From the Desk at Packaging Chic – August 2025
The best way to predict the future of print is to invest in the people who will shape it." – S.E.
FROM THE DESK
A Walkthrough with Purpose
At the Amplify Print show in June, I found myself doing something a little different. I had planned to walk the floor, scout new print and embellishment techniques, and catch up with vendor partners, but this year I brought someone along with me, virtually.
Jacob is a student from Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication program, and I’ve been mentoring him over the past year. We hopped on a Zoom call while I was at the show, and I gave him a live walkthrough of the booths and displays. There’s something really energizing about seeing it all through the eyes of a curious student—someone who’s just starting to connect the dots between school and the industry ahead.
Student Work That Stands Out
One highlight we looked at together was the winning entry from the student box design competition. Over 85 student submissions were reviewed, and the standout was a clever, beautifully executed shipper created for the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF). It was designed as a promotional shipper to support PGSF’s scholarship and grant programs for graphic communication educators. Here’s the link to the PGSF’s contest page!
This wasn’t just a “class project”—it was a real box, for a real mission. And it held its own among the commercial work on display. Jacob and I paused on that example. It reminded me why student competitions matter, and how good design and production are more than just specs on a sheet—they’re tools for connection, promotion, and purpose.
Why I Take Time to Mentor
Let’s be honest, walking a show floor while Zooming with a student takes some effort. But the value it brings? Worth every bit of coordination.
We talked about embellishment processes, dielines, and how clients think about value. I pointed out a couple of press proofs and sample kits, and Jacob asked great questions. This is the kind of education that sticks. And it’s part of how I continue learning too; through mentoring, noticing, and staying open to different perspectives.
Norwegian Wool bag samples
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
Luxury Shopping Bags: From Idea to In-Production
This spring, I kicked off a packaging project with a high-end fashion brand updating their very large branded shopping bags. It’s a custom 1-color print inside and out, with herringbone handles—and it nearly got derailed by tariff news in April. We pushed through, got clarification, and it’s in production now. Now to get through customs! Manufactured in Vietnam at the factory that does the big runs for big brands.
Our run was not big but to have the know how of my partners was just what we needed!
Industry Watch: Barcode to QR Code
Big changes are ahead for how product codes show up on packaging. The familiar 1D UPC barcodes are being replaced with 2D codes (like QR codes) that carry more data and open direct digital experiences.
👉 Read more about the shift and what it means for brand owners and printers →
Tool I’m Sharing: Fractions & Decimals for Packaging
If you’ve ever paused mid-spec sheet wondering what 0.8125" actually is . . . you’re not alone. I put together a simple reference sheet for myself (and now YOU!) that translates fractional inches to decimals — perfect for anyone reviewing dielines or typing in box specs. Maybe you’ve already memorized this stuff but I didn’t. Answer? .8125 = 13/16”. I had to look it up.
📥 Grab your copy here → - no log in or email needed! 🎁
📌 Quick Tip: Save Your Production SampleS
Your production sample is your packaging’s reference point — don’t toss it! Whether you're producing folding cartons, printed pouches, or custom mailers, that very first printed sample is your control file for the future.
Keep one labeled and dated in a physical file or project bin. Why?
If you switch suppliers, they’ll need to match that exact look and feel.
If something changes in your product or printing, you’ll have proof of how it was done before.
If there’s a quality issue down the line, this sample helps you identify what went wrong.
It’s one of those small habits that saves huge headaches later. I always keep a bin of “control samples” just in case.
What's Next?
In September, I’ll be back from the Cal Poly GrC Summer Advisory Board meeting—where I’m surrounded by leaders from companies like Google, Cisco, HP, ServiceNow, and Bay Cities. I’ll share a few insights from our conversations on where packaging, print, and creative tech are headed. It’s not just barcodes that are evolving.
Curious about how your packaging measures up?
Let’s talk. I offer packaging consulting, production management, and strategic sourcing that helps brands like yours move forward with confidence.
👉 Contact me to get started.
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