Author: Shireen Shurmer

Social and mainstream media were awash all weekend with shares of the video interviews with the O’Donovan brothers, the rowing duo from West Cork who clinched a silver medal, and stole the hearts, not only of their Irish supporters, but of Olympic watchers the world over.

Author: Lucy Williams

Ok, I admit it. The world of social media is incredible. It has opened up possibilities many of us could have only dreamed of, however, even this now ubiquitous method of communications does have its pitfalls.

Author: Louise Lazell

When looking at a drawing, painting or photograph, how often do you think to yourself: ‘I wonder what sort of paper they used for that?’ Not very often, I imagine. While studying for a Fine Art degree at university, it took me until my third year to actually consider how the paper I was using to draw on was impacting the final look and feel of my work.

Author: Charlotte Coombes

My last week of sixth form was swapped for a week of work experience at AD Communications. Having had a part time job already, I remember stubbornly asking ‘What more experience do I need?’, but my mum, a friend of Shireen’s, kindly asked if it was ok for me to spend a week at a PR agency. I went into the office having known zilch about PR and I can now leave knowing I’ve learnt a great deal more.

Author: Shireen Shurmer

‘Eat Well for Less’ has returned to UK TV screens, a programme which encourages British households to consider their spend on grocery shopping, break deeply rooted purchasing habits, cut food waste and reduce reliance on processed food over fresh produce cooked from scratch.

Author: Daniel Porter

“Being a good writer is 3% effort – 97% not getting distracted by the internet” – Anonymous

The quote above first came to my attention a few years ago when I was working in the book publishing industry. It was pasted into the email signature of an author whose book I was creating a marketing plan for and, though I’ve never managed to find out who said it first, I’ve always felt it had a real ring of truth about it.

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.