Welcome to Inside the Ink, where creativity and print come together. In this episode, Kristin McComb shares how she used her design background and smart print solutions to help her school save money, elevate quality, and give back to students as a PTA mom. This conversation offers valuable insight for marketing professionals, small business owners, graphic designers, and print enthusiasts looking to create meaningful impact through print.

Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.

“Seeing students light up when they find their artwork in print makes all the work worth it.” Kristin McComb, PTA mom and graphic designer

10-minute read

Transcripts from Inside the Ink with PTA mom and graphic designer, Kristin McComb

Zoe: Welcome to Inside the Ink, where we uncover real stories from the creative minds and businesses shaping professional printing. Built in 1971, PrintingCenterUSA found its groove where ink met paper, and we have been rolling ever since. This is for people like you, people making ideas real. Welcome to the inside.

Today we are joined by Kristin McComb. Kristin, thanks so much for being here.

Kristin: Thank you. It is really nice to be here, especially in the new studio.

Zoe: It is gorgeous, and we are so excited to have you. You have been a graphic designer and a mom for years, so I have to ask, which one do you think prepared you more for chaos?

Kristin: That is such a good question. I always thought running my own design firm, juggling multiple clients, long hours, and nonstop deadlines would prepare me for motherhood. But that is a whole different animal. Being a mom keeps you busy around the clock. It is chaotic in a completely different way.

Honestly, I do not think anything truly prepares you. You just have to jump in, try to survive, and get the most out of it while you are there.

Zoe: I think a lot of people can relate to that, especially moms who are also working, volunteering at schools, or involved in PTAs.

Kristin: Absolutely. Everyone is busy all the time.

“The covers have held up through kids signing them, drawing in them, and carrying them everywhere. That quality really matters.” Kristin McComb, PTA mom and graphic designer

Zoe: That makes it even more impressive that you volunteered and took on things like the yearbook and PTA work. What was that moment like when you decided to step in?

Kristin: I started about three years ago, right after COVID. The pandemic really changed things. There was not much of a PTA left, and the school had been trying for years to raise funds for a new playground.

When we regrouped, there were only three of us starting from scratch. That was really hard. There are so many different facets of PTA work, fundraising, event planning, after school activities, end of year celebrations, and the yearbook was this huge, daunting task. We kept asking ourselves where do we even begin?

We had to form a team and figure it out as we went. It was really challenging at first, but over the last few years we have grown exponentially. Now we have a healthy number of PTA parents, teachers, and volunteers, and it has developed into something really amazing for our school.

“Once we showed the PTA the pricing, they were blown away. We realized we could save thousands of dollars and actually fund other projects.” Kristin McComb, PTA mom and graphic designer

Zoe: Do you think other schools are still dealing with that same kind of rebuilding after COVID?

Kristin: Definitely. It was really hard to bounce back and get people together again. Community events where everyone could be in the gym or outside together were difficult for a long time. Fundraisers rely on people coming together, and that was a big challenge we all faced.

Now that we have momentum again, it is nice to see things feeling more normal. We can actually enjoy activities with our students again.

Zoe: During COVID, what was your experience like working on the yearbook?

Kristin: Honestly, it was really challenging. We were contracted with another company that used an online designer. When I volunteered to be the yearbook chair and lead the project, I quickly realized how difficult their system was, even with my design background.

The online designer was not user friendly at all. I could not even enlarge student photos. When I looked at the yearbook pages, the class photos were tiny and half the pages were blank. You almost needed a magnifying glass to find your child. We were paying for all this paper, and it was not being used effectively.

On top of that, the books were really expensive, which made it even more frustrating.

Zoe: That must have been discouraging.

Kristin: It really was. I went to our PTA president and the school board and explained that since I have a graphic design background, I could take on the project in house. I suggested we find a printer we trusted and print locally. I already knew PrintingCenterUSA was the best option.

We completely left the previous company. The cost savings alone were incredible. When I showed the PTA the new pricing, they were blown away. Not only did we save on student costs, but we saved thousands of dollars overall.

We were able to print the yearbooks for about five dollars each and sell them for ten dollars. That allowed us to fundraise for projects like the playground while still keeping things affordable.

Zoe: That kind of savings makes a huge difference.

