Testing AI Image Generation for Personalized Packaging
We’ve written about AI image creation before, but this technology is always improving. Particularly for business use. Even traditional stock sites like iStock are offering their own options for AI-generated art.
Smart Strategy Insights
Wayne Lynn kicks off his new Smart Strategy Insights series with an identification of what he means by strategy, which its components are, and why it is a vital skill set for leaders to possess.
The Target Report: Paper Manufacturers Shift Grades—April 2024 M&A Activity
International Paper Acquires DS Smith, and more …
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Industry News
- Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems Collaborates with WhatTheyThink at drupa on drupa Daily
- Ultimate Impostrip: PDF/X-4 Compliancy Certified By Ghent Workgroup
- PRINTING United Alliance Launches Newest 2024 iLEARNING+ Courses
- Chicagoland’s Label Experts Invest in Second Durst Tau RSC E
- OneVision & Canon at drupa: Efficient Production with End-to-End Workflow
- Müller Martini is a Source of Ideas, an Implementer, and an Advisor
- Efficient and automated Openair-Plasma Pretreatment of Paperboard Packaging and Folding Cartons
- Hunter Luxury to Demonstrate Beautifully Bespoke Brilliance at Luxe Pack New York
- Sun Chemical and Lohmann Form Partnership for Plastic and Laminated Cards Market Ahead of ICMA EXPO 2024
- Graphius Group Opts for Chemistry-Free Printing Plates from ECO3
- Cyngient Appoints Jake Chaney VP of Sales
- Design Pool Returns to NeoCon with Two New Collections
- Konica Minolta Announces Executive Leadership Team Changes
- Helm Reveals Exceptional Results From Branded Event Support at the 2024 Easter Jeep Safari
- Future Trailblazers Will Be Key to Driving the Packaging Sector Forward
- Epson Collaborates with Amazon to Put a Stop to Counterfeit Ink Bottle Sellers
- Cimpress to Present at the 19th Annual Needham Technology, Media, & Consumer Conference on May 15th in New York, NY
Seven More Takeaways from the Online Print Symposium 2024
European section editor Ralf Schlözer highlights seven more takeaways from March's Online print Symposium that could be labelled "success factors" for online printing companies.
Road to drupa: eProductivity Software
WhatTheyThink's Nick Gawreluk talks to Aleks Zlatic and Charlotte Tueckmantel from eProductivity Software about their journey to drupa and an exciting product launch taking place at the show.
frontline.io’s Virtual 3D Training, Support and Analytics
David Zwang talks with Itzhak Pichadze, frontline.io CEO and Founder, and Gilad Tzori, frontline.io COO, about the company’s recently developed virtual 3D interactive training, augmented reality remote support, real-time analytics solution—all in one platform. It is being adopted by many of the press and converting manufacturers.
Transform Your Operation: Join Industry Leaders to Tackle Your Toughest Document Challenges at DSF ‘24
Attend DSF ’24 to gain actionable insights for Customer Communications Management (CCM), Document Management, and Content Management. Artificial intelligence with dynamic sessions and exhibitors focused on: Gen-AI, workflow automation, Customer Experience, and document migration.
March Graphic Arts Employment A Mixed Bag
Overall printing employment in March 2024 was generally up—+0.4% from February—with production employment down -0.2% and non-production employment up +1.5%.
Industry Data
Printing Outlook 2024 - The WhatTheyThink Overview of the Current State of the Printing Industry
The Printing Outlook 2024 report provides detailed analysis of the latest WhatTheyThink Printing Industry Survey, the latest industry economic data and macroeconomic trends, as well as industry and cultural technological trends to look out for in 2024 and beyond.
March Graphic Arts Employment A Mixed Bag
Overall printing employment in March 2024 was generally up—+0.4% from February—with production employment down -0.2% and non-production employment up +1.5%. Full Analysis
Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portal Establishments—2010–2021
According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 8,947 establishments in NAICS 51913 (Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals). This category saw a net increase of 66% since 2010. In macro news, Q1 GDP is much lower than expected. Full Analysis
February Shipments: Well, At Least It’s Seasonal
February 2024 shipments came in at $6.01 billion, down from January’s $7.04 billion—and right between February 2021 and 2022. Full Analysis
WhatTheyThink Magazine
WhatTheyThink Magazine is the resource for the Commercial Printing, Visual and Graphic Arts Industries. Industry experts share their ideas and technical knowledge on ways to improve operations.
Subscription are free to qualified industry professionals or via paid subscription.
