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Recap: this was Café Cliché ‘the book edition’

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Oct. 6 was finally here: the third edition of Café Cliché. After successful events on the power of colors and craft printing techniques such as letterpress and foil printing, this time the focus was entirely on books. And whether it was a success. Attendance was five times higher than the previous two times. Who says we don’t read more? Let’s talk about books, baby!

The key question: do people still read books?

Were you there? Then you no doubt noticed for yourself how large the turnout was. As many as 248 marketers, graphic designers, photographers, publishers and artists wanted to know all about the latest trends and innovations surrounding book printing. A surprise? Maybe so, since it is generally believed that most people barely read anymore. So with that note we opened the evening and immediately relegated them to the trash.

Marketing strategist Koen Denolf on stage at Café Cliché.

Marketing strategist Koen Denolf opened the debates and delightfully conveyed his passion for print to the audience. A great lover of print media and self-proclaimed “content prophet,” he recently wrote a book on content marketing. What types of books exist? What trends are we seeing appear? What does the future of the book look like? Denolf left no question unanswered and provided the perfect introduction to the topic.

Outside opportunity for photographers

Café Cliché was not just about books. The event also provided an outside opportunity for 5 promising photographers. Supported by our printing company and some generous sponsors, they were able to have an art book produced, which we highlighted in detail during the evening. From more than 200 entries, a few months ago we selected five lucky winners with an original project: Timo Vergauwen, Carolle Servayge, Noortje Palmers, Jasper Declercq and Stijn Van der Linden.

Launch

On Oct. 6, they proudly presented their creation during a panel discussion at Café Cliché. Moderator Chloé Van Elsen of Aris&Totell engaged in dialogue with the photographers and with Tina De Souter, who designed the books. There was delightful verbal ping-ponging among the creatives, after which the story behind each book was laid open and bare on the table. The love for the book was rarely so palpable.

How do you make a book extra special?

Teamwork makes the dream work. Alone you stand nowhere. After Koen Denolf, paper manufacturer Fedrigoni and packaging specialist Moeskops Grafisch took the floor. Their angle: how to use special paper and original packaging to add extra perception to your book. As an example, they used a case of four art books, which we created in collaboration with them and book designer Tina De Souter. A wonderful realization that each Café Cliché attendee additionally took home at the end of the evening.

Would you like the full aftermovie in your mailbox soon and to be notified of future events? Then subscribe to Café Cliché’s newsletters here. Do you want these books or the full case on your bookshelf? Order them from our bookcase!

Why choose LE UV printing?

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Maximum efficiency, minimum energy costs and exceptionally beautiful printing. The LE UV offset printing press is a special piece of high technology that allows us, as a printing company, to go in all directions. But what makes this innovation so interesting for you and your printed communications? And for what projects is it best to use LE UV? A little synthesis!

Deadline stress? LE UV guarantees lightning-fast printing

Ink drying usually takes a long time. To speed up that process, on a traditional printing press we use a transparent varnish or blemish powder as an additional protective layer. With LE UV, this is no longer necessary. The ink dries at lightning speed. As a result, your printing will be ready much faster. We can start finishing immediately, resulting in shorter lead times and faster delivery times.

In addition, the LE UV printing press uses push-to-stop technology. As a result, the press operates almost fully automatically. Our printers have to intervene much less. We are able to keep printing continuously, which accelerates the whole production process.

Recipe book Gimber | Printed on the uncoated paper with LE UV

More intense colors and inimitable image quality

The lightning-fast curing of the ink has another advantage: it eliminates the need for antismet powder, which also eliminates the risk of ink transfer to superimposed sheets. In addition, the ink is much less absorbed by the paper. Your printed matter will have much sharper and more powerful colors as a result.

Printing clear images used to be especially challenging on uncoated paper. That absorbs quite a lot of ink, causing colors to lose intensity. Thanks to LE UV, things are different. We can now print on tactile, uncoated paper without sacrificing quality. Especially for a project with many photos, this is a huge asset. For example, do you want to have a catalog, art or photo book printed? Then you can expect unparalleled results. Thanks to LE UV, the images come out beautifully and you get printing of the very highest quality.

BO magazine

Environmentally friendly technology

At Buroform, we continually invest in environmentally responsible technologies and materials. The LE UV printing press is an investment that fits perfectly into our vision of sustainable business. LE UV stands for Low Energy Ultra Violet. Unlike traditional UV offset presses, ink curing is done using energy-efficient lamps with a carefully selected spectrum. In addition, the technology uses barely 2 cl of washing liquid per plate and, thanks to the standby function, requires up to half as much power.

