Printing for the me, me, meme generation 

When we think of the advancements each new generation brings, we normally think of new technologies that didn’t exist before, but there are also new forms of communication that suit their lifestyle and needs. The latest generations are known to be easily bored and ready to move on to the next trend within seconds, and so their chosen forms of communication were designed to deliver a long message by using just a few words, building upon predetermined concepts that require no explanations. Or, in other words: They love memes. Well, so do we, and what better timing to discuss this trend, than the official Star Wars Day?!

Some might consider memes to be a shallow and immature form of self-expression. People are sometimes alarmed by the sarcastic nature of many memes or find themselves forced to admit that they simply do not get the joke. But the force is strong with memes and they’re not going anywhere, at least for the time being. In fact, these short, yet impactful messages appear on t-shirts worn by anyone, anywhere. Just like the love for Star Wars, what started out as a geeky trend is now a worldwide phenomenon that allows people to creatively use readymade patterns to show who they are as individuals.

If you’re looking to join this funny party, here are 3 rules worth adding to your to-do list.

Rule #1: Know your meme

Nothing is sadder than a meme used out of context. If you tend to disrespect memes, you just might discover that getting the hang of them is not as easy as you think. Do some research to make sure you’re using your selected meme the right way, or you might become the subject of a new meme, one that will forever ridicule this poorly calculated move.

A great place to start is the Know Your Meme website, that provides simple explanations regarding the meaning of each meme and the different ways to use it.

Rule #2: Move faster

Memes were intended for the social media crowd that barely has a few seconds to spare while scrolling through their various feeds. These images move fast in many ways. First, they have to be precise and sharp to make a point ASAP. Second, they become an online sensation overnight, and third, they normally remain relevant for a short period of time (excluding some long-lasting, classic memes that have been with us for years). Printing pros who want to participate in the meme game have to act with urgency.

Research shows that the average meme’s lifespan is around 4 months, and it decreases significantly as these words are being written. Your printing capabilities better be fast and fabulous, or you’ll find yourself investing your budget in something that will be completely irrelevant tomorrow.

Rule #3: Get creative
When it comes to memes, the world is your oyster! Treat this tool as a creative playground and you’ll find tons of funny, relatable ways to use it on a variety of printed products.  Enjoy this creative freedom and see how it works for your business in more ways than one. Combine this trend with the lucrative business of group t-shirts, for example, to create family reunion items that every geeky tribe would be proud of. After all, that’s what the phrase “I am your father” was made for.

If you’re looking for more ways to seize the day and the print, meet Kornit’s team at ITMA 2019 and hear all about our fast and forceful systems and ink sets. Schedule your demo today, and May the fourth be with you!