Katie Inman - Preproduction Technician

1.  Please describe your background (degree, field of training, related experience).

I have always been really interested in anything creative. My family was instrumental in fostering that love. When I was little, I was playing with “paperwork” at my grandma’s house and she told me, “You know, you can do this one day when you grow up.” I guess I didn’t believe her at the time, but I’m sure glad she pushed me, as did my parents, to do what always made me happy.

Through high school and college, I worked many random printing jobs from screen-printing to the university copy center, but those were all part time and usually only lasted a summer. Print-Tech is the first company that I’ve really worked for day-in and day-out, and with offset. It’s been a fun and rewarding learning journey.

2.  What is your role now and how has it changed since you hired in?

I am one of the three Prepress Technicians. I’ve been with Print-Tech for two years.

My role has been pretty consistent since I started. I have gotten the opportunity to work in a few other departments to help when needed as well, so I’ve gotten to run quite a few of the machines which is always pretty fun.

3.  What is the most satisfying part of your job?

The most satisfying part of my job is, by far, watching the entire process of a piece. It’s so cool to see something on my screen one day, and see a final piece ready to deliver on another.

4.  Outside of work, what activities or hobbies are you passionate about?  In other words, where might we find you on the weekends?

I usually have a project or two that aligns with my work. From wedding invitations, floral arrangements, cookbooks, photography and scrapbooking – I usually have some sort of creative project in the works at any given time.

I also really enjoy watching the Red Wings and Tigers, and travelling with my boyfriend. We try to go to a few National Parks every year. I also really value my time with my family.

5.  What’s at the top of your bucket list?

I want to see the aurora borealis. My dream vacation is to go to Finland, or somewhere with a similar experience, and rent one of those glass igloos. It would be so cozy to be all warm in my pajamas, sipping on a hot cocoa, watching the Northern Lights from one of those. Also, some venues host dog sledding too, that would be pretty fun!!

6.  What would you do if you won the lottery?

I have this grand dream of building almost like a barndominium, but inside would look like a little town full of different house fronts, a restaurant, a gym, etc. At this point in our lives we would use it for like a little get away, but when our parents inevitably need to live in a home, they will have one that's not so sterile. And I've won the lottery of course, so I could hire a nurse to work and live there as well. I would have each end of the barn facing East and West, with large floor-to-ceiling windows so we could watch sunrises and sunsets, and maybe have a little river flowing through the front. I would also take my mom and MIL shopping to let them pick out how their little "houses" would be decorated. It would be so cool. Over the top, but cool.