Printing's Alive

Welcome to Printing's Alive—the podcast that explores everything print and beyond! From traditional techniques to modern innovations, we dive into how print shapes industries, businesses, and our everyday lives

Michael Ginley on Design, AI, Print Production, and Building Connected Communities

S1 E91 • Oct 6, 2026 • 33 mins

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt talks with Michael Ginley about his path through design, print, and entrepreneurship, and the launch of the Connected Designer newsletter. They discuss how AI is changing the designer’s role, with more responsibility for messaging, copy, and marketing. The conversation covers high-volume ad production, training designers in print basics, and working with printers on large magazine runs, paper choices, color matching, and mailing logistics. They also touch on client education, embellishments, networking, remote work, designer communities, and advice for aspiring designers on staying adaptable and prepared for print.

Key Points

Designers today need to understand more than visuals, including copy, marketing, typography, and how their work will perform in print.
Strong collaboration between designers and printers helps solve quality issues, improve file preparation, and produce better results across different presses and papers.
Print still delivers lasting value for local businesses because direct mail, business cards, and well-made print pieces can drive response long after they are sent.

Speakers

Warren Werbitt

Host • 50%

Michael Gimley

Guest • 50%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and Michael Gimley's background in design, print, and starting his business
1:32	Launching the Connected Designer newsletter and community building
2:29	The evolving role of designers and the impact of AI
3:26	Expanding design responsibilities: messaging, copy, and marketing
5:09	Managing high-volume ad production and wearing many hats
8:11	Designer training: copywriting, print fundamentals, and internal programs
9:17	Collaborating with printers on large magazine runs and quality consistency
10:09	Paper differences, color matching, and solving print quality challenges
14:05	Navigating post office logistics and mailing preapproval
15:38	Serving Florida clients with Every Door Direct Mail campaigns
18:13	Educating smaller clients on print strategy, pricing, and value
20:43	Print preferences, embellishments, and offset vs digital balance
23:01	Building client connections through networking and referrals
23:52	Working from home: staying connected and overcoming isolation
24:39	Designer communities, Tactosphere, and learning from experts
26:30	Raising print awareness among young designers
28:01	Advice for aspiring designers: adaptability, learning, and networking
30:15	Preparing design files for print and recommended resources
32:08	Final thoughts and growth in print and design

Transcript

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