Author: Michael Grass

“There’s an app for that”. It’s funny to think how one of the most popular phrases in contemporary lexicon would’ve meant zilch ten years ago. Yet, just a decade later, it’s astonishing just how much mobile applications have substantially empowered us in this digital age. Whether they’re used for matchmaking, hitching a ride, or flinging disgruntled avians at wobbly structures, it really does seem like there’s an app for everything these days. More importantly, many mobile apps effortlessly achieve something brands have been trying to do for years on end: they keep us connected.

Author: Cerys Traylor

Functional packaging is becoming an increasingly popular method for brand owners to differentiate and market their product effectively, while increasing customer interaction and their overall brand experience.

Author: Shireen Shurmer

drupa 2016 proved itself to be a global microcosm of print. Exhibitors from 54 countries showed their capabilities in Düsseldorf, treating it as a global stage for their innovations. And the global nature of the event made it a magnet for visitors from all over the world; 76% of visitors are reported to have come from outside Germany.

Author: Daniel Porter

As a relative new-comer to the print industry – but with a background in book publishing – drupa 2016 (my first) brought back memories of visits to Frankfurt Book Fair over the years: hundreds of thousands of lanyard-wearing visitors madly dashing from hall to hall; eye-catching stand designs, and everything held together with impeccable German efficiency.

Author: Louise Lazell

On occasion, I will still buy a disposable camera, despite the convenience of digital photography and ease of viewing. And when I’m going to the photo shop to collect the prints from it, I’m still every bit as excited as I was many years ago. You see one of the problems (and ironies) with digital photography is the lack of spontaneity especially from the ‘selfie’ generation – one where multiple images are often taken one after the other, until the subject looks just right, ‘just so’ in this most immediate moment of perceived spontaneity. Then there is the issue I have with those who insist on looking at a digital photo straight after it’s been taken to ensure it can be deleted if it’s not flattering.

Author: Paul Spiers

The day has finally arrived once again as it does every four years. I landed late last night and, after a lengthy stroll back and forth along the side of the Rhine to find the boat hotel that is my home for the next ten days, I checked in, pulled down my cabin bed, put on my sailor pyjamas (joke!) and slept for a few hours. Then rising early, I headed off to that big kahuna of international print shows: #drupa 2016.

Author: Ellie Bunce

We have received a wide range of briefs over the years – one-liner emails, quick telephone discussions with our own back-of-a-fag-packet notes, face-to-face meetings and detailed 20-page written documents. It’s not how the brief is delivered that I’m interested in… but rather the information included in the brief. When it comes to a campaign brief, the age-old saying of ‘the more you put in, the more you get out’, is definitely relevant.

Author: Michael Grass

Aaah, the can and the bottle. A classic pairing spotted in many an ice bucket on a hot afternoon and a winning combo fit to challenge even the most iconic double acts (Laurel & Hardy, Richard & Judy, Batman & Robin… the list goes on). Having worked for some time with clients and media in the packaging sector, it was during a recent trip to the local newsagent’s that got me thinking about these two very different yet so similar containers.

Author: Michael Grass

I remember having a conversation with Dad sometime in 2010 about Facebook. My father, a seasoned Communications Manager, dismissed the social site as “a fad that will struggle to find a place in business”, before signing off with what can only be described with the benefit of hindsight as an ironic statement: “trust me, it won’t last”.

Author: Greg Mills

Although for me the word “game-changing” generally falls into the same category of overused words as “unique” and “strategic”, a look at the impact that 3D printing is already having and could yet have suggests that game-changing really could be an appropriate adjective to use to describe this technology.  Although more accurately called “additive manufacturing”, the adoption of 3D printing is picking up pace (almost 133,000 3D printers were shipped worldwide in 2014, 68 % up on 2013) and we’re starting to see regular stories about how the technology is being used for a huge variety of purposes – from bra sizing to road-ready cars to pharmaceutical drugs to prosthetic feet for ducks and hoofs for horses.

Author: Cerys Traylor

The Land of the Rising Sun…Japan. Just over 3 weeks ago, I hopped on a plane, had a hectic transfer in Beijing and eventually arrived in Tokyo, to begin my two week adventure around these amazing islands. I arrived during the heart of the ‘Sakura’ (cherry blossom) season and this was reflected throughout the country, from the bright neon lights of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, to the mountainous regions and the Japanese Alps.

Author: Daniel Porter

As drupa fast approaches – in fact it’s only 41 days away now – I’m curious to discover how many exhibitors will be featuring some of the exciting new applications that are currently on a rapid rise in the interior décor and textile printing sectors. It’s an area that has sparked my interest recently, as I’ve been more immersed in these industry sectors, and it never ceases to amaze me just what is now possible by the constant innovation of wide format digital inkjet printing. I’ve even been able to pass on some tips in relation to architectural films to a friend who’s currently in the throes of a ‘Grand Design’ project, and I’m likely to see the end result of these digitally printed films in-situ very soon.