Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

Around the Web: Of Signs and Singapore

Published July 25, 2025

A designer is entranced by the creator of colorful, handmade signs. Polaroid is promoting their new camera by tapping into “tech fatigue.” Print is not having a renaissance—because it was never dead to begin with. Ali Akbar, 72, is Paris’ last remaining newspaper hawker. To celebrate Singapore’s 60th anniversary, the National Museum of Singapore is exhibiting the country’s largest LEGO mural. Despite their reputation, the USPS was on the cutting edge of many new technologies. A ridiculous idea to use smart glasses to block physical ads. A temporary tattoo that can quickly tell you if someone has spiked your drink. Graphene Manufacturing Group is granted a battery patent. An all-terrain motorized bed. Limited-edition Guinness-flavored ice cream. RIP, Ozzy! Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Graphic Arts Employment Remains Generally Flat in May

Published July 18, 2025

Net printing employment in May 2025 saw printing industry employment stay relatively flat (on net) from April—overall, production employment was down 0.5% and non-production employment up by 0.6%.

Around the Web: Of Bayeaux and Bourbon

Published July 18, 2025

The Bayeux Tapestry is headed to Britain for the first time in 900 years. Digital outdoor signage that can automatically detect spine problems as people walk past it. Which was invented first: the photocopier or the fax machine? The very creepy sounding “Skincase” is a smartphone case that almost perfectly simulates human skin. A kind of “buoy” for smartphones that get dropped in water. How long would it take for robotaxis to become profitable? A graphene-based artificial tongue displays near-human sense of taste. Constructing the table for the recent G7 Summit. Using radioactive cats to warn future humans. The first ever “Goatham 2025: The Great Goat Graze-Off” was held in Riverside Park last weekend. Why is there a curved bulge at the top of some pint glasses? Find out the winner of this year’s International Whisky Competition for Best Bourbon. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Around the Web: Of Keyboards and Cooking

Published July 11, 2025

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Qwerkywriter, a mechanical computer keyboard designed to resemble a traditional manual typewriter. Looking for a keyboard but don’t want to go the vintage typewriter route? Try a cheeseboard. The winners of Print magazine’s annual Print Awards, honoring the best in graphic design. Scientists use 3D printing as a kind of “evolutionary time machine.” A fake sign in Wales has become a beloved local landmark, for some reason. An emerging electronic display trend: large tablets on wheels. “Who makes a habit of sending strongly-worded letters to vermin?” A new book shows that not only was Agatha Christie a terrific mystery author but also a brilliant science communicator. A graphene-based self-healing skin-like electronic material. The world’s oldest boomerang was not Australian and did not return to the thrower. A pennyfarthing motorcycle made from tractor parts. Care to try Ernest Hemingway’s hamburger recipe? Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Printwell’s Paul Borg on the Digital Transformation

Published July 8, 2025

David Zwang talks with Paul Borg, Founder & CEO of Printwell, a company that produces inserts, publications, and brochures, among other products, and has been transitioning to digital printing, replacing its offset equipment with HP Indigo presses.

Assorted Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published June 27, 2025

According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 1,321 establishments in NAICS 511199 (All Other Publishing). This category had been seeing a gradual decrease throughout the 2010s, but establishments shot up from 2020 to 2021, and then spiked 82% from 2021 to 2022. What?! In macro news, Q1 GDP growth revised down to -0.5%.

Around the Web: Of Cook and Connectivity

Published June 27, 2025

Filmmaker Doug Wilson’s Linotype odyssey didn’t end with “Linotype: The Film.” The University of Florida’s Baldwin Library offers a digital archive of more than 10,000 historical children’s books. IEEE 1394, aka FireWire, the original computer connectivity standard that was an alternative to USB has been effectively killed. What does the Grateful Dead have to do with the Internet? Volvo’s idea of “smart seatbelts” doesn’t sound daft. ChatGPT loses to Video Chess, a 4KB chess game for the 1970s-era Atari VCS. AI has now “infiltrated” the perfume industry and it’s gotten up some people’s noses. A graphene-based food contamination detection platform. When on Martha’s Vineyard, visit the “Jaws Bridge.” Scientists recently confirmed that the shipwreck off the coast of Rhode Island was indeed that of Captain Cook’s Endeavour. How was a renowned sci-fi author involved in the invention of Pringles? Five non-bagel uses for Trader Joe’s “Everything Bagel Seasoning.” Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Around the Web: Of Typos, Typefaces, and Tires

Published June 20, 2025

Meet Titivillus, “the medieval demon of typos.” Samsung’s new wireless, battery-powered color e-paper electronic sign. A new typeface that also includes instructions for handwriting. IKEA is switching from plastic to paper for its fastener bags. ChatGPT is perpetuating “em dash shaming.” A dating site that matches singles based on their browser histories. Smart tires can evaluate the road on which they drive. A graphene-based “methanol breathalyzer” to efficiently diagnose poisonings. “Stick Nation” is a community of stick fanciers that regularly produce “Official Stick Reviews.” Rosemary (the herb, not Clooney) may help in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Climate change is ruining cheese. Carnation collaborated with a TikToker to launch “Kickin’ Jalapeño Flavored Evaporated Milk,” a move applauded by the makers of Pepto-Bismol. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

April Printing Shipments: We’re Gonna Call Them Flat

Published June 20, 2025

April 2025 shipments came in at $7.35 billion, down slightly from March’s $7.36 billion, but still better than February, which isn’t saying much.

Greeting Card Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published June 13, 2025

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 113 establishments in NAICS 511191 (Greeting Card Publishers)—unchanged from 2021. Although this represents a net increase of 10% since 2010, it has been a category that has ebbed and flowed over the course of the decade, although we’re not talking about a tremendous number of establishments. In macro news, inflation in May increased 0.1%.

