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Small Town Printer Makes Big Waves
Posted on by Liliana Wright Posted in Case Studies & Profiles, Marketing & Sales, Technology & Products
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Small Town Printer Makes Big Waves

In the heart of a coastal town, Surf City, North Carolina, where golden sands meet the endless sea, there’s a story unfolding – a tale of reinvention, determination, and creative passion. Meet Amy Shores, a dedicated teacher of several decades who decided to make a bold career change in the world of photography and printing, and how she’s turned her dream into a thriving business, Seaside Topsail Photography.

Amy’s story begins with a simple click of her camera, capturing the essence of beach landscapes and the warmth of family bonds in her portraits. She dabbled in weddings and came to the realization that she loved it! It was during these moments behind the lens that she realized her true calling lay in photography.

 

A Leap of Faith

During a busy and profitable summer, Amy’s sunrise and sunset photographs captured viewers’ hearts, leading to client requests for bridal portraits and other prints. Amidst this newfound success, she recognized the need to cut down on printing expenses and decided to bring the process in-house. With the encouragement of her fiancé, Jeff, and son, Tyler, she decided to invest in a Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-6100 printer, a tool that would become her partner in this new venture, and she grew her business from her garage.

Amy embarked on a journey of self-education, determined to master the art of graphic design and printing. Yet, there was a hurdle — she knew nothing about graphic design or printing. But instead of letting fear hold her back, she embraced the challenge with open arms. Hours turned into days as she scoured online resources and tutorials and sought guidance from her LexJet sales rep, Joe Francies. When she met Joe, she said, “I feel like I hit the lottery . . . he has answered so many questions for me. Sometimes, I call him when I’m having a bad week just to talk to him, and we talk things out. He had become more than a representative to me; he has become a friend.” With Joe’s invaluable help, Amy was committed to conquering every challenge that came her way.

         

Armed with a vision and determination, Amy envisioned her beachscapes adorning the walls of homes and galleries. However, the winter season brought challenges and doubts, making Amy question her career choices and contemplate if leaving her teaching job was a mistake. Financial concerns added to her worries. However, spring brought a glimmer of hope. Joe introduced her to an affordable solution, LexJet’s Elements Maldives Recycled Semi-Gloss Canvas, made 100% from recycled water bottles. As a resident of a beach town, this medium aligned perfectly with her art and her commitment to ocean conservation. She tried it and loved the beautiful sheen – she was in love! Hours were spent learning the nuances, understanding the art of color profiling, and mastering the techniques. Amy recalls, “I had a whole pile of “oops” canvas, at least a roll” as she learned her craft. Soon, her nervousness turned into expertise, as she began to produce captivating canvases that spoke volumes and increased her profits. 

 Success on Display

Amy’s artwork didn’t go unnoticed for long. She started displaying her canvases in local galleries, where her unique perspective on beach landscapes and nature found an eager audience. One of the advantages she has over other selling artists is her ability to print on demand. When a canvas is sold, she can easily print another one the same day, ensuring her customers are never left empty-handed. Owning a Canon printer and having the right canvas didn’t just mean convenience; it meant having the power to replicate her art instantly, something that would take weeks for other artists to achieve with outside labs.

Her newfound skills fueled her artistic endeavors and opened doors for her within the community. Amy started offering printing services to locals, creating a network of creativity and collaboration. Her canvases found their way into beach homes, not just as exhibits but as symbols of her unwavering spirit and determination.

 

 

 

Amy envisions significant growth for her studio. She has incorporated framing as a service, handled by her fiancé, and intends to establish a storefront with an expanded online presence. This platform will allow her to showcase supplementary products to cater to local residents, tourists, and individuals beyond her immediate area.

A Journey Worth Taking

Amy’s transition from teaching to photography and printing was indeed a leap of faith, but it’s a journey she wouldn’t change for the world. From novice to expert, from nervousness to confidence, Amy’s story is a testament to the power of determination, self-education, and the pursuit of one’s dreams — plus not being afraid to ask for help. She shows us that when you’re willing to embrace the unknown and work tirelessly toward your goals, success is not just achievable; it’s inevitable.

