Redefine Design by Koroseal

Meet the Creator: Amber Popham

Lead Digital Tech // Master of Printing & Precision

As an avid learner, and lead member of Koroseal’s Digital Department, Amber Popham is constantly working to optimize and execute the most effective printing solutions for our customers - ensuring we bring our customers’ digital designs to life exactly how they envisioned. Amber handles quality and assurance for nearly every mural and work order that runs through our digital presses. She works directly with the press to expertly craft artwork files, resulting in products that mirror the customer’s desired paint color or design sample. Amber’s innate desire to learn and improve shines through in her continuous pursuit of precision and flawless executions.

“My mom always nurtured the creative side of my brain, and my dad helped me grow the business side.”

Throughout her life, Amber continued to host a strong interest in art and creating. In high school, Amber worked at a local drug store. While she had always dreamed of attending art school, one of the frequent customers at the store was a vocational school printing teacher. During his frequent visits, he would discuss some of his classes, and encouraged Amber to consider graphic design. She remembers him saying, “You don’t want to be a starving artist! You should come to my school and I’ll teach you printing and you can do graphic arts and be able to support yourself.” His encouragement piqued Amber’s interest, and she joined his class.

Amber was in printing school for 1.5 years of high school - learning offset printing and every step of the process: designing, dark room, stripping negatives, plate making, running press, and bindery. The second half of her senior year, she launched into her printing career through an internship at one of the largest short run label printers in the U.S. While there, Amber worked her way into the art department where she did some design, but mainly focused on prepress - establishing a new interest in preparing files for press execution, and customer service. Amber worked there for 17 years before moving on to work for a food packaging printing company. She then designed blueprints for food packaging, requiring her to learn a lot about Flexographic printing on long web presses. Amber collaborated with outside designers, and guided them on how to set up art and perform proper color matching. While focusing on Flexography, she also became First Certified, and after 5 years of working in food packaging, she made her way to Koroseal.

Creating & Evolving

In an industry that is constantly shifting, the world of design and printing is full of evolving methods and technologies. Amber’s passion for learning drives her to uncover new, efficient, design solutions for our customers. She is also often reminded of her mother’s inspirational words, “Did you do your best?”. Her mother’s influence keeps her driven to always improve.

“I love learning new things. I like that people trust me and know that I do everything I can to make sure the job gets done right.”

Recently, Amber helped research and upgrade the software that sends all of our artwork to the press for printing. This new system has helped the team turn around projects much more quickly, and made the process more technically advanced. By applying her knowledge and findings from her ongoing learning, Amber’s craving for efficiency has benefited all of us that work alongside her.

“I try to work smarter not harder, so I am constantly trying to learn new things by asking questions, and studying my field. I want to do things as quickly and efficiently as possible, so I’m always looking for new ways to get better.”

In addition to her thirst for knowledge, Amber is still a creator at heart. Her true love of creating stems from her passion for ideating new designs and products. In fact, Amber finds inspiration in taking online tutorials to help her uncover new ways to leverage design software. She finds herself translating her learnings into new creative design options. She also finds inspiration in upcoming trends by reading design magazines and watching HGTV.

The combination of Amber’s blossoming creativity and her passion for printing excellence is unmatched. Team members and customers are inspired by her dedication and exceptional care. Amber is always willing to go above and beyond for her customers. She provides products quickly and efficiently, while ensuring quality. Ultimately, she approaches each day striving to help her clients achieve their dream designs, effectively and efficiently.

Behind the Design with Amber

We met with Amber to learn more about her approach and inspiration. See what else she had to say!

What is your favorite thing about Koroseal products, or your favorite Koroseal product?

Amber: I love any of our prints that are done on Mylars. I think that material just really makes designs come to life with the metallic aspect. I also love working on custom-created digitally printed murals. I like to see what designers come up with, and watch their ideas go to print - as well as my own.

In your role, describe a project that allowed you to help bring a customer’s dream to life.

Amber: We have been working for over a year on a very large project for a hotel. The customer wanted us to create wallcoverings that would flawlessly match their paint color for their ballroom. I was able to help make it happen by producing a color match that they were pleased with, and printed it for one of the largest print orders we have ever done.

Can you delve into a trend or practice in your field that you are particularly fond of?

Amber: I like the trend of mixing matte and gloss finishes to add texture. I also like using white ink on certain projects to give artwork depth. I like to play with the opacities of the white to create different looks.

What are you most looking forward to in the future of Koroseal?

Amber: I can’t wait to see how our printing processes evolve, and see us become even more efficient at what we do!

Feeling Inspired? Check out our vast array of digital designs, many of which were created by Koroseal's in-house design team.