In this episode of The Print Problem Solver, Steve is joined by designer and longtime collaborator Ethan for a behind-the-scenes chat on what it really takes to solve unconventional print challenges — from tight deadlines to mints.
Together, they unravel the creative and technical process behind turning a corporate client’s name ("Aldermont") into a playful giveaway concept: Aldermints. What started as a joke turned into a last-minute packaging project involving custom labels, cutter guides, and serious mint consumption.
But this episode is about more than just mints. Steve and Ethan reflect on the evolution of design thinking, why good branding means digging deep into what a client really stands for, and how overpromising can crush creativity. It's a candid, funny, and refreshingly honest look into the messy, brilliant world of solving design problems in print.
They also explore:
Why designers put pressure on themselves (and how to stop)
When rules are made to be broken
The myth of the “perfect process”
The joy of finding solutions just in time
If you've ever wrestled with a deadline, doubted your own designs, or wondered how to turn a printing quirk into a showstopping idea, this one’s for you.