Around the Web: Of Bots and Bacon

Published June 13, 2025

Part 2 of Ars Technica’s three-part “History of the Internet.” Nashville’s Hatch Show Print’s “huge format” letterpress press. “‘Necrobotics’ turns dead spider corpses into biohybrid robots.” A Vermont electrical engineer buys secondhand payphones, rewires them, and offers free, public telephone service for those without cellphones. When in Vienna, be sure to visit The Third Man Museum. Physicists used nanolithography to create the world’s smallest violin. Graphene foam communicates with cells to help induce cartilage formation. Feno is a “toothbrush” that supposedly brushes all your teeth simultaneously. Robot kickboxing is now a thing. Using a 10,000-psi pressure washer to slice fruit. A clever mashup of Big Bird inserted into iconic scenes from Hitchcock’s The Birds. The “Baconator Cheez-It” combines the Cheez-It cracker with Wendy’s bacon cheeseburger. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Industry Supplier Profile: Print ePS Acquisition of Avanti Systems

Published June 12, 2025

Print ePS invited WhatTheyThink to Toronto to talk to Nick Benkovich and Duncan Ellis about the acquisition of Avanti Systems. There is momentum building as both teams come together, sharing ideas and shaping what’s next. The collaboration is already in motion—with talk of tech demos, cross-team deep dives, and hands-on sessions to explore the full range of capabilities now available across the combined team.

Around the Web: Of Blue Books and Brains

Published June 6, 2025

A old monograph on goldfish was sold auction in 2022 for $36K. Graphene-based packaging extends the shelf life of instant rice. The rise of AI cheating in schools is spiking sales of “blue books.” What English word has the most definitions in the OED? A horror story told through Yelp! reviews. A new technology that will let users control their iPhones with their minds. An “e-tattoo” can warn users of potential cognitive overload. A Microsoft-backed “no code” AI startup turns out to be humans based in India. A new design makes doorknobs confusing. In-curb chargers for EVs. A novel written without using the letter “e.” What is your favorite Spam flavor— Wait…Spam has different flavors? Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Quarterly Issue 2: The Total Package

Published June 5, 2025

Issue 2 of the WhatTheyThink Quarterly Journal, “The Total Package looks at packaging, perhaps the fastest growing part of the printing industry. What and where are the opportunities for commercial printers in packaging? What is web-to-pack and how can you implement it? What are automation options for packaging workflows? What regulations regarding packaging should companies be aware of? What is the Brand Packaging Council and how it is unifying the packaging supply chain? What are the issues surrounding color management for packaging? Join us as WhatTheyThink’s contributors explore this high-growth area.

Editor's Note: Welcome to The Total Package

Published June 3, 2025

Welcome to Issue 2 of the WhatTheyThink Quarterly Journal, a compendium of articles that take an in-depth look at the various aspects of a single topic.

Graphic Arts Employment Generally Flat in April

Published May 30, 2025

Net printing employment in April 2025 saw printing industry employment stay relatively flat (on net) from March—overall, production employment was up 0.4% and non-production employment down by 0.4%.

Around the Web: Of Bees, Blackmail, and Bags

Published May 30, 2025

This week marks the 100th anniversary of the National Spelling Bee. The tallest 3D-printed structure on Earth. 3D printing is having a positive impact in health care. When in Liverpool, visit the Liverpool Central Library—and crack the code on its entrance path. A compostable graphene-based grocery bag. The origins of “cringey corporate jargon.” An AI system resorts to blackmail. A portable e-paper-based air quality monitor. Night-vision contact lenses. The James Webb Space telescope spots the most distant galaxy in the universe. Six Oscar Meyer Wienermobiles raced against each other in the first ever “Oscar Meyer Wienie 500” at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Yes, Birthday Cake Trash Bags Are Real.” Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

“Other” Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published May 23, 2025

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 1,434 establishments in NAICS 51119 (Other Publishers). This represents a net increase of 41% since 2010—and a 71% increase from the previous year. In macro news, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture Billings Index (ABI) found demand for new commercial construction projects to be stagnant.

Around the Web: Of Type, Tissue, and Typos

Published May 23, 2025

Use a “hamburgerfont” to check out font pairings. The Chicago Sun-Times prints summer reading list full of fake books thanks to AI. “The sole prototype of the first Chinese typewriter was discovered in a new york basement.” How paperback books upended the publishing industry. Semicolon use is declining dramatically. Jaguar’s botched rebrand. Human tissue can apparently be used for computing. Graphene-enhanced zinc-ion batteries are a safe, scalable, and high-performance energy storage solution. Voyager 1, launched almost 50 years ago, is still out there, and NASA engineers managed to bring the spacecraft’s old thrusters back to life. Two words: “salmon cannon.” Foods that always need to be spell-checked. Norm! Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Old School, New Rules: Bill Gillespie on the Future of Print Sales

Published May 20, 2025

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, host Eric Vessels sits down with Bill Gillespie, a 40-year print industry veteran who’s turned decades of high-impact sales success into wisdom that helps today’s teams perform. From the early days of analog hustle to today’s digital tools, Bill shares timeless truths about trust, curiosity, and storytelling that remain the foundation of great sales.They explore what’s really changed in print sales (hint: it’s not just the tech), how to shift from quoting jobs to solving problems, and why good sales leadership is always personal. Add in a few stories about fly fishing in icy rivers and skiing 30 days a year at age 72, and you've got one of the most human conversations about selling in print you’ll hear this year.

March Printing Shipments: Whew!

Published May 16, 2025

March 2025 shipments came in at $7.47 billion, up quite a bit from February’s utterly dismal $6.87 billion, and better than March 2024. Cold comfort, to be sure, but we’ll take what we can get.