In addition to energy and water, LE UV also saves on paper. The machine replaces, positions and checks its printing plates itself. As a result, up to 10 times less paper is required when setting up the press. So the inschiet – the number of sheets that end up in the trash during setup – is a lot lower. In other words, we need to purchase much less paper for each order. Because of current price increases, this means serious savings, not only for us, but also for you, the customer.

All the benefits again

Is your project suitable for printing with LE-UV offset?

Offset or digital? So which choice is most appropriate for your project? As such, there is no single answer. The ideal choice depends on very different things. Sometimes digital printing is still more interesting. Especially for small runs, it can be cheaper while the results remain very handsome. With large print runs such as books, magazines, catalogs and posters, the situation is slightly different. Then offset printing is a huge value-add for the reasons we outlined above. LE UV’s print quality is simply second to none!

Ready for your own printing project at Buroform? Connect with us through Sarah or Kelly.

Buroform x BLOOVI Entrepreneurs Summit

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Did you happen to be a guest at the Bloovi Entrepreneurs Summit last week? Then no doubt you have seen us standing there. With a strikingly colorful book stand and a rabidly enthusiastic team, we immersed visitors in our world of ink and paper for two days. In this article you can read all about how we prepared for the event as well as the enthusiastic reception from the audience in attendance!

Our exhibition booth at the BLOOVI Entrepreneurs Summit

The 3 principles of a trade show booth

The Bloovi Entrepreneurs Summit was programmed for Thursday, Sept. 8 and Friday, Sept. 9 at Flanders Expo Ghent. The event was designed to give entrepreneurs and companies new business insights in these difficult times. We too had reserved a place with our printing company among the exhibitors. The goal: to introduce entrepreneurs to Buroform, INKOprint and, of course, the endless possibilities of print. The remedy: a colorful and purposeful 3D booth that would blow any passerby away.

So how exactly did we go about building an effective and targeted booth? We assumed three principles that you can feel free to apply to your future trade show booths as well!

Includes waffle stand all the way from reboard

1. The showstopper

First and foremost, we needed a showstopper: something that would make visitors stop and encourage them to visit our booth. It is an element that is often overlooked and that is a shame. Do you have a showstopper that works? Then you save your sales team a lot of energy to engage people and get them excited about your product. In other words, they get more time to deal with interested parties in a qualitative way.

For our showstopper, we looked for it in the culinary corner: baking waffles! And of course no ordinary waffles, but hearts because “We love print! In addition, the waffle sticks were personalized with our logo. This way we killed two birds with one stone: we showed that print is everywhere and created goodwill with the people. In any case, the concept turned out to be a tasteful one. After a while, visitors simply came to the smell already.

Tasty waffles in the shape of hearts, because we love print!

2. The lead generator

The goal of each exhibitor is to further expand their own network and generate leads. To do that, of course, you need to collect data. It does not have to be in a boring and showy way at all. With a touch of humor and the necessary creativity, you will achieve much more. We ourselves built a compact room, made of a false reboard wall containing a laser machine, computer and Sarah, a colleague who would personalize notebooks for our visitors. Because the little room seemed so small, it gave the impression of being an automatic machine.

The process was very simple: passersby chose the color of their notebook, entered their name on the computer and seconds later a personalized notebook came out of the machine with their name on it. Very simple, but personalization works. You give people something that you created especially for them. The response to the booklets was therefore blazingly enthusiastic.

Obviously, we didn’t just want to get people excited about Buroform. We also wanted to highlight our online platform INKOprint.be. To do that, we made a mini-golf course out of reboard. Did you hit a hole-in-one? Then you got a lifetime 10% discount on all products at INKOprint.be. Did you make the hole, but didn’t succeed at once? Then you still returned home with your head held high and a nice 5% discount.

To redeem the discount, participants had to quickly and easily create an account on the INKOprint.be website. For that, we had a computer creatively incorporated into a matching reboard stand. Briefly enter the necessary data, click and done!

“When I look at your bookcase like this, I see rock ‘n’ roll. You guys are daring. Maybe even a little rebellious, and that radiates from your printed matter. Everything on display here has that extra touch.”

