Kirsten Taylor's journey into the world of print is a testament to the power of perseverance and a unique approach to an industry often defined by precision and process. Her story is one of quiet determination, a journey that began with self-doubt and evolved into a leadership role that champions traditional craft techniques in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Taylor's path to print was anything but linear. She initially struggled with a difficult VCE art teacher who told her she'd never make it in the art world, but this comment became a quiet motivator. After completing a diploma in art and design, majoring in photography with a minor in graphic design, she found herself uncertain about her direction. It was a contract marketing role at HiTech Graphics that introduced her to the pre-press side of the business, and she met her business and life partner, James Taylor, there.
Taylor's interest in the financial side of the business led her to Adecco for recruitment, where she developed skills in finance and payroll. She then joined Taylor’d Press to manage the financial side, but her curiosity soon led her to explore the printing side as well. A defining moment came when she challenged a print broker who dismissed her expertise, enrolling in a printing apprenticeship and completing it ahead of schedule, becoming a qualified printer.
Taylor’d Press is a business that has deliberately chosen to remain focused on traditional craft techniques, including offset PMS, letterpress, and foil stamping. While the industry has pursued scale, automation, or digital transformation, Taylor’d Press has carved out a niche centered on quality, tactility, and control. Its in-house finishing capabilities are a critical part of this proposition, allowing for efficient issue management and a more collaborative production process.
Taylor's leadership journey has been equally deliberate. Her involvement with Women in Print Victoria as a patron for five years, followed by the Executive Ready Program through Women in Leadership Australia, transformed her perspective on leadership. She has since invested in coaching to further develop her leadership capability, pushing beyond personal barriers and building confidence in her role both within the business and the wider industry.
Taylor's interest in human behavior has led her to formal study, undertaking a Bachelor of Psychology while continuing to run the business. This, combined with her Mental Health First Aid Certificate, has shaped a leadership style grounded in empathy, openness, and culture. Her influence extends beyond Taylor’d Press, as she actively contributes to industry initiatives, including judging, events, and board participation.
Looking ahead, Taylor is clear about where Taylor’d Press sits within the evolving digital print technologies landscape. She believes that traditional methods will always have a place for those who value them, and education remains a key part of the future. Through teaching and on-site training, the business is actively contributing to the development of next-gen printers.
Taylor's trajectory has been shaped by persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to step beyond conventional boundaries. Her story reflects both the challenges and opportunities within print today, reminding us that even in a highly technical industry, people and their experiences remain central. The future of print will be shaped not only by technology but by those prepared to invest in craft, capability, and each other.
