Don’t Blink: Cal’s 40-Year Journey in Print
For some, a job is just a job. But for Calvin, print is a passion, a calling, and a lifelong journey that started with crayons and curiosity—and turned into four decades of dedication, innovation, and purpose.
Calvin fell in love with print in elementary school, where he not only enjoyed his art classes but quickly stood out—earning 2nd place in an All City Art Project. That early taste of recognition didn’t just boost his confidence—it lit a fire. A fire that never went out.
As he moved through junior high, Cal’s love for art deepened, and he began exploring electronics, expanding his creative toolkit. By senior high, he was learning to code on the Apple IIe, blending artistic vision with emerging technology. This unique mix of creativity and technical curiosity would come to define his career in ways no one could predict.
Defying Expectations at Stout
Born deaf, Cal often faced lowered expectations from others. When he chose to attend UW-Stout, many doubted he would succeed, suggesting he’d be better off at a college more suitable for the deaf. But Cal had other plans. He followed his heart, pursuing what he loved—art and print—and refusing to let others dictate his future.
At Stout, he worked in the Duplicating Center, assisted in the Photo Lab, and joined the Stout Typographic Society, gaining hands-on experience in every corner of the print world. He saw each new role as a stepping stone, not just to a job, but to a career built on passion.
The Career That Ink Built
Cal's professional journey began with W.C. Brown Publishing, then carried him through companies like Scitex Corp (Bedford, MA) and Widen Enterprises, before eventually leading to a meaningful and impactful role at Royle Printing.
Throughout the years, Cal never stopped evolving. He witnessed—and embraced—the shift from traditional methods to digital prepress and automation. He always gravitated toward the most challenging projects, and was constantly curious on what advancements were being made in the world of print.
"Print can be confusing, difficult, and full of stress," Cal reflects, "but the sense of accomplishment I feel when a new workflow comes together—that keeps pulling me back in, year after year."
At Royle, Cal’s leadership and willingness to adapt helped transform the production floor. He played a part in the shift from two different departments—EP and CTP—to a merged efficient Prepress Department.
Technology, AI, and the Future of Print
Cal is not one to shy away from the fast pace of change. He believes in the potential of AI in prepress—envisioning a future where workflows can be streamlined, routine tasks can become more automated and manual data entry is reduced.
“Don’t blink,” he says. “Embrace changes and move forward. We must stay afloat with what AI and technology can bring to our field.”
Print Is Everything
Despite the rise of digital media, Cal firmly believes in the power and presence of print. It's not dying—it’s everywhere.
“Print is the sports program you read at the game, the label on your food, the packaging your product comes in, the billboard you pass on the highway. Print is in our daily lives.”
Cal encourages anyone entering the field to learn all aspects—from design and photography to troubleshooting and training. “Just be you. Enjoy what you do. And don’t let anybody tell you what your career path should be.”
Still In Love After 40 Years
After four decades, Cal is still amazed by the "magic" of seeing a new workflow come together or watching a challenging project go to press. He’s proud to work with his talented team at Royle.
“I’m so fortunate to work at a place like Royle, where we embrace change and move forward. I can't imagine doing anything besides print."
Want to follow in Cal’s footsteps?
Explore the world of print—whether it's design, production, packaging, prepress, or publishing. There’s a place for you in this industry, and with passion and perseverance, the sky’s the limit. Check out our career opportunities today at https://www.royle.com/careers.