To learn more about Seaside Topsail Photography’s favorite LexJet products, contact a LexJet Customer Specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit lexjet.com.

Empowering Education Beyond the Classroom
Posted on by Liliana Wright Posted in Marketing & Sales, News & Trends, Technology & Products, Tips & Tricks
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Empowering Education Beyond the Classroom

The integration of technology into learning has become paramount. In an era where education is no longer confined to traditional textbooks and whiteboards, Canon wide format printers, Graphtec cutters, ColorByte Software, and LexJet Print-N-Stick fabric have emerged as a powerful formula that’s revolutionizing education, both inside and outside the classroom. Beyond facilitating day-to-day activities, these cutting-edge tools have the potential to equip students with valuable skills that extend well into their post-school lives.

Enhancing Visual Learning

Canon imagePROGRAF printers are widely used in the education industry to create vibrant and eye-catching everyday classroom materials due to their ease of use, speed, efficiency, and affordability sought after by administrators. These printers enable educators to produce visually engaging and stimulating materials, such as diagrams, signage, and graphics.

Transforming Environments and Spaces

Innovative printers can become a powerful learning tool, allowing students to design and print vibrant and dynamic classroom visuals, art projects, and so much more. Paired with the right media, like LexJet’s Print-N-Stick Fabric, educators can transform classrooms and campuses into interactive and engaging learning environments that inspire creativity. LexJet Print-N-Stick Fabric is designed for smooth, effortless application to a wide range of flat surfaces, and it will not rip, wrinkle, or stretch in production, making it easy to cut into any shape.

Limitless Creativity

Graphtec cutters provide an avenue for venturing into creative exploration. From intricate shapes to personalized study aids, these cutters empower students and educators to design interactive learning resources that spark students’ imagination. By involving students in the creation process, these tools encourage active participation, critical thinking, and a hands-on approach to learning that goes beyond textbooks. Students can be challenged to create their own unique multi-dimensional designs and shapes for packaging, fundraising items, art, or science fair projects.

Empowering Practical Skills

ColorByte’s ImagePrint R.E.D. is designed for those looking to make superior prints at an attractive price point. With advanced color management controls, the same intuitive user interface, and by using the driver that ships with the printer, ImagePrint R.E.D. is an attractive option that can “Run Every Device” and can become a powerful resource in any school.  This software works seamlessly with Graphtec cutters to improve workflow efficiency and to help bring shape and dimension to any design. It allows students to familiarize themselves with industry-standard software, making students better prepared for real-world scenarios where digital proficiency is crucial.

A Lifetime of Learning

This complete workflow solution undoubtedly serves as a catalyst in reshaping the landscape of education. As the education industry continues to embrace innovation, these tools, when used together, stand as a testament to the transformative power of technology, allowing students and teachers to reach new creative heights.

To learn more about how Canon, Graphtec, ColorByte Software, and LexJet Print-N-Stick Fabric can benefit the education industry, contact a LexJet Customer Specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.

Visit the LexJet YouTube channel to see videos of the various equipment and media in action here and subscribe to stay informed on the latest reviews, demonstrations, and new product announcements!

 

Posted on by Adna Brkanic Posted in News & Trends
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The Click & Win Image Awards Closeout the Click & Print Event

On Monday, Mar. 29, the virtual doors opened to the LexJet Click & Print Event sponsored by Canon. All week, attendees heard from professional photographers like Joel Grimes, Bob Davis, Gary Hughes, and others, as they discussed their own experiences in the world of photography.

These current and former Explorers of Light discussed everything from setting up the perfect indoor lighting to capturing the perfect image using only natural light. Throughout the week, they answered your questions during live Q&A sessions.

The Event also offered software and finishing solutions, to help you capture, create, and print with Canon.