3. The forget-me-not

Generating leads is one thing. But you also want those leads to remember you later. Thanks to the notebook, our printing company will remain top-of-mind for a long time to come. Reason one: the printing is personalized with the name. You always keep something like that.

Reason two: the booklet was beautifully finished, with a linen cover and Swiss binding. Thus, it embodied everything our printing company stands for: high-quality printing that has that extra touch.

Finally, we also provided a flyer with additional info about INKOprint and a business card in a matching pocket square. In this way, our visitors not only received all the important info about our company, they also now have our contact information right at hand.

A personalized notebook on the go for Jesse

Comments from visitors

A 3D waffle stand. A printing machine that personalizes notebooks in as little as one minute. A miniature golf course. And a bookcase with the very best books. We put an awful lot of time, energy and creativity into developing our trade show booth. When you then reap admiration for that, it does a tremendous amount of good. From the first moment, we were flooded with rave reviews from curious exhibitors. One of the organizers even talked about the most beautiful in the entire hall. That we had apparently exceeded the requested dimensions, he was even happy to take it.

In all our enthusiasm, we had anticipated a little too many elements. Therefore, we looked for creative solutions. We distributed our finest magazines among the lounge tables at our booth. Two two-meter-high cardboard trees and a display case we place just outside it. Thus, we created just a little more volume to attract the attention of passersby.

Visitors also sprinkled compliments. The best came from someone who asked our sales Kelly on the spot, “Who are you and what do you do? To which she replied with a wink, “If you look at our booth, what would you think? The visitor described it as follows: ‘When I look at your bookcase like this, I see rock ‘n’ roll. You guys are daring. Maybe even a little rebellious, and that radiates from your printed matter. Everything shown here has that extra touch.’ ‘That’s exactly who we are and what we stand for,’ Kelly replied.

It can’t get more beautiful than that, can it? So you see: you don’t have to put your name on everything in the long and wide to show people your brand and identity. Just show who you are and what you do.

Thinking outside the cardboard box?

We used reboard for all the decoration. This is a multipurpose board that is not only sturdy, but also a true lightweight. Ideal for setting up and taking down a trade show booth. In the video below you can see very well how smoothly everything went:

Are you going to be at a trade show yourself soon and curious about how to create an original trade show booth? Then make an appointment with Kelly or Jesse. They are happy to discuss with you how to get the most out of your event!

Customer in the Spotlight: Art in the Home

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Art can take a home or office space to the next level. Not just because of the aesthetic aspect. Art is also a conversation starter, awakens emotions and encourages creativity. More and more people are becoming convinced of this. However, art often also comes with a price tag: the barrier to getting a work into your home is not infrequently large. Fortunately, there are initiatives like Art in the House, which allow you to borrow and even buy art easily and at affordable rates.

Magazine and corporate identity printing by Kunst in Huis

The organization promotes contemporary up-and-coming artists from Flanders and Brussels, giving them a solid push to start their professional careers. The collection now consists of more than 5,000 works by some 370 artists. A wonderful initiative that we were eager to learn all about. We sat down with communications officer Jolien Deweerdt for more text and explanation.

Hey Jolien, can you first explain how the Art in the House initiative actually came about?

‘Art at Home has now been in existence for 44 years. The idea originated in 1988. At the time, several cultural centers joined forces to make contemporary visual art more attainable and accessible to the general public. The approach was twofold. On the one hand, the intention was to introduce people to emerging artists and their work in an approachable way. On the other hand, they wanted to give that emerging talent more visibility, giving them a boost. To this day, that concept remains the core of Art at Home.

So how exactly does Art in the House work?

‘Kunst in Huis offers a home to new generations of budding artists and has branches in Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, Brussels and Kortrijk. Currently, our collection consists of some 5,000 works by some 370 artists. The collection is constantly growing and ranges from photography and illustrations over painting to spatial and graphic work. As an individual, you can borrow the works and purchase them if you wish. For this we use a subscription formula of 12 euros per month which can be cancelled monthly. You can also exchange the artworks as often as you like, so you can regularly get something new in your home. All artworks can be seen on our website, where you can also reserve them in a branch of your choice.’

Magazine for the Expo of Art at Home

The collection is divided into two segments: one for individuals and one for businesses. Where is the difference?