Around the Web
WhatTheyThink's weekly miscellany
Around the Web: Color Caution. Kicky Keyboard. Dyed Dairy. Bread Beanie. Polaroid Poems. Domestic Droid. Mutant Mouse. New Nebula. Bison Bashing. Marvelous Moody.
The color “magenta” has been designated the “worst and deadliest” of the heat threat categories. RIP author Paul Auster. In an old movie musical, a couple dance on a giant typewriter. Just in time for Star Wars Day, dairy producer TruMoo has introduced Blue Milk. Just in time for Kentucky Derby Day, Panera has introduced the “Bread Hat.” A camera that uses AI to compose a poem based on a picture it has just taken. We’re still trying to get true 5G wireless, but over in Japan, 6G is on the way. A domestic robot capable of performing a variety of household tasks. Scientists in Portugal accidently created a six-legged mouse. The James Webb Space telescope zooms in on the Horsehead Nebula. “Man accused of kicking a bison at Yellowstone National Park,” for some reason. RIP Mike Pinder. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
Around the Web: Color Culture. Bard Birthplace? Control Controversy. Planetary Puzzle. Jukebox Johnny. Aldi Aisle. Crustacean Crash.
A new book explores “the implications of color and its cultural impact.” Was Shakespeare really born in the “Shakespeare Birthplace” in Stratford-upon-Avon? If you’re ever in Philadelphia, be sure to visit the largest typewriter company in the world. Reading The Hobbit à la the BBC’s Shipping Forecast. Do you prefer touchscreens or tactile controls? A new wireless lamp design uses rechargeable bulbs. Could a ninth planet be hiding behind Neptune? A reconstruction of a three-hour Dr. Johnny Fever radio show from episodes of “WKRP in Cincinnati” is the best playlist we have ever heard. 20% of Aldi’s revenue comes from its “Aisle of Shame.” Red Lobster may file for bankruptcy. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
Around the Web: Met Medics. Type Tenets. Bend’s Blockbuster. Insurance Inflation. Follicle Fashion. Humdrum Handset. Bee Bandits. Clever Cutlery. Collaborative Condiment.
Inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s book conservation lab. A new book lays out the Universal Principles of Typography. 11 signs from around the country that evoke “pure Americana.” Mattel releases a team-based version of Scrabble. Physical media’s last stand. Car insurance premiums have sure kicked into overdrive. Textiles made from human hair may not be as creepy as they sound. HMD and Heineken introduce the Boring Phone. Battling the West’s “bee rustlers” would make for an interesting John Wayne film. Horatio Nelson’s “Knork.” Heinz and Mattel team up to launch “Barbiecue sauce.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
Recent Discussion
HARVEY LEVENSON on Frank Makes Book
I have every book that I ever used in college and graduate school. I’m reminded of a time at RIT when I resold a book that I purchased having to do with western civilization. When the class was over, I resold the book. I felt so guilty about it th… Full comment Reply
Gordon Pritchard on Frank Makes Book
Totally agree. I have some books that you might be interested in. Is there an email link that I can send photos to so that you can decide if you want them? My email is pritchardgordon (@) Gmail (dot) com Reply
Joe Treacy on Frank Makes Book
Frank, thank the stars that you’re preserving the books arts, and fervently believe in them and their future. I love them too, and believe they’ll always be with us. And, ever more creative in design and production. Love the shirt! Joe Treacy Tre… Full comment Reply
Eric Vessels on The Road to drupa: drupa Next Age Content Program Featured in Hall 7
@Deb meant to have that link included under the video. Added it. Reply
Special Report
drupa 2024 Coverage
WhatTheyThink is the official show daily media partner of drupa 2024. More info about drupa daily programs
- MEGNAJET’S FLUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SUPPORT C-MARX GROWTH
- Kyocera Belharra Photo Printing on the Road to drupa
- Summary of Drupa 2024 inkjet announcements Production Print
- Inkjet driving insourcing for state in-plants
- Real World AI for the Printing Industry
- Harnessing the Power of Synergy: HP High Speed Inkjet and Indigo Liquid Toner Technologies
- KYOCERA NIXKA INKJET SYSTEMS (KNIS) INTRODUCES BELHARRA, THE NEW WAVE OF PHOTO PRINTERS
- New RISO Printing Unit Offers Easy Integration for Package Printing
WhatTheyThink is the official show daily media partner of drupa 2024. More info about drupa programs
© 2024 WhatTheyThink. All Rights Reserved.
Mike Price on Road to drupa: eProductivity Software
Hopeful that the new "Nubium" product will have a transition path from other applications in the ePS suite. The ability to move to a system that would be more robust and would have some of the key elements not found in print-for-pay would make this a… Full comment Reply