To close out the week, Canon’s Pete Wright, keynote speakers Gary Hughes and Jeff Bowman, and PPA judges Cheri and Dennis Hammon offered their critiques and insights into the Sunset’s Click & Win Awards. Over 50 images were chosen to go to the final judging, where each image was scored. When a judge felt it was necessary, he or she challenged the scores and they discussed, in detail, why they scored the way they did.

After the discussion, jury chairperson Dennis Hammon would ask all the judges to score again. If you’ve never entered a photo competition, this was a great opportunity to see and hear how the judging happens.

The response to the Click & Win Image Awards was incredible, with over 600 submissions for all categories. We’ve created a gallery of all the submissions, so you can check them out and find your favorite, and to see the top three for each category, click on the above video.

If you missed the judges’ decision, here’s a recap of the winners of each category and the overall “Best in Show”:

  • Fine Art/Composite: Kimberly Smith – “Well, Hello There”
  • Portrait: Kimberly Smith – “Cameo”
  • Wedding: Dwight Okumoto – “Elegance”
  • Wildlife/Landscape: Kenneth Martin – “Sacred Lands of the Navajo”
  • Best in Show – Kimberly Smith – “Well, Hello There”

If you’d like to watch a replay of your favorite session or catch any of the ones you missed, all are available on demand. Also, until April 16, unlock the special savings of up to $3,996 off MSRP on Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-Series printers when you visit the show. For more information or to contact a LexJet sales specialist, give us a call at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.

 

Click & Win Submissions
Watch and Earn: Pete Wright Helps You Get the Most from Your Canon Printer
Posted on by Jennifer Corn Posted in Tips & Tricks
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Watch and Earn: Pete Wright Helps You Get the Most from Your Canon Printer

Join Pete Wright for the February Canon webinar as he discusses workflow and ease of use when it comes to the Canon PRO-Series printers.

Tune in Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. ET, as Wright – a Canon technical specialist and award-winning photographer – takes you through the tips, tricks, and benefits of the imagePROGRAF PRO-Series family.

All attendees are eligible to receive 5% – up to $599 – off MSRP for a new PRO-Series Canon. If you are considering the new 12-color PRO-2100, PRO-4100, or PRO-6100, or the new 8-color PRO-4100S or PRO-6100S, register for our live event.

Afterward, if you are still unsure about which printer is right for you, Pete will be there to answer your questions.

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-Series printers include breakthrough technology for professionals who demand perfection. Canon sets the bar by delivering rich, detailed, brilliant colors in 24-, 44-, and 60- inch widths.

The product line includes models for professional photography and fine art, production signage, infographics and posters, technical documents, and general use markets.

Sign up online or call one of our printer specialists at 800-453-9538 for additional information.

*Webinar promotion can only be combined with monthly instant rebate. Not valid with any other promotions or programs.

Let’s Go Trade Show! A Virtual Tour with LexJet
Posted on by Shellie Terry Posted in News & Trends, Tips & Tricks
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Let’s Go Trade Show! A Virtual Tour with LexJet

On Friday, April 17, we’re bringing the latest news, tips, demos and product launches right to you with our LexJet Virtual Let’s Go Trade Show! We’ll have valuable insight for dealing with the impacts of COVID-19, as well as lots of insider tips and sneak peeks on the products and services you’ll need to prepare for when everyone returns to work.

During this event, from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. ET, we’ll be covering the following topics:

  • Live demo showing how HP Adhesive Vinyl can be used for almost any application
  • Best social media marketing practices now and post-COVID-19
  • Discover the hot new window textile, Squid
  • Dye-sub applications with the Epson F Series
  • A live demo of HP Latex Print & Cut

Sign up today and we’ll provide you with the links of each of the live sessions. Choose the ones you’d like to attend, and drop on by. We look forward to seeing you (virtually) April 17!