Around the Web: Of Bugs and Business

Published May 16, 2025

Advice for creative businesses in a time of uncertainty. Wrapping paper that makes gifts look like bread. A celebration of the life and works of Thomas Hardy to take place at Stonehenge. The book “Insectopolis: A Natural History” is a masterwork of history, science, and design. Visit the oldest public library in the Americas. “Is a smart toaster worth it?” Find out what your cat is saying by using…CatGPT. A comprehensive graphene handbook is now available. A video of a robot seemingly attacking two workers. Who (or what) better to offer thoroughbred betting advice than a race horse? A chess set whose pieces resemble sushi. Krispy Kreme celebrates the 45th anniversary of Pac-Man. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Around the Web: Of Bots and Booths

Published May 9, 2025

Why not fill a 3D printer with Nutella for that perfect bread spread? A painting mushroom. A creepy, humanoid housekeeping robot. The RoboFood project, which aims to develop a new generation of edible robots and intelligent food, for some reason. A village in the UK fought to keep its phone box. The Wind Phone: a non-functional phone booth that memorializes the deceased. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” What exactly is graphene anyway? A new study confirms that it’s possible for life to exist on Saturn’s moon Titan‚ but (spoiler alert) incredibly unlikely. Su filindeu is the world’s rarest pasta. What if, instead of the moon, a giant banana orbited the Earth? Dunkin’s new summer beverage lineup. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Directory and Mailing List Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published May 9, 2025

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 526 establishments in NAICS 51114 (Directory and Mailing List Publishers). This represents a decrease of 68% since 2010. In macro news, in Q1 2025, GDP growth declined for the first time since 2022.

Around the Web: Of Pens, Pencils, and Plants

Published May 2, 2025

3D-printed functional “houseplants.” A desktop UV printer that can produce textured prints. A pen that folds into the form factor of a credit card. a new book. Caroline Weaver’s new book “The Pencil Perfect” takes a fun look at the history of the pencil. A pencil sharpener from the 1890s work as well as any more modern sharpener. Target’s new line of wine uses paper bottles. The evolution of NYC subway map design—and the newest iteration. Newly uncovered evidence that Shakespeare’s wife lived with him in London. A Doom-like game that fits inside a QR code. 3D-printed graphene composites for efficient ice control applications. The James Webb Space Telescope takes a close look at the “city killer” asteroid that recently menaced us. Perfect for Mother’s Day (?): a 14-karat Kraft Macaroni necklace. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Graphic Arts Employment Down Modestly in February

Published May 2, 2025

Net printing employment in February 2025 saw printing industry employment stay relatively stable from January—overall, production, and non-production employment were all down by 0.1%.

Around the Web: Of Hues and Holes

Published April 25, 2025

Scientists claim to have discovered a hitherto unknown color. London-based publisher The Folio Society is launching “The Art of Folio” exhibition. Did you know that you can mail potatoes without packaging? “Why do AI company logos look like buttholes?” A new book from Phaidon looks at mid-20th-century design. Using graphene to develop world’s fastest Flash memory device. Lyft can now provide transcripts of your private conversations. A stable Dyson sphere may actually be possible, which you were no doubt worried about. An LED-equipped drone can provide portable lighting. Some colorful characters from the history of the Papacy. Fermenting miso paste in space. 5-Hour Energy’s Caffeinated Hot Sauce. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Around the Web: Of OpenAI, Old Victorians, and Oysters

Published April 18, 2025

Ars Technica just launched a three-part “History of the Internet.” Archaeologists may have found the oldest calendar known to humans. A new study shows that if you want to sell more books, get it banned. OpenAI’s latest image generator makes it easy to create fake receipts. Upcycling fabric waste into useful household items. Removing “forever chemicals” with graphene. Thomas Edison recorded Victorian celebrities to promote his phonograph. In-car infotainment screens may be on the way out. Recreating King Kong climbing the Empire State Building using drones. When in San Francisco, visit the Two-Headed Calf MOOseum. Using oyster blood to combat antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.” The “Sm’oyster” is a roasted oyster topped with chocolate, toasted marshmallow, and graham crackers. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

WhatTheyThink Quarterly: The AI Reality Check

Published April 18, 2025

In our debut edition, we look at everyone’s favorite topic, so-called “artificial intelligence”—aka AI. There has been a lot of hype about AI, and even those who have been initially skeptical about its applicability to the print industry have come round to seeing the vast number of use cases it can have. There is no doubt that it has become a highly transformative technology—more than any we have seen since, arguably, the advent of digital printing. What are those use cases? What is it good for? And what is it not good for?

January Shipments: Hitting the Reset Button

Published April 11, 2025

January 2025 shipments came in at $7.31 billion, down slightly from December’s $7.34 billion—but still the second best start to the year since the pandemic.

Around the Web: Of Wolves and Water

Published April 11, 2025

A collection of 12th- and 13th-century books were bound in sealskin. The latest Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry inductees include…Brian Eno’s Windows “chime.” When in Japan, visit a 3D-printed train station. In one Japanese town, kids collect trading cards of grandpas. Looking to shake things up this Easter? Why not try some lost Easter traditions from yesteryear. Was the dire wolf really “de-extincted”? So it’s come to this: how to protect yourself against a robot dog attack. A concept for a ridable, four-legged robotic “horse.” A new process that could replace copper with graphene in integrated circuits. A countertop device that harvests water from the atmosphere, suitable for drinking or cooking. Pepperidge Farm remembers…water desalination. Are we headed for a snackcession? Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Periodical Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published April 4, 2025

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 4,175 establishments in NAICS 51112 (Periodical Publishing). This represents a decrease of 42% since 2010. In macro news, Q4 GDP growth was revised up.

Around the Web: Of Nuts and Nostalgia

Published April 4, 2025

A 16th-century collection of property records concealed in its binding a rare 750-year-old text on the legends of King Arthur. Did the decline of print advertising coincide with the decline of creativity in the ad business? A British window cleaner is trying to prove he has a priceless portrait of William Shakespeare. Using more environmentally-friendly materials for outdoor wear. Who wants a three-foot-tall marble bookmark? Upcycling hazardous chemicals into graphene. Ring Mouse is a smart ring that “happens to control your entire digital universe.” One of the last Radio Shacks is located in an actual shack—in Alaska. When did breakfast cereal companies stop putting toys in cereal boxes? The Blue Diamond Nutty Cruiser a 20-foot-long almond on wheels with a cannon that shoots almonds. The lyrics of the Gilligan’s Island theme song set to “Stairway to Heaven.” Omaha Steaks is releasing a meat-themed romance novel. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Around the Web: AI-Yi-YI Edition

Published March 31, 2025

Welcome to the WhatTheyThink Quarterly miscellany.