‘Currently, about 150 companies have subscriptions. For them there are two separate formulas. The Mono subscription means that for a fixed annual amount you can choose and collect 1 to 4 works of art yourself. The Multi-subscription is slightly more extensive: for a fixed amount per year they can borrow 5 artworks or more. In this case, we first organize an online meeting to clarify the concept and listen to your needs and interests. Then our artistic advisor will come by to take stock of the situation on site and work out an artistic proposal for the rooms in question. Of course, you are not bound by this. You can also choose your own works. Once your choice is made, the works are delivered and hung by a colleague. The interesting thing is that everything is 100% tax deductible.’

Presumably a lot of people are thinking about renting art. What if they are interested, but want to wait a while to see what’s going on?

‘Renting art is obviously not an overnight decision, we understand. On our website, you can easily create a profile and like artworks. That way you get an idea of what’s possible and what you like, you can leave everything as long as you like and subscribe at another time. Also our
Instagram
 is interesting to follow for that reason. On the page, we are always posting new artists and artworks that we are including in the collection.’

Gift Box Art in the Home

“There is active scouting by our artistic director and an outside panel of experts, who we call ‘the Good Noses’ ourselves.”

You provide a stage for emerging artists, how exactly does that collaboration work?

‘We are constantly looking for emerging talent to expand our collections. It is actively scouted by our artistic director Claudine Hellweg and an external jury of experts, whom we ourselves call “the Good Noses. We also host an open call twice a year where artists can submit their own applications to collaborate with Art in the House. More and more talent is finding its way to those selections. And not only because you are much more visible as an artist through our website, Instagram and events such as Antwerp Art Weekend, showcase projects and exhibitions in our branches. Per rental, you will receive a loan fee. If your work is sold, you get 70% of the income. That’s a lot more than in the average gallery.’

You chose Buroform as your printing partner. As a printing company, how do we fit into your story?

‘Art at Home itself strives for quality in everything we do. We found that philosophy with you as well. Moreover, we do not have a graphics team of our own. The fact that there is so much expertise at Buroform helped win us over. We distribute a lot of printed materials in cultural centers, from flyers and leaflets to posters. Then it is important that your material is not only sturdy and quality, but also really stands out visually. People feel much more engaged when a message is applied in a beautiful and sustainable way. In addition, we also offer art vouchers in an art box, which we also commission from you. Such gifts should be bang on and we just know it will be right with you.

Customer in the spotlight: Tina De Souter

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Several years ago, Tina De Souter founded her own business with a focus on book design, graphic design and bookbinding. She did so after a successful test year as a student self-employed. Since then, she has become one of our favorite designers. Someone with drive, passion and exceptional creative talent. High time for a meet-and-greet on a sunny terrace in hometown Mechelen!

Tina with some of the books she already had printed with us. © Sven Goewie

Graphic design, book design and bookbinding-why the focus on those three pillars?

‘I am someone who needs variety to stay sharp. In addition, the knowledge of different fields provides many benefits to both myself and my clients. Because I master handbook binding, for example, I understand the anatomy of a book. For customers, that know-how offers enormous added value. Because of my expertise in binding and paper types, I am able to advise them even better. At the same time, I can stay creative in the meantime.

© Jochen Verghote, LucidLucid

How did you get in touch with Buroform?

“When I was looking for a printing company for my first book ‘Onion,’ a teacher tipped me off to Buroform. At the time, I had a clear vision of what that book should look like. When I visited you the first time to go over everything, I was showered with printing samples and paper samples. Then, with combined forces, we really made something very beautiful out of it. Since then, I have continued to return.

What advice do you give your clients most often?

‘That they can trust me blindly, haha. (laughs) Many customers want control during every step of the printing process: the choice of printing technique, the color palette, the type of linen or paper, you name it. Or they ask for a proof before the book actually goes into print, but such a thing is very expensive. Of course, as a customer, you should have a say. During a collaboration, I always meticulously go over the various possibilities through samples and other examples. Except that each choice remains only one facet within a larger whole. Because of my experience, I see more than just those swatches; I really see the finished book before me. Therefore, the advice: trust me, because I know what it takes to get a great result.

How do you describe good printing?

‘That’s easy: good printing is printing that does full justice to the content. As a photographer or artist, it must be terrible to receive a design that does not fit your identity at all after all the hard work. I really think of an art or photography book as a printed exhibition. A browsable space where you should be able to experience the work as authentically as possible. Sometimes the content lends itself to a sober, no-nonsense design, but sometimes it may be more intense and colorful. I strive to make each book unique. You as a printing company are also of great value in this, by the way. Because of the know-how available, the personal guidance throughout the process and the passion from paper types, printing techniques and binding methods.’

