I was sent a link to a video on YouTube from a printer who does a tongue in cheek rant about how tough we printers have it and the lack of respect printers receive. It had me rolling on the floor laughing! Some of the humor is definitely better understood if you are in the industry. I posted it here for your convenience.

Having been in the printing industry for 35 years, I can tell you that most people take for granted the craftsmanship that encompasses offset lithography. The printing industry has seen a slight decline since the internet, but I can tell you that it is far from dead. Exciting new technology like Gracol 7 and digital printing presses are helping to spawn a new renaissance in the world of print. Improvements in software and multi-purposing of content are allowing print dollars to stretch further and create projects that were unheard of just 10 years ago.

FSC certification establishes a greener industry with the assurance that paper is being harvested from renewable forests. Inks manufactured from vegetable oils are dominating the market place, instead of solvent based inks. Presses are running without the aid of alcohol and plates are developed without solvents. We no longer use film with its toxic chemicals and heavy metals either.

All in all the printing industry is in a good place, with happier clients and great looking products. Ahh but there is still the matter of respect. When I first came into the industry I started as an apprentice offset stripper. When any one asked me what I did, I would reply, “I am a stripper.” Then I would spend the next 20 minutes trying to explain that I didn’t take my clothing off, and exactly what it was I did. Hmmm, maybe that’s when the lack of respect began!