Welcome to the WhatTheyThink Quarterly Journal!

Published March 31, 2025

Welcome to a new WhatTheyThink publication, the Quarterly Journal, a compendium of articles that take an in-depth look at the various aspects of a single topic. In this issue: AI.

Q4 2024 Publishing and Advertising Revenues

Published March 28, 2025

Publishing had a rough time during the pandemic, although all three publishing segments—especially books—saw a rebound afterwards, with a leveling off as revenues returned to trend. Advertising in general has been on a steep rise, and have been constantly reevaluating where they are spending their budgets.

Around the Web: Of Desks and Data

Published March 28, 2025

A new history book called “Six Centuries of Type & Printing.” An exhibition showcases the beauty of book endpapers. Monochrome car wraps à la Pop Art comics. Painting murals using gardening equipment and a subwoofer. "The Savouring" is a desk that turns into a dining table (and vice versa). Vogue magazine’s new...economic indicator? Try playing some vintage word games. How much does the Internet weigh? Bogotà’s experiment with “traffic mimes.” A mechanical sculpture dramatizes the futility of trying to find the end of a roll of tape. “What pasta reveals about the universe.” Brach’s launches an official service that hides Easter eggs for you. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Newspaper Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published March 21, 2025

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 6,096 establishments in NAICS 51111 (Newspaper Publishing). This represents a decrease of 22% since 2010. In macro news, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture Billings Index (ABI) found demand for new commercial construction projects to be waning.

Around the Web: Of White Lotus, Wars, and Watches

Published March 21, 2025

The design of the “White Lotus” season 3 opening credits. During the First World War, naval vessels used “dazzle” camouflage to dodge U-boats; now, new evidence as to why it worked. A solution to the horrifying problem of books that lean on a bookshelf. A line of Atari-branded watches that simulate classic Atari 2600 games. A “ruggedized” smartphone that’s water-resistant, has a miniscreen that can be detached and inserted into a watch accessory—and includes an earbud. What typeface would professional type designers want on their tombstones? A new performance of John Cage’s “Organ2/ASLSP” (As Slow As Possible) is slated to last 639 years. Jim Morrison is alive and well and living in…Syracuse, N.Y.? Graphene-enhanced roofing materials. “Mycelium foam” for more sustainable earplugs. Robotic cockroaches, for some reason. A plant-based egg substitute. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Around the Web: Of Posts and Puzzles, Packaging and Plants

Published March 14, 2025

Denmark’s state-run postal service is discontinuing its letter delivery service. Edward Tenner has a new book, “Why the Hindenburg Had a Smoking Lounge.” The Malling Hansen Writing Ball was an early typewriter, originally designed for the deaf. The oldest known puzzle is 11,000 years old. Here comes Generation Alpha and their love of…packaging? If you are going to rob a bank, practice your penmanship. An interesting documentary about timekeeping devices. An AI-controlled 3D printer cooks food using graphene. When in Connecticut, visit the Gaylordsville Spite House. Plants and mushrooms with bionic arms playing musical instruments. A clever Japanese strategy for clearing snowy roads using hot water sprinklers. Krispy Kreme has unveiled its St. Patrick’s Day collection. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Graphic Arts Employment Drops in January

Published March 14, 2025

Net printing employment in January 2025 saw printing industry employment drop from December—overall employment was down slightly by 0.1%, with production employment down 0.4% and non-production employment down 2.3%.

Around the Web: Of Pics and Peeps

Published March 7, 2025

The winners of the 2025 World Nature Photographers Awards. A new middle-grade book tells the story of the iconic photograph “Earthrise.” A previously unknown version of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116. The New Yorker and J. Crew offer New Yorker-branded clothing. An app that will generate “CliffNotes” for nonfiction books. An AI bookmark will ostensibly summarize what you just read. Goodbye, Skype. A set of postcards and prints based on They Might Be Giants song. Graphene-based brain implants. Genetically engineered “woolly mice” are a step toward de-extincting the woolly mammoth. When on Cape Cod, visit the original site of the Marconi Wireless Station. Just in time for Easter, Peeps-flavored Icee. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published March 7, 2025

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 32,109 establishments in NAICS 511 (Publishing Industries [except Internet]). This represents an increase of 14% since 2010 and increase of 4% since 2021. In macro news, the danger of early GDP estimates.

Around the Web: Of Music and Motors

Published February 28, 2025

Attaching a typewriter to a piano to “type” songs. An apple tree plays guitar. Who hasn’t fantasized about having a book ladder? The potential private hell that is in-car advertising. Disturbing video of a flying car test drive. The new, ostensibly addictive word game called Bracket City. Graphene-based “smart pajamas.” The James Webb Space Telescope catches two planets in the midst of disintegrating. A wrist-mounted vacuum for hands-free snacking. When in Macomb, Ill., visit the birthplace of the board game Monopoly. Forget eggs: how about a $19 strawberry? Cook Nathan’s Famous hot dogs in actual New York City water. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

December Shipments: …And That’s the Year

Published February 21, 2025

December 2024 shipments came in at $7.40 billion, down from November’s $7.28 billion—not a great November but at least better than last year.

Around the Web: Of Fonts and Fingers

Published February 21, 2025

“The hardest-working font in New York.” Print magazine’s 2025 Typography Report. Have you ever spotted the marble typo in the inscription in the Lincoln Memorial? A new Game Font Library is a reference that lets you find what typeface was used in a given video game. MapCanvas lets you print customized maps as posters. A new exhibition of “New Yorker” magazine covers. Ordinary marker ink can be turned into graphene. India’s highly specialized world of chess-piece carving. A simple way to turn a wine bottle into a candelabra, for your Liberace cosplay. Electric unicycle racing looks terrifying. Igloo is recalling some of its coolers because of “amputation concerns.” Yikes. Cheetos catches “pickle fever.” Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Pre- and Postpress Establishments—2010–2022

Published February 14, 2025

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 1,036 establishments in NAICS 32312 (Support Activities for Printing). This represents a decrease of 50% since 2010. In macro news, inflation was up in January.

