Print Operators and Marketers as Story Tellers and Dream Makers

Written by:
Joel Basa
eMarketing Manager
Xerox Corporation
Once in a blue moon, a print application will cross my desk that catches my eye. The reasons differ: stunning design, elaborate finishing, personalization, or maybe its vivid color. However, a particular photo book titled, “Anthony’s Prayers,” caught my eye because of the simplicity of its design and more importantly because of story and the content within. I’ve always believed, “content is king.” This was proof.
The Author, Anthony Torrone, has an intriguing story. Anthony is developmentally disabled, the result of a flu-like sickness when he was a young boy.  One day, he decided to write about all those things for which he was thankful.  His writing is simple but so profound and the photo book pairs his writing with photos that have been taken of Anthony through his interesting life.
I could put my “print industry” hat on and comment on the quality of the finishing and how Color House Graphics did an outstanding job of creating a high quality application using the iGen4 but for me Anthony’s story and the writing he has developed is the bigger story. Color House Graphics and others were enablers for Anthony and his amazing story.
Content is king. Creating bodies of work that capture amazing stories is what makes the print industry so appealing. We are very privileged to not be just print operators, marketers and graphic designers but story tellers and dream makers that enable others to tell an even better story.
Have any other examples of great print applications that tell a story? I’m sure you have many…please share your stories.

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6 Comments

  1. Brian Segnit February 8, 2012 -

    What a great story. Laura and Ken at Color House Graphics run a great shop – it is exciting to see what they are printing and producing is changing someone’s world and making an impact in their community. The power of print, the power of a book – made even more powerful with pictures. I have a copy of this book and I can tell you it is very inspiring and very well done.

  2. Laura Hughes February 8, 2012 -

    And Anthony’s story gets better! He has sold 1200 copies of his book so far with another print run in the works. His story has appeared in the Staten Island Advance and The Writer Place blog. The Lego company even sent him a new set of Legos!

    You can purchase copies of his book as well as read the articles mentioned above by visiting his blog:
    http://anthonysprayers.blogspot.com/

    The editors, photographer, publisher and printer have donated time, resources and skills to get Anthony’s book in print. ALL proceeds from the sale of his book go into a trust fund for Anthony. His book is indeed heartwarming and inspiring. Thank you for sharing his story!

  3. Joel Basa February 8, 2012 -

    Thanks Laura for the latest update on Anthony and his work! Its a great story and a wonderful photo book as well!

  4. Don Goedeker February 8, 2012 -

    I am so happy to hear that Anthony’s story is continuing to grow–congratulations to all who have embraced is dream and made it a reality–I plan on buying the book tonight–

  5. Mike Braden February 9, 2012 -

    Awesome story. I think Anthony’s story would make a unique case study video. Showing how an individual used Xerox Technology to capture his life story with the help of Color House Graphics. Different from the same old ROI case studies we shoot all the time.

  6. Phil Knight February 10, 2012 -

    Anthony’s Prayers is a story that needed to be heard. Thanks to Laura, and many others, Anthony’s book is reaching hundreds. Without the ability to print short runs cost effectively, this book may never have made it into print.
    Thanks Xerox for helping us make a dream come true.

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