P21 Mag: The modern face of print

When you ask Zaf Haq how she arrived in print, she laughs and calls it “pure luck”. But the path she describes reveals curiosity, graft and a willingness to say yes to opportunities that have unfolded into a meaningful and increasingly influential career.

“I’ve always been into the creative side of life,” she says. “Photography, animation, film making, book design. I kind of randomly fell into print – or maybe it was fate.”

That “random start” began with a casual role at Cameron’s Group, where she quickly moved from packing to machine operating, then into digital printing and variable data production. Later, she stepped into supervisory roles, gaining a deep appreciation for the full lifecycle of a print job.

“It’s completely different seeing the process in front of you,” she says. “Reading about print is one thing but experiencing the craft from start to finish gives you a whole new respect for it.”

The turning point came when a colleague told her she was “smart and young” and should see what opportunities existed beyond her current role. One introduction later, she secured an interview at Blue Star (part of IVE Group) and landed the job within days.

“I’ve had managers who’ve backed me every step of the way,” she says. “Every opportunity built my confidence – balancing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and understanding how everything fits together.”

Six years on, Haq is a project manager in IVE’s print division and a rising voice in the industry’s talent development movement through her involvement with The Inkers Program.

Building talent

Created by the Visual Media Association with platinum partner Konica Minolta, The Inkers focuses on visibility, collaboration and leadership for early-career professionals. As Sydney’s Marker, Haq sees her role as both facilitator and advocate.

Her aim is to understand how young people perceive print today and to make the pathway into the industry clearer and more accessible.

“Right now, a lot of people don’t know how to get into print,” she says. “It’s often through people you know. I want us to find better ways to support young people who might think, ‘Hey, I could do this.’ Career expos, outreach and early opportunities are key.”

Networking is a cornerstone, though she admits it hasn’t always come naturally.

“I hated networking. I’d get so nervous,” she says. “But pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone helped me build confidence. I want The Inkers to be that helping hand for others.”

While the program is still in its early phases, national events planned for 2026 aim to bring together emerging professionals and experienced leaders to build relationships and confidence. For Haq, these intergenerational conversations are where growth happens.

“When you meet people who’ve been in the industry 10 or 20 years, and they share their story, it gives you perspective. It makes you think, maybe I can be that one day.”

The power of mentorship

Mentorship has shaped Haq’s journey from day one. And the mentors who guided her came from across the gender and cultural spectrum.

“Some of my most important mentors were men,” she says. “They didn’t see me as a woman. They saw me as someone who works hard and wants to grow.”

She also deeply values colleagues like Nicole Jandik, whose guidance combines encouragement and trust.

“If I’m stuck, I go to Nicole,” she says. “She never says, ‘Don’t do that.’ She says, ‘Have a go. If you fail, I’ve got you.’ That kind of support is everything.”

For Haq, inclusion is rooted in being seen, valued and supported. Cultural representation plays an important role in that.

“As an Indian woman, seeing other Indians shine makes me proud. It gives me the courage to have a go. When people feel supported and understood – especially those from underrepresented backgrounds – they’re far more likely to stay and thrive.”

She sees those values reflected within The Inkers.

“We’re a mix of different nationalities, genders, backgrounds. None of us sees those differences as barriers. We’re just people who love print.”

A new leadership mindset

Haq believes the next generation of print leaders will be defined not by hierarchy but by mindset.

“Print is constantly changing. You have to be adaptable. Be curious. Ask questions. Old ways of thinking won’t move us forward.”

She rejects the narrow framing of print as simply “ink on paper”.

“I love print, but it’s so much more. It’s packaging, it’s the look and feel, it’s the tactile experience, it’s data-driven campaigns. Creativity and technology come together in powerful ways.”

She also sees a cultural shift toward openness and connection.

“There’s a stronger focus on people now. More events, more collaboration, more opportunities. It feels less competitive and more supportive. That’s what a modern industry looks like.”

Inspiring the next generation

Haq speaks passionately about print as a modern, multifaceted career.

“It’s a dynamic, creative and tech-driven industry that blends traditional craft with digital innovation,” she says. “There are opportunities in design, production, packaging, marketing, sustainability, tech-driven data, mailing, logistics – the list goes on.”

Her experience at IVE reflects that diversity.

“I’ve worked across mailouts, data management, point of sale, logistics. It’s insane and fun at the same time.”

To young professionals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, she offers simple, empowering advice:

“If you make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t beat yourself up. Learn from it. Have a go. What’s the worst that can happen?”

Zaf Haq’s story mirrors the wider evolution of the print industry – modern, diverse, ambitious and driven by people who see possibility and opportunity. As The Inkers Program gains momentum, it is rising leaders like Haq who are showing how the next generation will define the future of Australia’s sovereign manufacturing and visual media sectors.

This article was first published in the January-February 2026 edition of Print21, page 36.