Kristin: It really does. As a PTA, we are always working with a tight budget, so we have to be thoughtful about where every dollar goes. Comparing the old contract to PrintingCenterUSA was night and day.

The previous company locked us into expensive contracts, and their designer did not work well. We even had printing mishaps. With PrintingCenterUSA, we could control the design, choose how it looked, and make sure it truly benefited our students.

One thing our PTA really values is making sure every student gets a yearbook. We actually cover the cost so it is free for all students. Because of the savings, we can guarantee that every child receives one.

Zoe: That is incredible.

Kristin: Being able to give back in that way is so important to us. I think it could benefit any PTA, no matter their budget, because it is so cost effective.

Zoe: From a design perspective, what do you think schools and PTA members struggle with the most?

Kristin: If someone has no design experience, it can feel overwhelming. You might wonder where to start, how to design the book, or how to get printing quotes.

One thing I really appreciate is how easy PrintingCenterUSA makes it. You can get an online quote instantly, so you know your budget right away. The online designer lets you upload photos, drag and drop elements, create templates, and add clip art or collages. It is all in one place.

You are not designing in one program and then sending files somewhere else to print. Everything lives together.

Zoe: And the quality stands out.

Kristin: Absolutely. When we handed out the yearbooks, the staff and students were wowed. The gloss finish, the high quality paper, the sturdy covers, everything felt professional.

These are not flimsy, stapled pages. Kids pass them around, draw in them, and have friends sign them. The covers hold up, which is so important for something kids are going to keep for years.

Zoe: Anything made for kids has to be tough.

Kristin: Exactly.

“We saved thousands of dollars and were able to give every student a yearbook for free.” Kristin McComb, PTA mom and graphic designer

Zoe: How did the free online design tool fit into your workflow?

Kristin: It is extremely user friendly. The templates are already set up with spaces for photos, names, and text. It is truly plug and play. You can drag and drop photos, enter student names, and not worry about resizing everything manually.

Even someone with zero design experience could use it. You can save your project, take breaks, come back later, and pick up right where you left off. That flexibility is huge for busy parents.

Multiple people can log in, make edits, and review things. That collaboration really helps when you have a yearbook team instead of just one person doing everything.

Zoe: Your PTA also uses calendars as a fundraiser.

Kristin: We love the calendar fundraiser because every student gets involved. Students create their own artwork, and we publish it in the calendar. Every child who submits artwork gets included.

They love flipping through it and finding their work. It builds so much pride.

We also sell ad space to local businesses, which helps cover printing costs. Businesses really want to support schools, especially when their ad is going to live on a family’s fridge all year long.

Zoe: That creates a strong community connection!

Kristin: It really does. The calendar is useful, so families actually keep it. That means the ads are seen every day. It becomes a recurring sponsorship opportunity instead of a one time ask.

That ongoing support helps fund things like the playground, the yearbook, and other student programs year after year.

“With the online designer, it is truly plug and play. Anyone can use it, even with zero design experience.” Kristin McComb, PTA mom and graphic designer

Zoe: Why was it important for you to work with one printer instead of multiple vendors?

Kristin: That was a really big factor for us. PrintingCenterUSA does not just do yearbooks. They also offer calendars, sports programs, dance recital programs, and other school materials.

Having everything under one account makes a huge difference for a PTA. When volunteers come and go, all the projects are saved. You can reuse templates, update information, and reorder year after year without starting from scratch.

Zoe: That continuity must be reassuring.

Kristin: It really is. PTA turnover happens all the time. Having saved projects means the next group of volunteers does not feel overwhelmed. They can jump in, make updates, and keep things consistent for the school.

You do not have to be an expert. Projects can be paused, picked back up, and shared across the team. That ease is huge for parents who already have full plates.

Zoe: That flexibility really supports schools behind the scenes.

Kristin: Exactly. It makes fundraising feel more manageable and sustainable instead of stressful.

Where Print Becomes Possible

Kristin McComb shows that creating high quality school print projects does not have to be complicated or expensive. By using simple tools and smart print choices, she made it easier for her PTA to save money, involve students, and give back to the entire school community. Her experience proves that you do not need to be a design expert or have a big budget to make an impact, you just need the right print partner. Now that you have seen how Kristin did it, you can do it too. Visit PrintingCenterUSA to start your next school, PTA, or community print project with confidence.

Please share, follow and like us: