From Digital File to Finished Piece

During the 1970s, futurists started pushing the idea of a future without printed materials. As the concept of a digital workstation (aka computer) started moving towards reality, these forward thinkers predicted a paperless workplace. In many ways, the exact opposite happened. As desktop publishing became a normal activity during the 1980s, the advent of printers developed as well. And those printers used paper!

Fast forward to an ever growing digital landscape. With computers in our pockets capable of things even the futurists couldn’t imagine, one would think the need for printing would be even less important.

Perhaps in some ways that is correct. School “papers” are created, turned in and graded electronically. No need for paper there. Binding court documents can now be signed electronically. No need for actual paper there. Many documents that only a few years ago needed to be printed are no longer necessary, or at least, no longer need to be actually printed.

And yet, the printing business is still alive and active! Why are printed pieces still necessary?

Tangibility.

You might purchase a new computer with only a QR code for instructions. But the box it comes in? Printed. Go to the grocery store and buy a box of cereal? Printed. See all of those political signs and door hangers? Printed.

FireBoard has partnered with Harvest Graphics for most of our print needs since inception. Inserts, brochures, boxes, banners, business cards. All printed. By Harvest Graphics. They are a one-stop design and printing company serving Kansas City and national customers. With modern digital and offset printers, they have the equipment and expertise to get the job done… right. 

FireBoard founder and CEO Ted Conrad dropped by Harvest with the FireBoard media crew to find out what they use and how they use it to keep customers (including FireBoard!) happy. With a FireBoard DC Drive Guide on the printer at the time, we were able to see, first hand, the care and the expertise come together.