Around the Web: Of Mixers, Menus, and Memory

Published February 14, 2025

KitchenAid’s color of the year: butter yellow. An expanded version of Atkinson Hyperlegible, a typeface for those with low vision. A new type of origami-based packaging material. Apparently there is such a thing as “Affluent Millennial-coded packaging” and it’s torched, whatever that means. Are typos lethal in a work email? Uber Eats uses AI to create unappetizing menu items for an Italian restaurant. When in Philadelphia, check out America’s first-ever department store. Graphene-based semiconductor memory devices. A robotic desk lamp that can act like a puppy, for some reason. Perfect for Valentine’s Day: a man’s AI girlfriend encouraged him to kill himself. RIP Tom Robbins. Heinz collaborates with Grammy-winning producer Mustard to create a new kind of mustard. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

December Graphic Arts Employment Again Remains Generally Flat

Published February 7, 2025

Net printing employment in December 2024 was not much changed from November—overall employment was down slightly by 0.1%, with production employment up 0.4% and non-production employment down 1.2%.

Around the Web: Of Writing and Robots

Published February 7, 2025

A monthly postcard challenge. Letters have a molecular structure? Books written by humans are getting their own certification, because everything is nuts. When in Denver, be sure to check out the pre-Depression-era murals in the Mountain States Telephone Building. Glasses for the hard of hearing that transcribe spoken words. Graphene-coated drivers for noise-cancelling headphones. An upcoming Chinese half marathon pits human against robot runners. A new snow shovel designed to handle frozen tire tracks. Was Alexander the Great eaten by sharks? It is perfectly possible to ski on sand, and a resort in Bavaria specializes in it. No, we will *not* subscribe to socks. Harry Potter-themed Goldfish crackers. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Around the Web: Of Pinks and Pens

Published January 31, 2025

Is pink a color? A workshop for manufacturing imaginary books. A highly recommended “forever pen.” Cheetos launches a new handwriting font. Good news: “Matter will be better in 2025.” What was the very first photograph of a snowman? A new graphene filament for 3D printing. “Mercator Extreme” lets you have fun with geographic distortions. CVS makes the retail experience more annoying. The latest incident of a mob destroying a Waymo. An “AI-powered spice dispenser” because everything is insane. Dunkin and Native create doughnut-themed and scented personal care items. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Book Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Published January 31, 2025

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 385 establishments in NAICS 323117 (Books Printing). This represents an decrease of 28% since 2010—although establishments were up from 2021 to 2022. In macro news, Q4 GDP was up 2.3%.

Revolutionizing Digital Print: EFI’s Ken Hanulec Talks Tech, Trends & Sustainability

Published January 28, 2025

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Ken Hanulec, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at EFI, to discuss the game-changing innovations in the digital print world. From the revolutionary EFI X5 Nozomi and its impact on on-demand box production to the Pro 30H hybrid printer and the growing role of sustainability in print technology, this conversation is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.Ken also shares his thoughts on digital embellishments, the analog-to-digital shift in the industry, and practical advice for print service providers looking to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. Plus, they dive into personal favorites—travel destinations, grilling tips, and even a little football talk!

November Shipments: Pride Goeth Before the Fall

Published January 24, 2025

November 2024 shipments came in at $7.35 billion, down quite substantially from October’s $8.20 billion—the worst November in at least five years.

Around the Web: Of Semiquincentennials, Sharpeners, and Soup

Published January 24, 2025

Finland’s Metsä may herald the future of packaging. Various events and Regency balls will celebrate the 250th birthday of Jane Austen. The National Archives is inviting volunteers to help transcribe and digitize handwritten historical documents. Walgreens’ ongoing battle over digital freezer door displays. The Royal Shakespeare Company is developing a Macbeth-based video game. A study underway in Canada is investigating the ability to control mobile apps with one’s feet while walking. Three words: luxury pencil sharpener. Scientists have created invisibly thin strands of “nanopasta.” A graphene-based radiator launches on SpaceX Falcon 9. A farm-to-table restaurant that makes its own bone china dishware. Mark your calendars for next month’s seven-planet alignment. Progresso’s Soup Drops are soup as a hard candy.Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Screen Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Published January 17, 2025

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 5,800 establishments in NAICS 323113 (Commercial Screen Printing). This represents an increase of 30% since 2010. In macro news, inflation was up slightly in December.

Around the Web: Of Foods and Freebies

Published January 17, 2025

Another year, another set of classic works now in the public domain. Graphene-enhanced earbuds. Rao’s Homemade collaborated with a local artist for limited-edition pasta sauce labels. Play Tetris inside a PDF. Let the Morse Code Clock drive you into insanity. Two art prints depict the “weirdest and most wonderful things” NYC has seen throughout 2024. The “Adaptchula” is an adjustable spatula and not a versatile vampire. Self-driving cars can’t figure out construction worker hand signals. The romantic origin of the Goldfish cracker. A career change awaits you driving the Planters Nutmobile. Enjoy Cup Noodles ramen with a realistic squid fork. The erroneously named “pickle sandwich.” Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

swissQprint Launches a New Generation of Flatbed Printers

Published January 13, 2025

Richard Romano talks with Erik Norman, President of swissQprint America, about the company's just-launched Generation 5, which updates the company's Nyala, Kudu, and Impala series printers. The next generation boasts much faster speed, greater precision, and more colors.

November Graphic Arts Employment Again Remains Generally Flat

Published January 10, 2025

Net printing employment in November 2024 was not much changed from October—overall employment was down slightly by 0.1%, with production employment down 0.3% and non-production employment up 0.4%, one nearly offsetting the other.

