Trend Graphics: Defying Print Conventions

IT'S BEEN said that the small, mom-and-pop commercial printer is going the route of the VCR and the music store—away and out of business. Yes, it's true that consolidation has eroded the small printer base, but we've been hearing about that for 20 years. And there is an abundance of $1 million a year shops still in business; far more of them than there are $50 million performers.
Trends show a business pattern, until the next fad comes down the block. Then we're saddled with a "what's hot, what's not" list. What's out at the moment? Well, 40? sheetfed offset printers have been taking it on the chin as some big names disappear from the radar.