What evolution do you see in the market for high-quality books?

‘People have said to me before, “Oh, you make art books? Do you really do that as a full-time job?” And then you can see from their facial expression that they wonder how I can make ends meet with such a job (laughs).

You should know: the printed book is not dying out, the market is just shifting. Disposable printed materials such as leaflets and flyers are increasingly being replaced by online advertisements, and novels are being reduced to e-books. But art books remain a kind of calling card for artists because it makes their work tangible. An art book is also much more affordable than a work of art, and because of the high circulation of books, it allows for wider distribution of their work.

Hardcover book “Patrick Nagel” commissioned by Samuel Vanhoegaerden Gallery.

What are your favorite techniques?

‘Binding technique Otabind®: In this binding method, there is an opening between the spine of the book and the spine of the cover. Because of that opening, this softcover binding falls open very nicely.

Binding technique hardcover: This technique has a kind of fanciness that no softcover can match. Only in my world, hardcovers are already used so often that sometimes you stand out better with an original softcover.

Favorite printing technique: hotfoil: I’m really a sucker for hotfoil. I try to foist that on every customer. (laughs) It has been scientifically proven to attract our eyes. Walking past it, the image shimmers in the corners of our eyes, making it seem to move. Fascinating!

Meet the crew: Levin Van Uytven

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Hi! My name is Levin Van Uytven and I have been working for Buroform as a digital printer for more than six years now. In addition, I am an avid cycling fan. Especially on weekends you can always find me riding my bike!

At Buroform, I am responsible for…

“I run the digital printing department. That is, I operate and maintain our digital presses, such as the HP Indigo 7900, Versafire, 3D Varnish, iEcho,…. I am responsible for the entire digital machinery and everything that comes with it.”

I got my job at Buroform through…

“During my training for ‘digital print operator,’ I did an internship at Michiels Printing Company at the time. Not much later, Buroform took over the company and I joined the new story.”

My morning ritual is…

“I bike to work every morning. I wash down that trip with a glass of water and an oatmeal bar. Then I put on Top Radio and the day can really begin.”

What people don’t know about my position is….

“Many people assume that I just put the paper in the machine and operate the buttons, but there’s a lot more to it. It’s a very technical job. Even the maintenance I do completely by myself.”

Copyright: © Buroform

My proudest moment at Buroform is….

“Buroform has acquired several printing companies in recent years. Over time, all the printing presses of those companies have moved to Mechelen. When I was appointed in charge of the new digital department, I found it quite a recognition. I won’t soon forget that moment.”

What I like most about working at Buroform is….

“Undoubtedly the family atmosphere. The bond with the other colleagues is fantastic. But also the freedom you get as an employee. I can work in a very independent way here, which gives me the feeling that I can do my job completely to my liking.”

If I hadn’t become a digital printer, I would have…

“Perhaps I would have done something in construction. I am technically inclined. Electrician, cabinetmaker, floorer or technical draftsman for CNC machines: they are all jobs that appeal to me. But I am very happy with my choice now. The graphics sector is a very interesting world with lots of opportunities. With Buroform, we also offer a very wide range of products, which also makes my job constantly varied.”

“When I was appointed in charge of the new digital department, I found it quite a recognition. I won’t soon forget that moment.”

On weekends you’ll find me…

“Anyway, on the bike. I’m a member of WTC De Rupelian, a cycling club with which I ride just about every Wednesday. But also on weekends you can often find me on my pedals. I also regularly go running at the clay pits of Niel, a beautiful nature reserve. Apart from the sporting, I like to go for a pint with friends or enjoy a nice breakfast or lunch on the market in Antwerp.”

The best career advice I have ever received….

“‘Steal with your eyes.’ If you keep a close eye on everything, you learn a lot. I also take regular courses and workshops. That’s how you keep learning and developing yourself. It’s the best advice I’ve ever received. Otherwise I wouldn’t be standing here now.”

HP Indigo 7900 Level 2 training. The slightly more technical parts of maintenance can now also be done by me!

Would you like to be part of the #buroformcrew? Then take a quick look at our job openings and there might be something for you. See you soon!

Jesse’s story at the Benelux Online Print Event (BOPE)

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On June 8, the Flanders Meeting & Convention Center at Antwerp Zoo was transformed into BOPE. A large-scale convention that brought together various entrepreneurs from the Benelux around the digitization of the printing sector and the challenges of tomorrow.