SIGN UP NOW

Sunset Photo Metallic Paper Beats Aluminum for Gallery Exhibit
Posted on by Shellie Terry Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
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Sunset Photo Metallic Paper Beats Aluminum for Gallery Exhibit

When Hollywood director Blair Hayes curated his movie-site images for a new exhibit, Light of Future Past, he set out to print them on brushed aluminum for a sleek, modern look. However, when he sent a few sample prints to the Shafer Art Gallery, at Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kan., where they would be displayed, the gallery struggled with lighting the images.

Using overhead spot track lighting, the light bounced off the aluminum and muddied the colors. “Blair uses dramatic contrast. The backgrounds are almost a coal black with one spot or source of illumination in that photograph,” said Dave Barnes, Shafer Art Gallery Director. “The brushed aluminum made the situation worse.”

Click images to enlarge

After trying different placements, and even hanging the prints on a diagonal to get the light angles right, the gallery staff was at a loss. That’s when they turned to Chris Glassman, general partner at Casual Graphics.

“I explained that the direction of the print negates the illumination, due to the direction of the brushed surface,” Glassman says. “I suggested using LexJet’s Sunset Photo Metallic Paper, due to its large color gamut and outstanding ability to illuminate. Also, we found that laminating the printed pieces accentuates the unique characteristics of the media by seemingly magnifying the light coming in, reflecting a more saturated color experience.”

Glassman had similar luck when producing 6-foot-tall prints of neon-accented bugs on black backgrounds, which were printed on Sunset Photo eSatin Paper 300g and finished with a gloss coating.

“When a customer has a piece that demands bright saturated colors, [the Sunset Metallic] is our go-to product,” he says. “Dave stated to me that if it weren’t for Casual Graphics, the show would not have happened due to the lighting issues, and in turn, I must state that if it wasn’t for the LexJet media, I wouldn’t have been able to provide them with a cost-effective alternative solution to aluminum prints.”

Hayes has directed commercials, television and movies, including the cult classic, Bubble Boy, starring Jake Gyllenhaal. His dramatic images were captured mostly during location scouting, and Barnes and he connected through a mutual friend, which led to the exhibit, which runs through the last week of October.

“I’m fortunate enough, being a director, I get to go all over the world – and mostly America – and get exposed to things that one might think are just ordinary objects, but when I see them with my eye for the first time, I can’t help but – I find them fascinating,” Hayes says. “My work is very Americana. … I love our country, the people who make up our country and what it’s all about.”

Hayes was hoping to create images as well as an experience for the viewers: “With the metallic paper, as you move past the photograph, side to side, things start to reveal in the shadows.” He said it was a similar experience with the brushed aluminum, but the gallery lighting deadened the effect. The Sunset Photo Metallic Paper, however, was simply a “more practical and equally effective way to show off the photographs,” he says.

When printing Hayes’ work, Glassman used his Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-Series 6000 to ace the job. “Interestingly enough, some of Mr. Hayes’ photos had subtle tonal ranges in the darks, and this media improved and distinguished those incredibly well. The gloss laminate helped take it a step further, which was a happy surprise.

To achieve a specific desired printed look, Glassman emphasizes that color profiling is a must, regardless of the printer or media choices. “Profile your printer with your chosen media and calibrate when critical jobs arise, or when the appropriate amount of usage has occurred on your printer, and also if you have a hardware change, like printhead replacement,” he says.

To learn more about applications using Sunset Photo Metallic Paper, or if you need profiling assistance, call a LexJet print specialist at 800-453-9538.

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Artist Brian Jarvi

Printer Challenge: Reproduce the 30-foot Painting, African Menagerie

Last year, we featured another print project by Glassman and his team at Casual Graphics. He reproduced a giant painting by artist Brian Jarvi titled “African Menagerie.” The painting captured 210 species living in Africa now, and was 17 years in the making.

Glassman reports that the original painting is currently for sale, valued at $6 million, and Glassman’s reproduction is now hanging in a castle in Switzerland. Jarvis is heading back to Africa for more research and public awareness.