From the Desk at Packaging Chic | September 2025
Ahhh, September in San Diego . . .
The bulk of beach tourists have left and the weather is warm. I can just tell it’s a different season by the light.
I know, I know, people say there are no seasons in San Diego. They are subtle, but definitely still seasons. Fall is a favorite of mine. Come visit!
CELEBRATING A MILESTONE
Why I Wrote the Itty Bitty Book (and What It’s Becoming)
Two years ago I published Your Amazing Itty Bitty™ Guide to Packaging Made Simple, which became an Amazon best seller. The idea started during the quiet of COVID when client projects slowed and I finally gathered decades of print and packaging knowledge into one short, practical guide.
That little book has turned into a framework for my current work—from packaging audits to consulting—and it keeps sparking conversations with founders and product teams. There are some worksheets and resources now that I developed over time.
So, now what? Lately I’ve been exploring what’s next: maybe an app or AI-style agent that puts the book’s lessons at your fingertips. Have you written a book about your work? Would love to know if you have and how you use it and if you do!
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Mixing Old and New: Jeannine Kellogg’s Embellished Covers for The Tukors Book Series
At the Amplify Print conference I met author Jeannine Kellogg. Jeannine is the author of Tukor’s Journey, a middle-grade adventure series full of mystery, courage, and heart. Her books follow a group of kids who discover hidden powers and take on big challenges—together. It’s a smart, exciting read that leaves a lasting impression. She originally asked for production art support on a single cover, but the project quickly expanded into as a Production Management and Production Art client.
The covers combine Scodix digital enhancement, traditional hot stamping, and classic embossing. Scodix gives us crisp raised effects without metal dies, hot stamping delivers that rich metallic pop, and embossing brings deep texture.
Jeannine calls me her Print Production Therapist—someone to help avoid the “primal scream” that can hit when a project nears the press. 😂 Can’t say that I really thought about it that way, but grateful for our work and time together!
REFLECTION
Travel, Press Checks, and the Value of Showing Up
I just wrapped a three-day trip to the Bay Area visiting clients alongside the CEO and Owner of Utah Paperbox. For the most part, if you and I are working on unit cartons, we’re in production at UPB. Traveling with UPB’s leadership is a rare advantage of working with an independent, privately held packaging manufacturer rather than an integrated conglomerate. Decisions are faster, conversations are direct, and there’s room for creative problem-solving without layers of corporate red tape.
While there, we reviewed existing packaging and discussed how to spend less money without hurting the brand connection and customer expectations of luxury. We also talked about alternative materials to help boxes be stronger. Being in those rooms reinforced how the best ideas surface when everyone is looking at the same samples and catching subtle details that a screen can’t show. Those in-person moments—press checks, plant tours, side-of-the-table sketches—still carry a spark no amount of Zoom calls can replicate.
TOOL I’M MAKING
Packaging Audit Starter Kit (Soft Launch)
If your brand has 10 or more products and your packaging feels a little inconsistent, the Packaging Audit Starter Kit just might help. It’s an easy first look at materials, structure, and color alignment before major production changes. I’m quietly testing it now—reply if you’d like early access or want to help shape the beta.
MERCH SPOTLIGHT
Stickers That Start Conversations
This year I designed a sticker pack just for tradeshows and client meetings—small pieces of art that carry a big brand punch. They’re not for sale and not in my Chic Gear shop (yet?!), which focuses on tees and mugs, but they’ve quickly become a favorite icebreaker.
A well-placed sticker can turn a quick handshake into a lasting memory. Clients stick them on laptops, sample bins, or travel gear, sparking conversations long after the event. It’s a low-cost, high-impact way to keep your brand visible. Gotta love print!
QUICK TIP
Pre-Press Double Check: Fonts & Links
Before you send final art to production, open your files and make sure all fonts are outlined and every image is embedded. A five-minute check now can save hours of back-and-forth and avoid costly re-runs.
WHAT’S AHEAD
Finish Strong: Fourth-Quarter Review & Planning
The last quarter of the year is perfect for a packaging reality check. Review which launches went smoothly, where supply chain hiccups happened, and what specs need updating before new projects begin. Many printers lock holiday schedules by mid-October, so a quick review now means fewer surprises later.
📌 Download my Year-End Packaging Checklist to start a clean hand-off into 2026.
