W hen I first told my friends I was working in the print industry, the most common reaction I got was: “What, like Dunder Mifflin?” – for anyone unfamiliar, that’s the fictional paper company featured in The Office. Safe to say, my Gen Z peers didn’t know much about print, and honestly, neither did I when I first joined. I’d heard of a few big manufacturer names, but that was about it. When I read the first Fresh Perspectives article in Print Monthly, which talked about the common belief that “print is dying,” I completely related, because that’s what I thought at first, too. Four years later, I now know print is very much alive and thriving, and the sheer size and variety of the industry still amazes me. I’m currently membership manager at the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), a title that only scratches the surface of what I do. I started in August 2021 as an admin assistant, fresh from graduating in Psychology at the University of West England (UWE) in Bristol. Covid-19 made graduate jobs scarce, so I worked in care for a year before finding my way back to my love of media, and into print. What surprised me most about this industry? The sheer enthusiasm for networking, and the fact that there are so many enjoyable, creative, and inspiring events. My very first industry networking experience was at the stunning Fujifilm Photography House and Century Club in London. That day opened my eyes to the emotion and storytelling behind print. I saw the incredible Jet Press work and explored stunning photography, and I left with my first real glimpse of print’s magic. It wasn’t long before I was thrown into the deep end of event management, helping run our flagship IPIA Recognising Excellence Expo and Gala Dinner. Having always been “the organiser” among my friends for trips and activities, I loved it, and it gave me the chance to meet our Council and members, many of whom are still with us today. Confidence is Key I won’t lie, in the early days, imposter syndrome was real. I had zero industry experience and was suddenly in conversations with people who had been in print for decades. But I quickly learned that this industry is full of people with fascinating stories, who are generous with their time and genuinely enjoy building real relationAs we continue to hear from voices across different parts of the print industry, Natalie Evans, membership manager at the IPIA, tells us about her journey working at the organisation and championing the medium of print over the past four years From Newcomer to Networker FRESH PERSPECTIVES | NATALIE EVANS 59 www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 ▲Evans says that one of the strengths of the industry is its friendly and collaborative attitude
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