Around the Web: Of Resolutions and Robots

Published January 10, 2025

For 2025, skip resolutions; try a “theme.” Encyclopedia Britannica is going to become an AI company, sadly. Some, uh, highlights from this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Visit Tokyo’s Museum of Packaging Culture. Print magazine’s 2024 in typography. “Snackfishing” is now apparently a thing. Graphene-based e-textiles for early disease detection. A “modern” redesign of the cuckoo clock. A robot vacuum with a death claw! A penny-farthing motorbike. An LA man trapped in a Waymo. Win Lifestyle Bowls in a Chipotle-Strava challenge. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Kyocera Wants to Bring Affordable Inkjet to All

Published January 8, 2025

In this video, sponsored by Kyocera, Lois Ritarossi chats with Fred Morrone, Senior Product Manager, Inkjet, Kyocera, about the TASKalfa Pro 15000c. The company's mission is to make inkjet affordable and accessible, and the TASKalfa Pro 15000c is their solution to seamlessly integrate inkjet into workflows.

Around the Web: Relaxing Rocket. Seeing Signage. Design Destination. Famous Fyodor. Forgone Fine. Software Snacks. Farming Fiasco. Squirrel Shocker. Goldfish Galore.

Published December 20, 2024

Instead of a Yule log this Christmas, bask in the glow of NASA’s Rocket Engine Fireplace. Brown sugar is apparently going to be 2025’s Flavor of the Year. A recyclable paper wine bottle shaped like a bottle. The First Toronto Post Office is also museum, featuring a reading and writing room complete with quill pens. The New York City Sign Museum is now offering tours. Münich’s Design Museum features a new exhibition of classic children’s picture books. Fyodor Dostoyevsky has gone viral, oddly. AI is used to come up with new snack flavors. Heightened solar activity is playing havoc with agricultural equipment. Carnivorous squirrels! A panoply of new Goldfish favors. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly drone-free miscellany.

Commercial Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Published December 20, 2024

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 15,430 establishments in NAICS 323111 (Commercial Printing except Screen and Books). This represents a decline of 30% since 2010. In macro news, Q3 GDP growth revised up to 3.1%.

October Shipments: Pinch Us, We’re Dreaming

Published December 13, 2024

October 2024 shipments came in at $8.19 billion, up quite substantially from September’s $7.69 billion—the fourth straight monthly increase, and the third best October in the past five years.

Around the Web: Lessons Learned. Packaging Profitability. Bottle Blue. Sign Sum. Relic Writing. Popemobile Power. Trekkie Torture. Hubble Hooha. Dish Destruction. Festive Fromage.

Published December 13, 2024

52 things we learned in 2024. An eye-catching bottle design boosted sales. Saratoga Water’s iconic blue bottles now have an official Pantone name. An unusual, mathematically challenged “welcome to…” sign. Rescuing relics from the now-defunct Type Archive in the U.K. Another week, another unearthed relic that challenges our assumptions about the history of language and writing. Mercedes-Benz’s new electric Popemobile. A one-time owner of “Star Trek” novelty license plates is swamped with speeding and parking tickets—and she doesn’t even own a car. What would happen if you actually did put a bull in a china shop? Whole Foods’ “12 Days of Cheese.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Around the Web: Hot Hue. Widespread Word. Cool Covers. Catalog Contraction. Ancient Alphabet. Imaging ink. Tiny Timepiece. Freaky Franks.

Published December 6, 2024

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025. The OED’s Word of the Year for 2024. Print magazine’s Best Book Covers of 2024. Print catalogs are getting smaller. A recent find uncovered the world’s oldest alphabet. Ancient Babylonian student’s math error preserved in stone for 4,000 years. A new technology can measure brain waves using electronic, temporary scalp tattoos. Graphene sheets used in a new technique for self-assembling electronics. Casio’s functional ring watch. A new Roger Dean exhibition. Sam’s Club’s “Holidogs” are not for the faint of stomach. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Published December 6, 2024

According to the latest, just-released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 21,615 establishments in NAICS 32311 (Printing). This represents a decrease of 20% since 2010, but (checks notes) an increase of 0.4% from 2021. In macro news, highlights from the most recent Federal Reserve “Beige Book.”

October Graphic Arts Employment Remains Generally Flat

Published November 22, 2024

Net printing employment in October 2024 was not much changed from September—overall employment was up slightly by 0.4%, with production employment up 1.1% and non-production employment down 1.2%, one nearly offsetting the other.

Around the Web: Packaging Problem. Travel Type. Stretchable Screen. Biker Blade. PlayStation Pizza. Heliotropic Hamsters. Condiment Card.

Published November 22, 2024

A packaging misprint sends Wicked doll buyers to a porn site. A demonstration of the first copier, invented by James Watt. Tracking down an unusual typeface. LG’s new display can be stretched from 12 in. to 18 in. An E Ink-based display for leaving notes for family members. Kurt Vonnegut had invented a board game—which is now available. The ancient Chinese roots of “rock paper scissors.” Graphene can dramatically improve the performance and sustainability of PET bottles. A windshield wiper for motorcycle helmets. Using a PlayStation to keep pizza warm. Solar-powered hamsters. Hidden Valley’s ranch dressing-themed Christmas card. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Published November 15, 2024

According to the latest, just-released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 22,651 establishments in NAICS 323 (Printing and Related Support Activities). This represents a decline of 22% since 2010—but (but!) a slight (slight!) increase in establishments from 2021. In macro news, inflation is still fairly under control.

Around the Web: Bot Bonanza. Typing Torus. Pate Powder. Razr Reflection. Lunar Lasers. Solar Scooter. Kevin Connections. Aldi Advent.

Published November 15, 2024

A robot artist’s painting sells for more than $1 million. Google Japan’s Möbius Strip keyboard. An interesting approach to sustainable shampoo packaging. A tribute to the Motorola Razr. A question for the ages: if everyone on Earth aimed a laser pointer at the moon simultaneously, what would happen? A solar-powered motor scooter. There is an app for lucid dreaming. The “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” now has data! What is the world’s oldest organism? “Sandwiches from History” rounds up some old recipes. Aldi’s highly anticipated Advent calendars are here! All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

September Shipments: No Fall This Autumn

Published November 8, 2024

September 2024 shipments came in at $7.67 billion, up ever so slightly from August’s $7.66 billion—the third straight monthly increase. Sure, it’s a small increase, but we’ll take what we can get.

