culture (17:13) Company identity and culture (19:21) Issues with industry-sponsored content (23:08) Promoting print through apparel (23:45) Leadership, company culture, and innovation (24:13) Innovative gluing technology: Nova Glue and Felix Gluer (26:42) Consulting and the value of advice (28:52) Knowledge sharing and mentorship (30:20) Team spirit and mentorship in print (36:33) Integrating new salespeople (41:01) Embracing change in print and apparel (43:01) The power of marketing and memorable promotions (46:01) Building relationships through shared activities (47:02) The limitations and role of AI in marketing (48:02) Impact of personalized business cards (51:02) Fostering connections through personal interests (54:21) The importance of humor and light-heartedness (55:12) Lessons from dog walking and human interactions (57:02) Closing remarks and call to action

From Stamps to Space: Ben Glazier on Designing for Stephen Hawking, NASA, and Beyond

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Ben Glazier explore the intersection of print, design, and space exploration. Ben discusses his journey from Xerox connections to designing iconic stamps for Stephen Hawking and NASA, including ones that landed on the moon. They cover the creative process, approval challenges, and collaborations with figures like Nicole Stott. The discussion includes the evolution of stamp usage, digital printing, and printers' roles in client education. Ben highlights the importance of engaging design education and UV printing's potential. The episode wraps up with insights on balancing passion projects with professional work. (0:00) Introduction and guest background (1:04) Connection through Xerox and previous podcast (1:40) Designing and presenting Stephen Hawking stamps (2:37) Work with the Stephen Hawking Foundation and Isle of Man Government (4:31) Meeting Stephen Hawking and continued collaboration with Lucy Hawking (8:03) Designing stamps for NASA and moon landing anniversaries (10:05) Getting into stamp design through the Worshipful Company of Boyers (13:46) Approval process for stamp designs (16:36) Stamps landing on the moon with Chris Stott's mission (17:18) Collaboration with NASA astronaut Nicole Stott (19:11) Recent stamp set "Oceans to the Stars" (21:42) Philosophical discussion on the overview effect (22:33) Displaying stamp designs at Piccadilly Circus (24:12) Transition from design to space projects (25:46) Designing stamps for the RAF anniversary (28:38) Evolution and future of stamp usage (30:38) Digital printing and customized stamps (32:50) Effectiveness of hand-addressed marketing (35:02) Experience at NASA's Mission Control (39:22) Encouraging students to challenge design briefs (44:08) Importance of engaging teaching in design education (45:44) Current trends in print embellishments (49:22) Importance of engaging designers in print (51:53) Printers' role in educating clients (54:27) Expanding creative possibilities with UV printing (57:10) Collaboration between printers and designers (1:02:07) Passion projects and work-life balance (1:06:17) Inspiration from the space industry (1:07:27) Embracing new skills and adaptability in print (1:08:17) Final words: Challenge the brief and have fun

Erik Norman on swissQprint, Sustainability, and Innovation in Large Format Printing

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Erik Norman from swissQprint to discuss the company's new facility and their decision to expand amid economic challenges. They delve into the importance of sustainability, critiquing FSC certification and emphasizing LEED certification. The conversation covers managing costs, delivering client value, and enhancing printing with textures and varnish. Erik shares insights on overcoming legacy thinking, engaging young employees, and the impact of young leadership. They also explore building a positive work culture, managing tariffs, and addressing mental health in the industry. The episode concludes with a call for open dialogue and empathy among printers. (0:00) Introduction and overview with Eric Norman from SwissQ Print (1:14) SwissQ Print’s new facility and building decisions (2:57) Economic challenges and choosing to expand (4:39) LEED certification and sustainability focus (5:02) Critique of FSC certification in printing (6:44) Managing costs in the print industry (8:22) Delivering value to clients (10:08) Enhancing large format printing with textures and varnish (13:20) SwissQ Print’s reliability and service approach (19:26) Notable client projects and applications (24:44) Overcoming legacy thinking in print (25:48) Listening to and learning from younger generations (27:02) Engaging young employees, especially on social media (28:58) Impact of young leadership in the print sector (30:20) Building a supportive and positive work culture (31:57) Starting meetings with positive stories (34:39) Eric Norman’s career path and joining SwissQ Print (36:22) Managing the North American subsidiary (40:25) Navigating tariffs and inventory management (41:59) Identifying the right customers for SwissQ Print (44:04) Common mistakes print buyers make (45:09) Cost-saving measures and productivity impacts (49:47) Addressing mental health in the print industry (51:22) Closing thoughts and upcoming events (52:15) Encouraging open dialogue among printers (53:03) The importance of empathy and OEM support (55:24) Final remarks and call to action

Lee Murphy on Signage Industry Insights, Challenges, and Innovations

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Lee Murphy dive into the fascinating world of signage. Lee shares his journey into the signage industry and the variety of projects at Access Signs. They explore the differences between the sign and print industries, discussing steps for obtaining business signage, including permit processes and common challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of signage for businesses, the impact of Chinese manufacturing, and memorable installation experiences. They also touch on automation, labor challenges post-COVID, and future trends in signage. The episode concludes with a discussion on the pride of creating impactful signs and the importance of customer feedback. (0:10) Introduction and Lee Murphy’s background (1:26) Types of signage projects at Access Signs (2:41) Lee’s journey into the signage industry (5:28) Sign industry vs. print industry (6:21) Steps to obtain business signage (8:10) Permit processes and common challenges (11:29) Customer visits and project reassurance (13:27) Receiving proper artwork files (16:22) Planning and timeframes for signage projects (17:10) Memorable and challenging sign projects (21:01) More memorable and challenging projects (23:33) Importance of signage for businesses (27:08) Choosing the right sign company (30:18) Impact of Chinese manufacturing on signage (34:12) Customer engagement and sales follow-up (37:08) Unusual and memorable installation experiences (40:15) Costly mistakes and lessons learned (41:45) Automation and software in the sign industry (45:48) Labor challenges post-COVID (49:38) Rising costs and industry impact (50:08) Future trends and innovations in signage (51:50) Collaboration with large format printing companies (54:16) Signage and business visibility (55:30) Brand promotion through signage (56:15) Pride in creating signs and customer feedback (57:17) Outro and call to action