© Yorgos photography

The program was spectacular: speakers from Germany, the Netherlands, Panama, Denmark and Belgium underscored the international nature of the event. Also came to speak: our Mr. Chief himself, Jesse Marynen, who meticulously explained the story of our online platform INKOprint. A little recap of his – if we do say so ourselves – impressive talk!

How authenticity helps build a future-proof print business

Jesse Marynen: “I’d like to take you back to the year 2017. I had ordered business cards for myself. Never did I think something so simple would change the course of my career. When the cards arrived at my home, I was blown away. The quality of the packaging almost surpassed that of the product itself. Every detail was just right. Goosebumps!”

“I had ordered the tickets from Moo.com. Until today one of the largest e-commerce printing platforms in the world. It has several production sites in the UK and US and revenues exceed $100 million a year. The crazy thing: they only use five to seven different papers. This gave me an idea…”

Evolution of the graphics market

“I thought about the question: what is the added value of print and how will print evolve in the next decade? Online printing companies have proven their existence in recent years. They have made printing more accessible and popular for everyone. See how easy it is to order 25 invitations today. A decade ago, that was not possible.”

“On the other hand, we all notice that the market is stabilizing. With larger product offerings and more print options, we have to look for new markets, with an increasing focus on B2B in particular.”

A digital extension for Buroform

“An online print platform is indispensable if you want to build a future-proof print business. So, I stood there on my doormat, with Moo.com’s cards in my hands, and I thought I had found the answer: I copy Moo.com!”

“I looked for a business partner with an IT background and started visiting companies that could possibly help us build out the platform. Soon we found out that building such a platform would cost €500,000. Money we didn’t have.”

Investors

“I started looking for investors. I remember the pitch at Cartamundi like it was yesterday. I stood there in a large conference room, where four managers looked at me with a scary look full of expectations.

Clammy hands, buckling knees…. I thought, Jesse, you MUST get this right. But even before I could finish my pitch, they interrupted me: Cartamundi didn’t see a future in the concept. And I also got the same cold ‘no’ on all subsequent pitches.”

“I was deeply disappointed, but I believed in my project so much that I decided to look for a cheaper solution and fund the project myself. In Eastern Europe, I found a partner who would develop the platform for €88,000. Hallelujah!”

© Yorgos photography

“Weeks went by. And the more time passed, the clearer it became that things would not go as smoothly as I had imagined. Communication was strained, expectations didn’t match. We had to pull the plug. My project had failed and I had lost a lot of money.”

“Grow like a lobster”

“I was convinced that I should abandon my dream. That maybe it just wasn’t ‘my thing.’ Yet I didn’t want to just throw everything overboard. I was and still am convinced that e-commerce is the future. I decided to crawl under a figurative rock for a while and let the idea grow, just as a lobster does. A story that Dr. Abraham Twerski could explain better than myself.”

In his talk, Jesse references the story of Dr. Abraham Twerski.

“Under that rock, I realized it’s not enough to be a copycat. To be successful, you must stay true to your own values:

  • I value accessibility and ease of use.
  • I love printing and the craftsmanship involved.
  • Nothing is worth more to me than the freedom to do what I love for myself.

Step by step

“I wanted to rework the concept with my own values in mind. Start small and build step by step.”

“A customer told me, ‘Jesse, when I need special advice on paper and binding techniques, I come to Buroform. But for standard printing, I look online. That’s just easy: You choose your product, upload your file and confirm.'”

“In addition, I regularly receive students in the print shop for a company visit. And again and again I ask them the same question: ‘Suppose you come into a marketing agency, how would you order your printing?’ What do you think the answer was?”

Online, of course!

“It became increasingly clear to me: why not just combine the best of both worlds? Niche products in an e-commerce context. I wanted to build out a version of Buroform that would be accessible to any online client. My own values formed my compass.”

Freedom, craftsmanship and accessibility

“Because I value freedom , we decided to write the platform from scratch. We want to remain captains of our own ship.”

“My love of craftsmanship manifests itself in the fact that we stay close to our product. We print what we are good at ourselves, and work with local print partners for products we have less experience with. And, of course, our platform is fast, user-friendly and accessible to everyone.”

“The sum of those three values became my new company: INKOprint.be. An online printing company that unites authentic craftsmanship and the digital future of printing. It serves current and future generations who crave accessibility, ease of use and a wide range of premium products.”