Around the Web: Perishing Papers. Vonnegut Volume. Comic Controversy. Country Con. Precious Prime. Fromage Felony.

Published November 8, 2024

Several major NJ newspapers discontinue their print editions. A new limited deluxe edition of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-5. Comic Sans turns 30—is it time to reconsider its awfulness? New clues about the origin of writing. An elaborate and successful 19th-century scam involving a fictional Central American country. The new largest prime number ever discovered. A mathematical model that determines the optimal shape of a beer glass that keeps beer cool. In memoriam: Murray McCrory, inventor of the JanSport backpack. A wooden “artisanal satellite” has just been launched. “Your air fryer may be spying on you,” for some reason. A scammer steals 22 tons of cheddar from a London cheese shop. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Tales from the Database: Packing it In

Published November 1, 2024

Drawing on six years’ worth of Print Business Outlook surveys, our “Tales from the Database” series looks at historical data to see if we can spot any particular hardware, software, or business trends. This issue is in part devoted to labels and packaging, so we delve into the data to gauge print businesses’ interest in adding packaging capabilities.

Around the Web: Logo Library. Auctioning AI. Plonk Packaging. Damned Domain. Cryptid Carnival. Echo Education. Super Stations. Fitting Footwear. Future Food.

Published November 1, 2024

The Space Exploration Logo Archive (SELA) is a series of printed books celebrating 70+ years of space travel. Artwork by robot artist Ai-Da is up for auction at Sotheby’s. A study by the UK’s Wine Society found the most sustainable option for wine packaging, although we have questions. Did you know that domain names can be “haunted”? Reconstructing the face of a 400-year-old vampire. Johnstown, Pa., hosts the annual “Squonkapalooza” to celebrate a mythical beast. An electric scooter that uses a graphene-based battery. Get rid of autumn leaves with ease using a leaf blower mounted to a robot dog. Learn how to echolocate in 10 weeks. Fifteen “stunning train stations.” A line of sneakers that grow with your kids. Whole Foods’ culinary trends for 2025. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Welcome to the Print & Packaging Issue!

Published October 28, 2024

Issue 5 of WhatTheyThink magazine is now out, and this week and next we will be publishing the contents of that issue. Here’s a preview.

September Graphic Arts Employment Remains Fairly Flat

Published October 25, 2024

Overall printing employment in September 2024 was not much changed from August with production employment down 0.2% and non-production employment up 0.5%.

Around the Web: Real Raven. Nurdle Negation. Wallpaper Warming. Color Kindle. Code Controversy. Computer Chronicle. Runner’s Racket. Snack Sobriquet.

Published October 25, 2024

The inspiration for Poe’s “The Raven” A new line of sustainable wrapping paper. A paper-based alternative to plastic “nurdles.” A research project intended to “improve the reading experience for people with low vision through typography.” Electric wallpaper for home heating. The invention of the barcode was not without controversy. A 1968 Bell Labs computer documentary that inspired Stanley Kubrick. A simple, ingenious invention for runners: the Runbell. Goldfish—the snack cracker—is changing its name to “Chilean Sea Bass,” for some reason. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Around the Web: Type Tournament. Price Package. Drone Delivery. Mobile Museum. Absent Accordions. Screw Story. Food Fallacies.

Published October 18, 2024

Show off your mad typing skills with “Typing Bowl.” A German company print the price of its products right on the packaging. Delivering food by a robot–drone team. When online, visit the Mobile Phone Museum. An elaborate, Rube Goldberg-like snooze alarm. A graphene-based “electronic tongue.” The last French accordion manufacturer has gone out of business. Why is it called a “Phillips head screwdriver”? Many of America’s most “traditional” food recipes were based on marketing campaigns. New TikTok-inspired “smoked Cheez-Its” are coming. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Outdoor Advertising Establishments—2010–2021

Published October 18, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2010, there were 2,378 establishments in NAICS 54185 (Outdoor Advertising). This NAICS actually grew post-Great Recession, with a slight decline mid-decade before climbing back up to 2,765 establishments in 2018. 2019 saw a massive drop in establishments, but it has climbed back up to 2,532 establishments in 2021. In macro news: retail sales increased in September.

Around the Web: Kafka Covers. Grass Graphics. Costume Chemicals. Time Trends. Comma Creation. Cassette Comeback. Morticia Menu.

Published October 11, 2024

Using Rapid Liquid Printing to produce a handbag. Lawnmower-based graphic design. The dangers of really fast fashion: Halloween costumes. A temperature-controlling graphene-enhanced jacket. Where did punctuation come from? Cassette tapes are becoming popular. The slow acceptance of wearing pants. Burger King’s Addams Family-themed Halloween menu. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

August Shipments Indeed

Published October 11, 2024

August 2024 shipments came in at $7.68 billion, up from July’s $7.44 billion—the second straight monthly increase.

Around the Web: Graphic Gags. Hail Hamlet. Leaf Lenses. Map Mural. Absent AI. Dorito Dye. Fixing Flakes. Car Ketchup.

Published October 4, 2024

Print magazine talks with a former graphic designer for SNL. A production of Hamlet based on Radiohead’s “Hail to the Thief.” Virginia parks provide special viewfinders so the color blind can leaf-peep. Making a giant mural out of a Google Earth Easter egg. The Moon is getting its own time zone. This year’s Lego Advent calendars are now available. According to the New Yorker, there is no AI. Cool. “Mice made transparent with a dye used in Doritos.” Making the original Corn Flakes recipe. VW’s Gewürz Ketchup briefly available in the US. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Product Strategy: ACTEGA at LabelExpo

Published September 30, 2024

In this video sponsored by ACTEGA, David Zwang talks to Mell Bishop, Vice President of Flexible Packaging North America & Global Market Manager Labels, about the company's sustainability goals, the circular economy and the value it brings to the industry.

