Our New Normal Is Here

DOES ANYONE ELSE feel like they’ve gone from 0 to 100, real quick? We complained for an entire year that we couldn’t go out to eat, attend conferences, or do any of the fun things we planned, and now here it is. 100. I’m not complaining. I’m so happy to hug my parents without having to quarantine for two weeks. My fiancé and I are finally getting married this month. I get to see Alex, our associate editor, for the first time in-person since February 2020 – when he was hired! But now that it’s here… am I ready?

SNL had a funny, and accurate, skit a couple of months ago that highlighted post-quarantine conversations at a house party. “Which vaccine did you get?” “It’s such a crazy time right now.” “Who are you…?” It’s like an extension of the weather chats you have before everyone has joined the Zoom. (Yes, it’s still hot in Florida.) Who wants to make me a “Will not engage in COVID small talk?” sign for Printing United?

All joking aside, business is back and things seem to be like the way they were before (although I did mention I live in Florida so maybe I’m not the best person to ask… Ok, all joking aside for real this time.) Whatever this new normal is, we’re in it. Have you planned for taking time away to attend tradeshows in a couple of months? How are you handling employees who are hesitant to get out of their sweats and into the office? Are you prepared for clients who are back in action and need graphics pronto? Are you ready?

Smart Tips From This Issue

Streamlining your workflow will without a doubt lead to better client satisfaction, employee experiences, and final products. Check out the software tools available now. (Big Products)
OOH advertising is a fantastic option for your business, especially if you have a strong creative team. We picked our fave OBIE Award winners that best represent the year 2020. (The Big Story)
A SWOT analysis on dye sublimation printing is a great first step toward adding new technology to your shop. Our Brain Squad’s got you covered. (Special Feature)
Having a board of advisors allows you to get an unbiased perspective on your company, but only 29 percent of your peers have one. (Big Business)

Adrienne Palmer

Adrienne Palmer is the editor-in-chief of Big Picture and Screen Printing magazines. She joined Big Picture magazine in 2012 after graduating from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism with a BA in magazine journalism. During her time with Big Picture, she has held the roles of assistant editor, associate editor, and managing editor; she added sister publication Screen Printing magazine to her resume in 2019. She is a 2019 Folio: Top Woman in Media; spearheads Big Picture's annual Women in Wide Format Awards and Best of Wide Format Awards as well as Screen Printing's annual Women in Screen Printing Awards; is on the board of Printing United Alliance's Women in Print Alliance and the U.N.I.T.E. Together diversity and inclusion program; hosts the Screen Saver podcast; and represents the Big Picture and Screen Printing teams at numerous industry events year-round as a speaker, moderator, and panelist.