Looking Back at the Top Articles of 2020

As we end the year and reflect back on the past 12 months, there is a lot to take in. It has not been, by any measure, a "normal" year, between pandemics, presidential elections, social unrest, and natural disasters — oh my. But even among all of the uncertainty and hardships, life — and business — still had to go on, and printers, deemed essential for the services and products provided, were at the forefront of that push to continue moving forward.

And Wide-Format Impressions was right there beside you. While our coverage this year was certainly dominated by COVID-19 reports, we also had news and articles that helped you continue to make good business decisions to not only get you through this challenging year, but to help you plan for growth and success well past the current environment we live in.

So as we look back at 2020, we wanted to highlight some of those articles — the pieces that might have gotten lost in the sea of stress and uncertainty as you worked to simply keep your doors open, your employees working, and your business surviving. But now, as we move into 2021, those articles that look forward and offer insight into the trends and opportunities of the future, advice on new technologies, and more, are more important than ever. With a new U.S. President, with a new agenda, a COVID-19 vaccine rolling out, and a glimmer of hope for what the new year will bring, now is the time to leave survival mode, and once more start thinking about the future. We hope these pieces help give you a place to start, and serve as inspiration as we all take deep breaths and ring in the new year with optimism, excitement, and a readiness to put this tough year behind us and move into a brighter future.

5 Graphics Trends You Can't Ignore
We put together five trends that PSPs cannot ignore as we close out 2020 and look to a brighter 2021.

Changes in Consumer Behavior are Transforming the In-Store Experience
There is opportunity to be found by looking at how the in-store and retail experience has been re-shaped, and where PSPs can step in to help fill the gaps with innovative new solutions.

Pop-Up Stores Represent Opportunity for Printers
Pop-up stores, in particular, are poised to be a major growth area for brands looking to get consumers back into physical locations, while maintaining safe environments that are easier to manage.

The 2020 Rising Stars of Wide-Format
These individuals are breathing new life into print and graphics, and are the "ones to watch" for the future, shaping what our industry will look like for many years to come.

The Wide-Format Innovators of 2020
Individuals aren't the only ones thinking outside of the box this year. These companies all thrived in a year when many struggled because they looked for unique, innovated solutions to problems, and weren't afraid to take a few risks.

Digital Textile Printing: A Primer
Digital textile printing has been around for a number of years now, but the technologies are changing rapidly, and this represents a major opportunity for PSPs willing to jump in and be creative.

Printed Electronics is the Technology of Tomorrow
Speaking of opportunities, printed electronics is very much still in the beginning stages, more experimental than anything else. But it won't stay that way, and PSPs should be keeping a close eye on the field, and carefully watching how it could — and will — impact traditional print applications in the very near future.

The Repositioning of Millennials in The Workforce
The workforce has been changing for a number of years now, and the pandemic has only accelerated some of those trends, as more skilled workers retire out of the industry, and there are no fresh faces to replace them. It is an ongoing problem that will only continue to grow unless the industry begins to make itself more interesting and attractive to the incoming generations.

The Evolution of the Circular Economy, and Its Influence on Print
How goods are produced, shipped, sold, and ultimately disposed of has major impacts on the environment. Brands — and in turn the printers who serve them — are being asked to take hard looks at that lifecycle, with movements already beginning to press for changes. Expect that to continue, and start planning for how to address it now.

Don't Stand Still — Floor Graphic Certifications Explained
Floor graphics have been one of the unsung heroes of the pandemic, helping businesses of all sizes, in all parts of the country, easily and clearly move consumers through a post-pandemic world. While the virus will eventually fade, floor graphics will remain a strong part of the marketing mix for many years to come — here is what you need to know to ensure you're putting the right materials in the right situations, ensuring satisfied customers across the board.