Quick Chat

Corey London from Special T Print joins us to discuss starting a printery during challenging times, and the importance of staying true to your core values. Special T Print Based close to the M5 in Kingsgrove, South West Sydney, Special T Print focusses on service (the ‘T’ is for Treatment). Having recently printed the 2024 Ball & Doggett Calendar featuring student work from across Australasia (see article on page 50), we decided to have a chat with Corey London, Managing Director at Special T, to talk about what they do. Here is what Corey had to say; GSM: How did...

Continue Reading →

Industry veteran Tony Downing shares a few thoughts about why print is still very much relevant in marketing. In today’s digital age, where online advertising dominates the marketing landscape, it’s easy to overlook the power of print. A recent encounter at a local café reminded Tony Downing of print materials’ enduring influence and significance in promoting a business. While enjoying breakfast at Bobby Franks in Nelson, I noticed three individuals enthusiastically flipping through the Nelson City Guide beside me. Curiosity sparked, I struck up a conversation and discovered that they were Australian visitors relying on the guide to plan their...

Continue Reading →

Operating from two different sites in the upper region of New Zealand's South Island, Matt Costello talks to GSM about the unique printing operation he has built, and the pros and cons of being 'provincial'. Blenheim sits amongst the sunny wine growing region of Marlborough on the upper east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. A town of approximately 30,000–the local economy largely comprises of horticulture, wine making and farming. The nearby Lake Grassmere salt works is the only operation of its kind in NZ. It supplies approximately 50% of the nation’s requirements. An hour and twenty minutes drive north-west...

Continue Reading →

Print brokering has been part of the print industry for decades. However, in more recent times, it is making something of a comeback. GSM talks to Melbourne-based print broker, Simon Fitzgerald, to understand why> GSM: What is ‘Print Brokering’—and how does it work? Simon: In a nutshell, print brokering in any industry is a value-added service connecting customers with suppliers or products. A good example is insurance or mortgage brokering. The brokers in these sectors do not lend money (mortgages) or provide policies (insurance). Their job is to secure the right product, at the right price, for their clients. Specifically,...

Continue Reading →

Continuing our series on starting out in the creative sector - GSM talks to Kiwi Creative Multidisciplinary Bron Alexander> Reading Greg Straight’s article (see GSM18) was captivating. Of course, no two career paths are ever the same—but his story of building a career in illustration off the back of lucky breaks and hard work really resonated. Speed Bumps & Lucky Breaks Creativity was in my blood from an early age. In high school, I made a great decision; I swapped my typing course for art. However, the same year, I  found out I was pregnant. Becoming a Mum at 15...

Continue Reading →

In an ever changing business environment—Diversity— can be one way to ensure longevity. GSM talks to Sam Blenkiron from Mirage Visual on the topic> —with Sam Blenkiron @Mirage Visual Established in 1982, Mirage Visual in Palmerston North have grown from a traditional printery to a company offering wide diversity. Over recent times they have brought together a suite of creative services, strategic communications & digital marketing, production and distribution. How has Mirage Visual grown it’s services to deliver end-to-end solutions—and still deliver exceptional results?   GSM: What services do Mirage Visual offer? Sam: Our creative department covers everything from marketing...

Continue Reading →

When is the right time to leave your job and start freelancing? What is it like being self-employed without the safety net of regular wages? GSM talks to kiwi illustrator Greg Straight to hear his story... I started drawing when I was really young. So you could say I’ve been illustrating for 49 years. However, getting started as a commercial illustrator was hard. My wife Hannah and I met in England where we did pretty well in our respective creative fields. I was actually freelancing by the time we left the UK in 2006. Arriving in New Zealand, we bought...

Continue Reading →