“And best of all: I see myself reflected in my business because it is built on my authentic values.”

Are you ready for your “lobster moment“?

Thanks…

© Yorgos photography

When Jos Steutelings of VIGC – Graphic Innovation asked me if I wanted to be part of the speaker program during #BOPE2022, my breath stopped for a moment. I could only think of one word: Wow…. WOW! – Jesse Marynen

Meet the crew: Kelly Andriessen

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“Hi! I’m Kelly Andriessen, a bouncy and die-hard Avril Lavigne fan. I have Spanish blood as well as temperament. Hala Madrid! I work as an account manager. That is, I guide clients through the creative process that precedes printing. For example, I help them choose the right paper or see what printing techniques are best to convey their story.

Kelly in conversation with Bookdesigner Tina De Souter. © Jochen Verghote, LucidLucid

I got my job at Buroform through…

“Beforehand, I had no experience in the printing industry, so it must have been the ‘sparkle in my eyes’! No, seriously: I am someone with great drive who wants to grow permanently. That passion is often worth more than experience in itself. I suspect that this is exactly what was felt during my application.”

My morning ritual is…

“Organized chaos! Pretty much the story of my life to be honest. My mornings follow a well-defined ritual. If something or someone interferes, I am completely lost. At 6:20 a.m. my alarm clock rings. I snooze once and then scroll through Instagram and TikTok for about ten minutes. Then I get ready, which takes a while. Not because I spend hours in front of the mirror, but because I spend the whole time going over my day. Every now and then I get an idea that I want to share immediately or a song suddenly pops into my mind: chaos! ;-) Once I am out of the bathroom, I make a tea that I take in the car towards work. I leave around 8 am. I don’t eat breakfast. I do intermittent fasting, which means I only eat between 1pm and 7pm. Around 8:45 a.m. I’m ready at my laptop to start my Buroform day.”

Kelly chooses her paper with Bookdesigner Tina De Souter. Photo: © Jochen Verghote, LucidLucid

My proudest moment at Buroform is….

“I am someone who needs a lot of affirmation at work. Every compliment makes me proud somewhere. When someone told me that I fit really well within Buroform, a confetti cannon went off inside with a party music. But it’s also more general. When clients say they come to Buroform specifically because they want that extra something, it gives me a warm feeling. I identify very strongly with this company, so nice words like that are very gratifying each time.”

What I like most about working at Buroform is….

“The vibe. Buroform is a professional environment where I experience a homey feeling and can be completely myself. In itself this should be a matter of course, but I have already noticed that this is not the case everywhere. In any case, I find such a warm atmosphere enormously valuable. I am also proud of our product. I am not a typical sales person who can just sell anything. I want something that appeals and interests me. The creative aspect, the different techniques and types of paper ensure that no two orders are the same. Printing is incredibly exciting!”

Kelly and Levin visiting Igepa.

If I had not become an account manager, I would have…

That’s a tough question. The move into sales was a conscious decision for me. I was a preschool teacher for eight years. I did that with great passion. Only at a certain point I felt a bit stuck in my role. Buroform meant a new start for me. A new chapter with a lot of growth in it.”

The best career advice I have ever received….

“Growth is done outside your comfort zone.” An opinion from our Chief of Print Jesse, by the way. I came back overexcited from an introductory meeting at a networking organization. We then had a very good chat.

Would you like to be part of my team? Then take a quick look at our job openings and there might be something for you.

See you soon!

Customer in the spotlight: Kirsten Lion of graphic design firm SINGA

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That Kirsten Lion would end up in the printing industry was written in the stars. She has been fascinated by design and styling since childhood. After graduating in 2007, she immediately started her own design firm, SINGA.

She has now been focusing on the development of stylish brands and everything that comes with it for fifteen years. Since photographer Ellen De Vocht has also become part of the agency, the service has expanded even further. At SINGA you can go for complete branding, from logo and corporate identity to illustrations, packaging, photography and much more. Curious about their work? Satisfied customers include star restaurant Tinèlle, the renowned Chocolaterie Limar and print specialist Canon Michiels.

Kirsten Lion, inspirer of graphic design agency SINGA with colleague Ellen De Vocht.

How did you get in touch with Buroform?

