Episode 1:"The Pilot" - Hosted by Richard Askam
Welcome to Print Island, the digital media show reimagining how the global print industry connects, learns, and grows.
Launched with its premiere episode this month, Print Island is already making waves as the first truly global, independent print platform built for professionals, creatives, and curious minds. It’s print, but not as you know it. Think big ideas, bigger personalities, and no sales fluff.
In an industry where innovation is often hidden behind trade show booths or brand marketing, Print Island is cracking it wide open — with heart, humour, and deep industry knowledge. Episode 1 is your passport into that world.
🏝️ What is Print Island?
Richard Askam sets the stage with his signature mix of warmth, wit, and insight reflecting on an industry packed with creativity and innovation, yet still too often tucked away from the wider world.
As Richard says in the show’s opener:
“The global print industry feels like it lives on an island. It knows everyone on the island… but it’s never left. The outside world has no idea how creative, innovative, and technically brilliant it’s become.”
Print Island sets out to change the perception of print with regular episodes featuring:
Global hosts and correspondents
Regional news and market trends
Industry interviews and product spotlights
Practical, unbiased equipment reviews
And a refreshing lack of corporate spin
All content is 100% independent, no manufacturer sponsorships, no hidden agendas, just real talk from real print professionals.
Episode Content: A Global Journey Begins
At nearly an hour long, Episode 1 serves as both a statement of intent and a showcase of Print Island’s breadth. The show flows through regional updates, featured interviews, and an honest, funny, and deeply useful product review, all grounded in global perspectives.
Here’s a breakdown of the episode:
🎙️ Richard Askam’s Opening: Breaking the Print Bubble
Richard sets the tone with warmth and wit, welcoming viewers to a platform designed for more than just professionals. It’s for brands, creatives, students, and anyone who wants to understand what print really is in 2025.
He introduces the show’s format, commitment to honesty, and its Top Gear-style structure with rotating hosts, authentic voices, and global storytelling.
This isn’t just print for printers. It’s print for the world.
🇺🇸 North America with Timothy Mitchell: A Print Personality with Purpose
The spotlight shifts to Timothy Mitchell, Print Island’s North American host and the perfect person to launch Episode One.
Timothy blends years of technical experience with undeniable charm and an independent spirit. He’s hands-on, straight-talking, and deeply respected across the industry. He’s a guy who’s been behind the computer, on the showroom floor, and everywhere in between.
In Episode One, Timothy:
Kicks off the show with a tongue-in-cheek toast
Interviews a global print giant (Fedrigoni)
Highlights what makes great print materials actually great
Wraps with a practical, beer-in-hand product review of the Epson R570 printer
Timothy brings a balance of insight, humour, and honesty that sets the tone for the entire Print Island brand. His hosting isn’t about pushing products, it’s about serving the community.
🏢 Fedrigoni Feature: A Quiet Giant Steps Into the Spotlight
The first big guest on Print Island? None other than Fedrigoni, one of the largest print media manufacturers in the world, but one that’s still relatively unknown in parts of the U.S.
Timothy interviews:
Paola Cheri, Business Development Manager at Fedrigoni
René, VP of Sales & Marketing for Self-Adhesive Graphics (North America)
Matt Ferguson, owner of A&M Graphics and Fedrigoni’s U.S. trainer
Their conversation spans:
Fedrigoni’s rich 135-year history in paper and self-adhesive materials
Its growing presence in North America following key acquisitions
The unique challenges of introducing a well-known European brand to a U.S. audience
How sustainability and training are driving their growth
Timothy’s interviews cut through the marketing gloss and instead focus on usability, craftsmanship, and community, whether it’s media that feels tactile and premium or training programs helping new installers thrive.
What shines through? Fedrigoni isn’t here to compete. They’re here to elevate, with honest products, better workflows, and real industry respect.
📡 Global News Round-Up: What’s Happening Around the World?
One of Print Island’s core strengths is its international scope. In a single episode, you hear from four continents, each offering a quick but valuable snapshot of what’s shaping print in their region.
🇬🇧 UK: Tim Cox
M&A activity is still dominating headlines
Investors are eyeing print as a growth sector
Print Charity Rising Stars awards highlight the next generation of talent
Young people are entering the industry, despite myths to the contrary
🇪🇺 Europe: Jacques Michiels
Big announcements from Epson and Esko at Label Expo
Robots, AI, and sustainability are reshaping production
Print on demand is booming across decor, fashion, and packaging
Several major mill closures signal consolidation and change
🌏 Asia-Pacific: Scott Mackie
Label Expo in Bangkok highlights sustainability and solvent-free innovation
Asahi, UPOPO, and others focus on automation and clean recycling
A Singapore startup is making PVC-free print materials from cassava root
Compostable banners and hot water, dissolvable stickers? The future is here
🏜️ GCC: Chris Minn
Consumption of coated printing paper is on the rise (373 kilotons in 2024)
UAE and Saudi Arabia account for 98% of that growth
Fujifilm opens a new regional HQ in Dubai’s Expo City
Konica Minolta gathers 109 delegates across 33 countries at a global conference
These updates are current, insightful, and show one thing clearly: print is changing everywhere, and fast.
🖨️ The Practical Printer Review: Epson R570
In the final segment, Timothy Mitchell trades interviews for insights, reviewing the Epson R570 resin printer with the same honesty that defines Print Island.
What stands out?
Solid build quality
Excellent media versatility
Great colour consistency
“Good dog” manners (aka low maintenance)
Real-world productivity (not just flashy speed specs)
He doesn’t avoid the pain points either, particularly around service models and error codes. But it’s clear this is someone who’s used the printer, tested it across jobs, and knows exactly what matters to other printers.
If you’ve ever felt burned by a glossy product demo, this is the review you’ve been waiting for.
Final Thoughts: Why Print Island Matters💡
Episode One isn’t just a launch. It’s a mission.
This is what print media has been missing:
A space for conversation, not competition
A stage for small businesses and global players alike
A platform that’s by the industry and for the industry
A tone that’s welcoming, intelligent, and independent
Print Island reminds us that the industry is still full of energy, creativity, and opportunity. But it also invites everyone in, not just printers, but customers, designers, students, and brands to discover what’s possible when the “print island” finally opens up.
Join The Island Today!
🌐 Watch Episode One Now on the Print Island youtube channel! Subscribe Today!
👋 Get Involved: Are you a print business with a story to share? Reach out.
📱 Follow on Social Media:
Youtube: @Print Island
Instagram: @theprintisland
LinkedIn: @Print Island Official
“The sun never sets on Print Island.”
And neither does the conversation.
