Get ready for an exhilarating dive into the world of print! In the latest episode of The Think Factory podcast, Christopher Santomassimo from OGC Solutions® sits down with Kiki Heron, a vibrant account manager at Specialty Print Communications (SPC). Kiki shares her serendipitous entry into the print industry, the groundbreaking technologies transforming the field, and her inspiring work with Girls Who Print. This episode is packed with insights and stories that will ignite your curiosity and passion for the ever-evolving print industry!
Kiki’s Unique Path into Print
Kiki shared her unique path into the print industry, which began as an accidental entry through a graphic communications major at Clemson University. “I got into print actually on accident. I thought that I was getting into graphic design. I chose a college major called Graphic Communications, so that doesn’t scream print. But it ended up being a happy accident. I really liked print. I liked that it had the math and the science side instead of just being focused on the art side. So it’s a really good marriage of left brain, right brain,” Kiki explained.
Technological Advancements in Print
The conversation also highlighted the technological advancements in print and SPC’s commitment to leveraging these innovations. “At SPC, especially with Adam leading us, we’re always getting the latest technology and some technology we have on the print side that our marketers don’t even know how to fully harness yet. So we’re just here, ready for them once they figure out how to use and manipulate the data that they are collecting,” Kiki noted. Christopher echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the print industry. “It’s this confluence or maybe there’s a better word for it, but it’s where all these, these different specialties all meet. You know the business aspect, the engineering aspect, the planning, the artistic side. It’s just a great, a great place to start and stay quite frankly, if you’re looking for a new and interesting career path,” he said.
Empowering Women in Print
Kiki’s involvement with Girls Who Print, an organization promoting women’s representation in the print industry, was another focal point of the interview. “Girls Who Print is led up by Debra Korn alongside Kelly Maloney and Pat McGrew. And they’re an organization that shows representation of women in the print industry. If you’ve spent any time around a printer or talking to salespeople in print, you’ve probably seen a lot of men, especially in higher-up positions. Representation just helps so much, especially when you’re coming fresh out of college and you’re imagining your career for yourself,” Kiki shared.
Advice for Aspiring Print Professionals
In closing, Kiki offered valuable advice for aspiring print professionals, emphasizing the importance of education, internships, and curiosity. “Get a college education in print for sure. Once you’re in college, apply for scholarships. There are so many scholarships available for print students that students don’t know about. Next, get internships. Get those real-life experiences so that you can test drive your career just like you would test drive a car. And once you’re out of college, when you’re in your career, be curious. Pay attention to what your coworkers are doing. Listen in on any mistakes that happen and why they happened and how they could have been prevented and use that for yourself so that you can continue to grow,” Kiki advised.
The interview with Kiki Heron provided a comprehensive look into the dynamic world of print, showcasing the industry’s blend of technology, engineering, and artistry, as well as the importance of representation and mentorship. OGC Solutions® is proud to highlight such inspiring stories and individuals who are shaping the future of the print industry.
For more information about Specialty Print Communications (SPC), visit https://specialtyprintcomm.com/.
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