‘Several years ago we did the complete branding of the Mechelen restaurant Tinèlle. From the name development to the elaboration of the logo, corporate identity, menu and website. Since the owners had worked with Buroform in the past, they insisted on having you do the printing again. I remember then being really impressed with your way of working: very open, very customer-oriented, very specialized.’

What makes Buroform stand out for you?

‘The know-how and the way it is conveyed. For me, the biggest added value is that you help think about how a design can really get better. With each project, you are immersed in so many choices, from finishes to paper types. For me, that makes the overall picture.

for me, the biggest added value is that you help think about how a design can really get better

View all photos and print specifications for Tinèlle here.

What is the importance of good printing to you?

‘For me, it’s all about the details. The paper choice, the specific finish, the feeling you get with it. It is such aspects that really make a design come alive. When I get my hands on the result and notice how much care everything is made with, it can make me genuinely happy.

How do you see the relationship between designer and printer?

‘Both are each other’s extension. The stronger the connection between the two, the smoother the collaboration and the better the end result. Designer and printer should be able to inspire each other. That’s something Buroform does very well. As a designer, you are not always on top of all the latest developments. Through the inspiration pages on the website and initiatives like Café Cliché, I am constantly discovering interesting new things for my own projects.

Want to learn more about SINGA or what the agency can do for you? The website has all the info: www.singa.be.

Facebook:
@singagraphics

Instagram:
@singa.graphics

Customer in the spotlight: HNST. The world’s most sustainable jeans

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Buroform pays close attention to sustainability. Consequently, there is little as inspiring as collaborating with brands doing the same thing. A little while ago, we came in contact with HNST. Like us purebred Malinois, but above all an innovative denim label with a great sense of social and ecological responsibility. HNST is developing circular jeans that consist of more than half recycled materials. A Q&A with Eva Engelen, one of the faces behind the brand.

Hey Eva, can you briefly explain what exactly HNST stands for?

“HNST was created in response to the environmentally damaging and socially irresponsible operation within the apparel industry. The jeans sector in particular poses a major problem in this regard. Jeans may be the most polluting garment in our closet. Each pair of pants requires a huge amount of water, energy and chemicals. On top of that, jeans are often produced in countries with deplorable working conditions.

With HNST we take a completely different approach: our jeans consist of 56% recycled cotton from old jeans, supplemented by a portion of new fibers. Therefore, the ecological impact is a lot lower. For example, per pair of jeans we save about 7,000 liters of water and emit a good three-quarters lessCO2. Manufacturing is also done entirely within Europe, making the chain quite a bit shorter compared to other brands.”

HNST is an honest jeans brand that combines the best of both worlds: the brand offers stylish jeans styles that are also 100% circular. A process that founder Tom Duhoux and co-founder and CEO Lander Desmedt say should be universal. That is precisely why HNST was given the tagline “nothing to hide.

HNST would make the world’s most sustainable jeans: is that the ultimate goal?

“Our big goal is actually to make the apparel sector completely circular. Of course, you don’t do that in one day. Jeans is the starting point for us, but we go very far with that. Toxic chemicals on reused jeans, for example, we have them removed integrally. We also choose screw-off buttons, labels composed of cellulose, embroidered rivets and inside pockets made of recycled white T-shirts. We also communicate very openly about our methods. On our website you will find all the info about the composition of the fabrics and data about our production partners and price setting. You rarely see something like that, but for us it’s part of our story.”

People can also bring in their old jeans to you themselves?

“That’s right. For the collection of old jeans we cooperate with the Circle Shop. In addition, you get €15 when you bring in an old pair of HNST jeans to us. The base price of our jeans is €135 euros. So you can actually see that €15 as a kind of deposit.”

HNST came to us for new hangtags. How does Buroform fit into your story?

“We want to infuse our way of working into everything. This means that we only work with partners who meet our criteria around sustainable business. Buroform fits perfectly into that philosophy because it itself has high standards in that area.

The hangtags we had you make for us consist exclusively of recycled industrial paper, but in time we want to go a step further. We are toying with the idea of developing hangtags that also have their use in everyday life. I can’t say much more about it yet, but there are many great things coming up to work on together. (laughs)“

Do you have a great idea? We are happy to think with you!

Contact our specialists or make an appointment.

Ruth Valckenaers

Ruth Valckenaers

+32 497 55‍ 02 95
email | linkedin

→ get a quote

→ make an appointment

Kelly Andriessen

+32 475 85 11 52
email | linkedin

→ get a quote

→ make an appointment

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