Hidden Messages, Mezcal, Candles and Chocolate: PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023 Was Anything but Ordinary

As exhibitors and sponsors of “The Ultimate Print Design Extravaganza,” the DATAGRAPHIC team arrived brimming with print enthusiasm and left ecstatic with creative inspiration.

Held at NYC College of Technology in Brooklyn, the morning began with an eclectic bunch of creative professionals networking over caffeinated beverages and bites. Upon arrival the attendees were presented with their name badge, a PaperSpecs bag, a reusable water bottle and a slick DATAGRAPHIC notepad. 

A chorus of “ooh!” and “wow!” could be heard as folks took hold of their gorgeous name badges that were expertly printed by DATAGRAPHIC. The intricate design of the badges was executed using a clever combination of 4-color process, foil stamping, aqueous coating and laminated cover stocks that effectively set the stage for a day of print and design excellence.

DATAGRAPHIC at PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023
DATAGRAPHIC at PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023
DATAGRAPHIC at PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023

And little did these creatives know that their seemingly straightforward notepads where they would soon be scrawling print design tips from the pros contained a hidden message that revealed a delightful surprise. 

The bulk of the day was filled with illuminating presentations by print and design heavyweights Rafael Esquer (Alfalfa New York), Catherine Casalino (Casalino Design), Kevin Shaw (Stranger & Stranger), and Matteo Bologna (Mucca). The entire event was expertly choreographed and hosted by the “Paper Queen” herself, Sabine Lenz (PaperSpecs).

DATAGRAPHIC at PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023
DATAGRAPHIC at PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023
DATAGRAPHIC at PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023
DATAGRAPHIC at PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023

As the presentations came to a close and the exhibitor hall opened up, DATAGRAPHIC’s Nicole and Alex greeted a stream of designers eager to get their hands on all those delicious paper samples. At our display table, attendees were asked to pull out their notepads and hold them under a black light. Excitement ensued as a hidden image of “Frenchy,” our Heidelberg KSB cylinder press, was revealed, printed in UV invisible ink on the cover. 

Depending on what hidden image appeared in the invisible ink an attendee could win a “prize” in the form of items whose packaging DATAGRAPHIC had produced. These included: dilo Candles, Deux Cranes chocolate bars and even small bottles of Agua Mágica mezcal. Needless to say we were soon inundated with creatives wanting to scan their notepads and learn all about UV printing on our 7-color HP Indigo press!

DATAGRAPHIC UV Invisible Ink Notebooks
DATAGRAPHIC UV Invisible Ink Notebooks
DATAGRAPHIC UV Invisible Ink Notebooks

The notepads and name badges could have been enough to showcase DATAGRAPHIC’s multi-process printing prowess, but our display table was overflowing with unique combinations of printing and finishing techniques that kept folks asking questions about how we produced them. We met so many interesting and inspiring creatives who were both surprised and excited to learn that we were able to produce all of the varied samples in-house at our Commack, NY plant. 

As the day came to a close and the attendees lugged out their bags stuffed full of paper samples, we felt both thrilled and proud to have been a part of this signature event that so lovingly celebrates the apex of printing and design. We can’t wait to see what you produce with all of your new print inspiration.

DATAGRAPHIC at PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023
DATAGRAPHIC at PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023
DATAGRAPHIC at PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023

Sample projects we featured at PaperSpecs Live NYC 2023

Do a deep dive into these sample projects we featured at the event:

dilo Candles – Folding Carton Boxes

Folding Carton Candle Boxes

Deux Cranes Chocolate – Folding Carton Packaging

Folding Carton Chocolate Packaging for Deux Cranes

Agua Mágica – Luxury Beverage Packaging

Luxury Beverage Packaging for Agua Mágica

Ready to print your own project?

Click here to request a quote for printing. We can help you choose the best processes and paper stocks to ensure your design is the best it can be.

Ready to start your own project?

Click here to request a quote. Not sure what printing processes or materials are best suited for your project? We love collaborating with brands on print projects! Our designers can help you source the best inks, paper stocks and finishing options. Call 516-485-9000 today!