Kyocera's Dustin Graupman on Entry-Level Production Inkjet

Published September 30, 2024

In this video sponsored by Kyocera, Richard Romano talks with Dustin Graupman, Senior Director, Inkjet Division, Kyocera, about how the company is making entry into production inkjet accessible with their products.

iJetColor by Printware at PRINTING United

Published September 30, 2024

Tim Murphy, President, iJetColor by Printware showcases the company's inkjet envelope presses and how they are answering their customer's wants of affordability, improved print quality and speed.

Sign Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2021

Published September 27, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2010, there were 5,824 establishments in NAICS 33995 (Sign Manufacturing). This NAICS category tumbled in the wake of the Great Recession, ultimately climbing back up to 5,865 establishments in 2019, but dipping a little in 2020, and then back up to 5,814 in 2021. In macro news: BEA leaves Q2 GDP growth unchanged at 3.0%.

Around the Web: Viva Vice. Cloned Critic. Fitzgerald’s Flat. More Mozart. Globe Goofs. Hat Hating. Railway Rodents. Breakfast Bag.

Published September 27, 2024

Vice is launching a subscription service—and a print edition. London newspaper is resurrecting its deceased art critic with AI. A billboard-based art project. A robotic “impact printing” system 3D prints with clay. Who would have thought that 2024 would bring us new Mozart music? The oldest surviving globe dates from 1492 and is wildly inaccurate even by 1492 standards. A flying grocery cart. Graphene-enhanced asphalt goes on trial in the UK. When did people stop wearing hats? Jimmy Dean launches a tote bag that can keep your breakfast sandwiches warm. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

July Graphic Arts Employment Was Flat Virtually Across the Board

Published September 20, 2024

Overall printing employment in July 2024 was down slightly in July with production employment down 0.6% and non-production employment up 0.4%.

Around the Web: Font Fracas. Singularity Soon. Data Display. Mesopotamian Meals. Pizza Profile. Eggy Equinox. Cellular Suspense. Taco Turmoil.

Published September 20, 2024

Have “fontroversies” become less common? Is the Singularity all that near? A three-day exhibition of radical data visualizations. The Campbell Soup Company is removing the word soup and adding an apostrophe. Make these dishes from the world’s oldest known cookbook. Have your resumé printed on Pizza Hut pizza boxes. Sunday is the autumnal equinox—get your eggs ready! How screenwriters of horror films solve “the cellphone problem.” A 3D printer designed to cut cardboard into cat scratch pads. When is National Taco Day, exactly? All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Kyocera Nixka talks inkjet integration trends

Published September 18, 2024

Pat McGrew talks to Paul Morgavi about what's driving custom inkjet development.

All Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2021

Published September 13, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 358 establishments in NAICS 322299 (All Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -22% since 2010. In macro news, inflation was virtually flat in August.

Around the Web: Darth Dreary. Horror House. Phone Folds. Misnamed Monitor. Toddling Table. Cassette Collection. Fridge Fashion. Insulation Initiative. Dew Deal.

Published September 13, 2024

The art of letterpress printing. James Earl Jones reads “The Raven.” “The year without summer” was great for Gothic horror. Huawei has introduced a trifold phone. The worst product name ever. The next trend in home décor: living furniture. An archive of audio cassette design. Good grief: “fridgescaping.” Traceable down insulation. Redesigning nail clippers. Trademarking “Mountain Time”? All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Product Spotlight: The Print Factory Makes Print Profitable

Published September 9, 2024

The Print Factory is know for their spectacular color management, but there is a lot more inside the box. Simon Landau tells the story.

June Shipments: An Unpleasant Surprise

Published September 6, 2024

June 2024 shipments came in at $7.22 billion, down from May’s $7.42 billion—an unexpected and unwelcome drop.

Around the Web: Cut Categorizing. Birthday Branding. Tech Tomes. Timber Towers. Bookish Burglar. Rapid Radiator. Sprinkler Sprayer. Doll Doughnuts.

Published September 6, 2024

What types of paper are best (or worst) for paper cuts? A simple quiz for gauging your color perception. Creating the identity for Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. An online archive of Radioshack catalogs. Milwaukee is building a second wooden skyscraper. An Italian thief stops to read a book mid-burglary. “Robot controlled by a king oyster mushroom blends living organisms and machines,” for your dystopian nightmares. A graphene radiator capable of heating a room in a few seconds. Lego is switching to renewable materials for its bricks. A mural artist who hacks lawn sprinklers to spray paint. Krispy Kreme is helping celebrate Barbie’s 65th birthday. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Eric Vessels joins Taktiful as CXO

Published August 30, 2024

Taktiful is the leader in embellishment learning and now software too. Eric Vessels has now joined Taktiful to help them grow their business through new outreach programs.

Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2021

Published August 30, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 126 establishments in NAICS 322291 (Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of 11% since 2010. In macro news, the American Institute of Architects’ Architecture Billings Index (ABI) indicates that billings have declined for the 18th consecutive month.

Around the Web: Poster Parade. Tome Typing. Apian Anniversary. Flash Flames. Bicycle Breaks. Debunked Dodos. Space Snacks.

Published August 30, 2024

A gallery of classic movie posters. Hone your keyboard skills by retyping classic novels. What is the first recorded human voice? Celebrate Burt’s Bees’ 40th anniversary with some branded merch. Need a laugh? Use the Jokephone. Nxylon, a new super-black material that absorbs 99% of the light that hits it. Turn a flashlight into a flamethrower. Bicycles can now be hacked. New research reconsiders the dodo. Climate change is making seafood toxic. Doritos designed for zero gravity. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Content, Collaboration & the Future of WhatTheyThink

Published August 29, 2024

Gina Danner, CEO of NextPage, and WhatTheyThink board chair talks to Thayer Long, CEO of WhatTheyThink about the changes happening in the industry and the role of WhatTheyThink in supporting education and information. They discuss the importance of collaboration between manufacturers and print service providers to address industry challenges and discuss the future direction of WhatTheyThink, including the focus on deep content strategies and providing a platform for OEMs to share information.