This article first appeared in the March 2025 issue of Australian Printer
Sharna Beck, HP Indigo digital press operator from Southern Impact, has had a steady, upward trajectory in her performance and personal development.
Beck, who was named by Women in Print Australia as the winner of last year’s HP Dscoop giveaway, travelled to APJ Dscoop in Cebu, Philippines, where she joined a global community of HP Graphic Arts users, industry leaders, and innovators for a unique opportunity to network, learn, and grow alongside some of the brightest minds in the printing industry.
But Beck’s initial transition into print was purely coincidental. With a background in hairdressing and business administration, alongside her personalised apparel merchandise and signs side hustle, Cre8, she never anticipated taking the path in print.
Beck’s digital print journey began in 2018 in the mail room at Southern Impact in Victoria, where she trained on several digital presses before later joining the company’s digital department as an HP Indigo digital press operator.
“It turned out to be a pivotal moment in my professional journey,” Beck said.
“As I began working in the mailing department, I quickly realised that print was not just a job but an art form that required precision, creativity, and technical skill,” she said.
“My early days involved learning the intricacies of mailing processes, and I became proficient in operating various machines. This fundamental experience was critical as it instilled a deep understanding of the workflow in print production.
“Through hands-on practice, I evolved from a beginner to someone capable of troubleshooting and diagnosing machine issues, which helped me gain respect among my peers. As my interest in printing grew, I sought further knowledge and skills.”
Within a year, Beck completed training on the HP Indigo Series 3 and Series 4 digital presses, making her the only digital operator at Southern Impact with the ability to run all four digital presses, which includes three Indigo presses – an HP Indigo 7600, HP Indigo 7800 and B2-sized HP Indigo 15K digital presses.
“Pursuing certifications like the HP Indigo Series 3 and 4 level 1 further solidified my expertise in the field. I also worked with Xerox and Konica Minolta machines, which allowed me to delve deeper into the mechanics of printing. The experience of producing variable data jobs like flyers and postcards ignited my passion for digital printing,” Beck said.
“Being part of a team that values collaboration and mentorship has been a rewarding experience. The wealth of knowledge shared among colleagues has been an indicator of how integral teamwork is in achieving success within the industry.”
Beck also received the Printers Award at APJ Dscoop, which she said is a testament to the collective efforts and unwavering support from her colleagues.
As a woman in the print industry, Beck draws inspiration from several industry figures including Southern Impact commercial digital print general manager, Wendy Coss.
“I find motivation in trailblazing women in our industry, who have shattered glass ceilings and challenged stereotypes. Their stories are a powerful reminder that perseverance and dedication can lead to significant changes in an otherwise traditional field,” Beck said.
“Wendy has been a significant mentor in my career, not only in giving me the opportunity to pursue a new direction but also opening the doors to a new set of possibilities as a digital printer.
“Additionally, I am inspired by colleagues like Indigo guru Marcus Cafolla, lead digital printer at Southern Impact, who has equipped me with valuable tools by sharing insights, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging me to push my boundaries.
“My mentors have played a critical role in equipping me with the tools I need to learn and print effectively. They provided not just industry-specific skills but also essential leadership qualities, such as confidence, resilience, and effective communication.
“Their guidance helped me navigate challenges and taught me the value of networking and collaboration. With their support, I’ve learned to embrace my unique perspective and use it to drive innovative solutions within the business.”
Looking ahead, Beck’s aims include not only advancing her professional skills but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable print industry.
“I envision a future where diversity is not just an initiative but a fundamental aspect of our business operations. By engaging in continuous learning and advocating for women’s leadership roles, I aim to cultivate an environment where everyone can succeed,” she added.
“My journey in print has been filled with continuous learning and growth, and I look forward to what the future holds in this exciting field.”
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