EP8: Curiosity, Cake & Crashing Printers — The Creative Print Mindset

In this episode, Steve Ray (The Print Problem Solver) sits down with Liam Charlton of Type Creative Group to unpack what happens when you don’t follow the rules. From breaking machines in the name of innovation to landing major accounts through pure experimentation, Liam shares how curiosity, hands-on leadership, and family roots have shaped the company’s culture. Expect tales of retrofitted presses, dye-sublimation detours, and how a box of samples or a humble cupcake can open doors. It’s a story of organic growth, calculated risk - and keeping the fun in the fundamentals of print.

In this episode of The Print Problem Solver, Steve is joined by designer and longtime collaborator Ethan for a behind-the-scenes chat on what it really takes to solve unconventional print challenges — from tight deadlines to mints. Together, they unravel the creative and technical process behind turning a corporate client’s name ("Aldermont") into a playful giveaway concept: Aldermints. What started as a joke turned into a last-minute packaging project involving custom labels, cutter guides, and serious mint consumption. But this episode is about more than just mints. Steve and Ethan reflect on the evolution of design thinking, why good branding means digging deep into what a client really stands for, and how overpromising can crush creativity. It's a candid, funny, and refreshingly honest look into the messy, brilliant world of solving design problems in print. They also explore: Why designers put pressure on themselves (and how to stop) When rules are made to be broken The myth of the “perfect process” The joy of finding solutions just in time If you've ever wrestled with a deadline, doubted your own designs, or wondered how to turn a printing quirk into a showstopping idea, this one’s for you.

In this special father-daughter episode of The Print Problem Solver, Steve is joined by his daughter Sophie for a refreshingly honest conversation about how print is perceived by younger generations and why it still matters more than you think. From luxury brochures and personal letters to road signs and packaging, they explore how print continues to play a quiet but vital role in modern life. Sophie shares insights from the high-end retail world, where traditional values and tactile marketing still have real impact (even alongside social media!). They also chat about career choices, growing up with a “printer dad,” life in Australia, and a very DIY solution to getting a boat off a sandbank (yes, really). If you’ve ever questioned whether print still belongs in today’s fast-paced marketing mix then this episode will surprise you.

This month’s episode is less about print machines and more about people. Steve is joined by Keith, a long-time collaborator whose world blends signage installs with emotional mastery retreats (yes, really). Between talk of lemon drizzle cake, laser levels, and standing barefoot on burning coals, the two dig into the heart of business: understanding clients on an emotional level. From reading DiSC profiles in emails to spotting when someone just needs to say “no,” it’s a conversation that veers between funny, practical, and unexpectedly deep. Whether you’re running print projects, managing teams, or just curious about fire walking without singeing your toes, this one’s about the hidden power of empathy, trust, and doing things properly — even if it means hauling lasers to Edinburgh.

In this month's episode, Steve dives deep into the real issues facing the print world today. From the evolving role of design software like Canva and Adobe InDesign to the surprising rise of AI in fixing poor artwork; Steve unpacks the overlooked challenges printers deal with daily. With a blend of sharp insight and calm storytelling, he explains why Reynolds thrives on so-called “bastard jobs”—the tough, bespoke print projects most firms run from. Along the way, we hear about gold-foiled school brochures, butterfly-themed prints, the danger of overpromising, and why the best creative work comes from calm, not pressure. Whether you're in print, design, or just curious how things actually get made, this episode is a refreshing, honest look at the messy, beautiful world of bespoke printing.

In this episode, Steve welcomes Mark Stephenson from Fujifilm Europe to the studio for a wide-ranging conversation packed with insights and anecdotes. From floppy disks and cream-box Macs to cutting-edge inkjet technology and the power of RGB files, Mark shares Fuji’s unique journey and how innovation and trust keep them ahead. They dive into the evolution of packaging, educational print, AI, and robots at Drupa, and even reveal the story behind a spectacular butterfly-themed art print. Whether you're a print geek or just curious about where the industry's headed, this episode blends nostalgia, tech talk, and real-world stories with warmth and wit.

In this episode of The Print Problem Solver, Steve Ray of Reynolds Press takes us through the wild world of non-standard print jobs — the kind no one else wants to touch. From minute tags to oversized signage, Steve breaks down the real issues behind problem print jobs: unusual sizes, shapes, hostile environments, material protection, and durability. Ever tried to print something that has to stick to a wet surface, or survive humidity and scouring? That’s where Steve’s problem-solving comes into its own. There's also time for cake – because, naturally, no print issue gets solved without a good cake and some banter about marzipan. Whether you’re a printer, designer, or just love hearing how complex problems get untangled, this is 25 minutes of insight, experience, and a bit of sweet humour on the side! And don't miss the teaser for next month’s guest: Mark Stevenson from Fuji none-the-less. 

In this debut episode, Steve Ray—veteran print expert and unapologetic print problem solver—shares how half a century in the trade shaped his hands-on, no-nonsense approach. From his days as a 16-year-old apprentice compositor to running complex, custom jobs at Reynolds Press, Steve walks us through the evolution of print, why most printers shy away from the hard stuff, and why he never does. If you’ve ever had a job no one else could figure out, you might’ve just found your man.