PRINT IS EVERYWHERE
Commercial Print
Wide Format Print
Commercial Print
The Power of Print
The Internet created a loudspeaker for every voice wanting to be heard. In today's digital world, social media sites are saturated with manipulated realities and unsubstantiated opinions. Subconsciously, we find printed material more validating and credible. A million "happy birthday" messages on your newsfeed don't hold a candle to one birthday card in the mail. Print has power.
Packaging Print
Wide Format Print
Commercial Print
Packaging & Consumer Appeal
Have you ever bought something just because it looked cool on the outside? Designers and marketers have mastered the art of branding. Most consumers judge a product by its cover based on the attractiveness of a box's design. However, this is just the initial stage of packaging. Teams of creative engineers work to ensure its functionality, as a defective package almost always leads to a defective sale. That's why commercial packaging plays a vital role in the print industry.
Wide Format Print
Wide Format Print
Wide Format Print
Wide Format Printing
Print can be produced at such an immense scale that nearly everyone within blocks will certainly see it. Wide format is a type of print that can't be held in our hands but can engulf our environment, influencing our actions—sometimes subtly and sometimes not. It demands a big space and can energize our senses in a brilliantly beautiful way. When we compare how small we are to a product that is larger than life, we can't help but feel how powerful print really is.
Promotional Print
Promotional Print
Wide Format Print
Textile & Promotional Printing
When most people think of print, they think of ink on paper. However, the print industry has proven that ink has no limits. Textile printing is the perfect choice for individuals and organizations who want to make their message personal and unique. Designs can be printed on virtually any fabric or substrate. The boom in the promotional printing industry encourages us to explore the myriad of possibilities. We all want our voices to be heard, but promotional print allows our voices to be seen.
Tag & Label Print
Promotional Print
Tag & Label Print
The Practicality of Print
Print’s purpose isn’t just for aesthetics; it forms the fundamental expectations that we have in our daily life. We've grown accustomed to easily finding information about our products before we buy them. We find the size for our clothing with tags, read the ingredients of our food with labels, and checkout at the register with barcodes. The practicality of print is profound because, without these essential tools, our world would slow down to an unbearable pace. The simplest things we often take for granted can actually be lifesavers.
Industrial Print
Promotional Print
Tag & Label Print
The Evolution of Print
The print industry has come a long way since the invention of the newspaper printing press. Though magazines are still being printed on a large scale, the power of print doesn’t stop there. In recent decades, we've turned the page to a new chapter in print—literally. The industry has jumped into the third dimension, surprising us with what print can do, how it's developing, and where it's been hiding all along.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CREATIVE
The Creative side of the graphic communications industry offers diverse opportunities for individuals who enjoy problem-solving, working with color, and bringing visual ideas to life. Careers in Graphic Design allow professionals to craft compelling layouts, branding, and packaging that captivate audiences. Marketing and Advertising specialists use design to communicate brand messages effectively across print and digital platforms. Those interested in Pre-Press ensure files are prepared correctly for production, balancing technical accuracy with creative intent. Additionally, roles in Illustration, Animation, and UX/UI Design push the boundaries of print and digital experiences, making creativity a key driver of innovation in the industry.
TECHNICAL
The Technical side of the graphic communications industry is a hub for innovation, blending digital expertise with problem-solving skills to drive efficiency and creativity. Opportunities include Web Development and Coding, where professionals design and optimize websites, e-commerce platforms, and digital marketing tools that integrate seamlessly with print. CAD Drawing and Programming play a crucial role in packaging, signage, and 3D modeling, ensuring precision in design and production. Circuitry and Engineering contribute to the development and maintenance of advanced printing machinery, automation systems, and robotics that push the industry forward. State-of-the-art Technical Repair specialists keep digital presses, finishing equipment, and industrial printing systems running at peak performance. Additionally, Computer Programming supports workflow automation, variable data printing, and AI-driven print solutions, making technical expertise essential for the evolution of graphic communications. Whether troubleshooting software, designing complex print applications, or programming smart manufacturing systems, technical professionals are shaping the future of the industry.
PRODUCTION
The Production side of the graphic communications industry is the engine that transforms creative ideas into tangible products, offering high-paying career opportunities for hands-on professionals who love to see how things work. Offset and Digital Press Operators are crucial in running advanced printing presses that produce everything from marketing materials to packaging and publications. Wide-format Press Operators specialize in creating large-scale prints such as banners, signage, and vehicle wraps, often overseeing installations to ensure precision and durability. Bindery and Finishing Technicians add the final touches by cutting, folding, stitching, and laminating materials for polished, professional results. Skilled workers in mailing and fulfillment services manage direct mail campaigns and variable data printing, ensuring timely and accurate distribution. Additionally, careers in equipment maintenance and repair are vital for keeping high-tech machinery running efficiently. Whether working with high-speed automation, robotics, or hands-on craftsmanship, production professionals are in high demand, making this a rewarding and lucrative career path.
MANAGEMENT
The Management sector of the graphic communications industry is essential for overseeing operations, ensuring efficiency, and driving business success. From Front Office Sales professionals who build client relationships and generate revenue to Customer Service Representatives who provide critical support and problem-solving, strong leadership is key to maintaining customer satisfaction. Production Managers coordinate press operations, scheduling, and quality control to keep jobs running smoothly, while Bindery and Finishing Supervisors oversee the final stages of print production, ensuring precision and excellence. In the logistics side of the industry, Warehouse Managers control inventory, raw materials, and supply chain operations, while Kitting and Fulfillment Teams ensure that printed materials are assembled, packaged, and shipped efficiently to their final destinations. Every department plays a crucial role in the overall success of a print operation, and strong managers with strategic vision, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities are essential for keeping teams motivated and businesses thriving in this fast-paced industry.
Americas Printing Association Network
The Americas Printing Association Network (APAN) is a dynamic and collaborative force committed to advancing the printing industry. Through strategic programs, industry insights, and advocacy, APAN empowers print businesses with the tools and resources they need to thrive in an evolving marketplace.
APAN connects businesses with essential industry solutions with a reach extending to over 4,000 printers and graphic communication companies. Our robust offerings include the National Wage & Benefit Survey, Printing Industry Performance Insights (PIPI), and the Sales Compensation Survey, providing valuable benchmarking data to support informed decision-making.
We foster industry excellence through Focus and Peer Groups, Discount Buying Power Programs for insurance, supplies, and equipment, and the Americas Print Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in print. Additionally, APAN is a strong local, state, and national advocate, ensuring the printing industry's voice is heard in key legislative matters.
Our dedication to the future of print includes Workforce Development and Continuing Education Programs, equipping the next generation of professionals with the skills needed to succeed.
At APAN, we believe in the power of print, innovation, and collaboration. Join us in shaping the future of the printing industry. Stronger Together.