In an industry defined by precision and process, Kirsten Taylor’s path into print was anything but linear. Today, as creative print director at Taylor’d Press, she is recognised for both her commitment to craft and her leadership within the sector. But her journey began not with certainty, but with doubt.
“I had always loved the creative side,” she says. “But I had a difficult VCE art teacher who said I’d never make it in the world of art.”
Rather than defining her limits, the comment lingered as a quiet motivator. After completing a diploma in art and design, majoring in photography with a minor in graphic design, Taylor found herself uncertain about her direction. A subsequent design course didn’t resonate, and like many at that stage of life, she found herself searching for a path.
That path eventually led, almost by chance, into print.
Finding her place in print
Taylor’s entry into the industry came through a contract marketing role at HiTech Graphics, followed by a receptionist position when the contract ended. It was here that she was first exposed to the pre-press side of the business, building relationships and gaining an understanding of the production environment.
It was also where she met James Taylor, now her business and life partner.
A move into recruitment with Adecco followed, where she developed skills in finance and payroll, before being invited to join Taylor’d Press to manage the financial side of the business. From there, her role expanded well beyond numbers.
“As time went on, I was interested in more than just the finances,” she says. “That’s where I started with estimating and understanding the printing side – print setups, stocks, finishes and purchasing.”
A defining moment came during an encounter with a print broker who dismissed her expertise.
Her response was decisive. She enrolled in a printing apprenticeship and completed it ahead of schedule, becoming a qualified printer.
A business built on craft
That determination now underpins Taylor’d Press, a business that has deliberately chosen to remain focused on traditional craft techniques, including offset PMS, letterpress and foil stamping.
While much of the industry has pursued scale, automation or digital transformation, Taylor’d Press has carved out a niche centred on quality, tactility and control. Its in-house finishing capabilities are a critical part of that proposition.
“By having the finishing capabilities in-house, we control the quality of our work,” she explains. “It means any issues can be managed efficiently, and every touchpoint is handled the way we want it.”
For customers, particularly designers and brand owners seeking precise colour reproduction and premium finishes, that level of control is a clear point of difference. It also enables a more collaborative production process.
“Our customers can be present in all aspects of production,” Taylor says. “It gives them peace of mind and helps them understand the process along the way.”
Leadership shaped by learning
Beyond the pressroom, Taylor’s leadership journey has been equally deliberate. A pivotal step came through her involvement with Women in Print Victoria, where she served as patron for five years.
Mentored during this time by industry peers, Taylor also undertook the Executive Ready Program through Women in Leadership Australia, an experience she describes as transformative.
“It challenged me to see myself, my responsibilities and the opportunities in a new way,” she says. “It explored my strengths, areas for development and how to build highly effective teams.”
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.
Understanding people and performance
In recent years, Taylor has extended that development into formal study, undertaking a Bachelor of Psychology while continuing to run the business.
This interest in human behaviour is complemented by her completion of a Mental Health First Aid Certificate, deepening her understanding of how to support others, particularly in times of stress or crisis.
Together, these experiences have shaped a leadership style grounded in empathy, openness and culture.
“I believe in leading from a place where people can approach, grow and feel comfortable,” she says.
Contributing beyond the business
Taylor’s influence extends beyond Taylor’d Press. She has played an active role across industry initiatives, including judging, events and board participation, most recently as chair of PrintEx25.
For her, that contribution is both personal and purposeful.
“As a small business owner, it can be very challenging,” she says. “Sharing that experience can help others feel they are not alone.”
It is also about visibility – ensuring that small businesses are recognised as an integral part of the industry landscape.
“Contributing beyond my business helps me see the bigger picture, but it also shows that small business matters,” she says.
Looking more broadly, she sees talent attraction as one of the sector’s most pressing challenges.
“We need more apprentices,” she says. “We need to show that printing is an essential and valuable career.”
Looking ahead
As digital print technologies continue to evolve at pace, Taylor is clear about where Taylor’d Press sits within that landscape.
“Our hope is that our craft business continues to offer something different,” she says. “There will always be a place for traditional methods for those who value them.”
Education remains a key part of that future. Through teaching and on-site training, the business is actively contributing to the development of next-gen printers.
At the same time, Taylor’s ambitions continue to evolve, including further study in counselling and ongoing engagement with industry initiatives.
Alongside this, she speaks openly about managing a health condition, framing it not as a limitation but as a source of perspective and growth.
Across her career, Taylor’s trajectory has been shaped by persistence, curiosity and a willingness to step beyond conventional boundaries. From an uncertain start to becoming a qualified printer, business leader and industry contributor, her story reflects both the challenges and opportunities within print today.
It is also a reminder that, even in a highly technical industry, people and their experiences remain central – and the future of print will be shaped not only by technology, but by those prepared to invest in craft, capability and each other.