From The Desk Of: Nicole Katz
Aug 18, 2016
Since taking the reins of the 40-year old family company, Nicole has helped establish Paper Chase Press as the preeminent printer for both the fashion and design industries, while simultaneously overseeing the launch of its e-commerce business, a broadened product offering, and an ongoing collaboration series called Paper Cuts. We sat down with one of our own to get the inside scoop on her life as a creative professional.
Full Name
Nicole Katz
Occupation
Director of Paper Chase Press
What’s on your desk?
Notebooks, business cards, paper samples, printed goods, the current issue of Artforum, pics of my kids.
Fill in the blank: "I don't show up at a meeting without _________."
A notebook and business cards -- and if it’s a meeting with a potential client, samples of the work we do.
What's on your reading list?
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante and a big pile of unread New Yorkers.
What are the apps you can’t live without?
Instagram, Spotify, Waze, Redfin
What’s in heavy rotation on your Spotify/iTunes/SoundCloud/record collection?
Kid Cudi, Cocteau Twins, early Bob Marley, Jim Croce, JJ Cale
What’s in your bag/always on your person?
Cell phone, business cards, Olio E Osso No. 3 balm, bobby pins.
I'm a true believer in... / Major skeptic about...
Quality over quantity / Most beauty products
I'd write to... / I would love to get a letter from...
My father's mother / William S. Burroughs
Would try once... / No, thanks....
Rally racing (probably more than once) / Sky diving
I'd pay good money for... / Wouldn't take even if free...
A great meal / Ugg boots
Fear conquered... / Not quite there yet...
Posting the occasional selfie / Posting pics of my kids
Subject I won’t shut up about lately... / Subject I avoid...
Self-driving cars / Donald Trump
Constantly craving... / Don't see the appeal of...
Dessert / Life without dessert
Describe your personal style in three words:
A little lazy.
Describe the creative space at your company:
The shop is in a pair of original Art Deco storefronts in Hollywood, one side houses our offices, and the other our manufacturing facilities. The space is open and bright — big windows, white walls, concrete floors, lots of art, paper goods, and fresh lilies delivered each week from Eric Buterbaugh. We make everything here so there’s always a lot of activity/noise.
What are your design inspirations?
I find design inspiration for Paper Chase in the art world. Artists like Torbjorn Rodland, or publications like Toilet Paper Magazine have really helped to inform the aesthetic of our brand.
What’s the motto/life philosophy/advice you live by?
Don’t buy lots of stuff.
What is your favorite aspect of the job you do?
How varied it is -- each project and client are so different from one another. It really suits my ADD.
The paper product I can’t live without is ____ and I use it to _____.
My notebook / get a handle on my to-do list.
How does your brand convey its unique personality?
By pairing sophisticated design with a sarcastic voice.
Branding is __________.
meaningless if it’s not consistent.
Because of my experience __________, I tend to pay more attention than most people do to __________.
growing up in a print shop, the prevalence and quality of printed goods.
Describe a typical day at work:
A barrage of emails, meetings, and phone calls, and then I look up and its 5:00.
What are the most exciting developments in your industry?
Advancements in digital print technology are amazing – presses that can print a Nano-sized dot, that can print electronic circuitry, that can print 3D. My industry is fast becoming a sci-fi movie.
What do you love about what your company brings to its clients?
Quality of craftsmanship! It is our single biggest distinguisher.
How do you start and/or end your day?
My kids are up before my brain is, so the morning is a whirlwind of feeding the family and getting my son ready for school while still a zombie.
My day ends once they're both in bed and I can binge on Netflix or read magazines. There’s usually an ice cold beer or one of Kane's impeccable cocktails involved.
Tell us about your latest printed project:
I'm working on a proposal for Paper Chase that will be a set of plasticoil-bound hardcover books.
What was the inspiration behind this project?
I wanted to create something that showcased a lot of the custom finishing we offered but still captured the humor at the core of our brand.
How often do you use printed goods to promote your business?
Daily.
What's the response like to these printed goods?
Incredible. Each time I hand out a business card I get a compliment on it.
Describe your brand's aesthetic in three words:
Taunting. Pleasurable. Audacious.
What’s the motto/life philosophy/advice you live by?
"Optimism is a strategy for making a better future" -- Noam Chomsky
When do you feel like you’re at your best?
When I’m eating good food with the people I love.
What websites and blogs do you read regularly?
www.creativetimereports.com
www.nytimes.com
www.sightunseen.com
www.bonappetit.com
make your own
Business Cards
50 business cards for $20
Notecards
50 notecards for $65