Hi Sharon!

September brought travel, press checks, and a good dose of real-world print magic. Here’s what’s been on my desk lately:

FROM MY DESK
Why I Wrote the Itty Bitty Book (and What It’s Becoming)
Two years ago, Your Amazing Itty Bitty Guide to Packaging Made Simple became an Amazon best seller.
It started as a way to share decades of packaging know-how during the quiet of COVID and has turned into the backbone for my consulting and audit work. I’m now exploring how those ideas might live beyond the page—maybe as an app or AI-style agent.
👉 Read the story

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Mixing Old and New for Author Jeannine Kellogg
What began as production art for a single book cover has grown into full production management.
Her covers combine Scodix digital enhancement, traditional hot stamping, and deep embossing—a mix of modern precision and timeless luxury. Jeannine calls me her Print Production Therapist for helping avoid the “primal scream” that can hit when deadlines loom.
👉 See how we’re blending techniques

REFLECTION
Travel, Press Checks, and the Value of Showing Up
I just wrapped a three-day Bay Area trip with the CEO and Owner of Utah Paperbox—an advantage of working with an independent, privately held packaging partner.
We reviewed existing packaging, looked for ways to spend less without hurting brand luxury, and explored alternative materials to strengthen boxes. Being in the room together sparked ideas no video call can match.
👉 More from the road

TOOL I’M USING
Packaging Audit Starter Kit (Soft Launch)
If your brand has 10+ products and packaging that feels mismatched, this simple audit can help you tighten materials, structures, and color alignment before big production runs.
👉 Request early access

MERCH SPOTLIGHT
Stickers That Start Conversations
This year I designed a sticker pack just for tradeshows and meetings—small art with a big brand punch. They’re not for sale, but they’ve become a favorite icebreaker and leave a lasting impression long after an event.
👉 Browse Chic Gear merch

QUICK TIP
Pre-Press Double Check: Fonts & Images
Before you send final art to production, open every packaged file and make sure all fonts are outlined and every image is properly embedded. A five-minute check now can save hours of back-and-forth and prevent costly re-runs.

👀 WHAT’S AHEAD
Finish Strong: Fourth-Quarter Review & Planning
Many printers lock holiday schedules by mid-October.
Use my Year-End Packaging Checklist to review specs, capture lessons, and set up a clean start for 2026.

Until next time,