PRINTING United Alliance is grateful to serve its members who make such significant impacts on the printing industry. Through our Member Spotlights, we continue to recognize our members, and help our community get to know their peers better, both professionally and personally. The following is a Q&A with Joel Lueb, CEO of Bigger Dot.
Please provide a brief background on your company.
Bigger Dot is a privately held global print production studio, established in 2005, with over two decades of experience and more than 7,500 completed projects. These projects include environmental graphics in Europe, books for publishers in New York, direct mail campaigns for arts organizations in Los Angeles, and more. Our experienced 15-member team of print production specialists, project managers, and creatives brings deep industry knowledge and attention to detail to every project. The company serves a diverse clientele, from small creative agencies to multinational corporations, delivering project management services and covering a wide range of products, such as large-format graphics, hard and soft-bound book production, marketing collateral, direct mail campaigns, and custom packaging.
Are there markets/industries outside of your traditional offerings you are looking to add (or have added)? If so, what?
While rooted in traditional commercial printing, Bigger Dot has deliberately expanded into niche and emerging markets beyond its initial offerings, broadening its portfolio to include areas like retail signage, trade show and event displays, and even modular exhibit systems. Bigger Dot became an authorized provider of the new TRIGA®Go fabric display solutions, which allows clients to create modular event displays without tools. These additions, alongside custom influencer packaging campaigns and personalized direct mail expertise, illustrate how Bigger Dot is diversifying beyond ink-on-paper, positioning itself as a one-stop production partner for a wide range of visual communication needs.
Bigger Dot also launched a media channel called 1MP, short for 1 Minute Print (1minuteprint.com), a dynamic content platform born out of Bigger Dot’s expanding media services division. Designed to educate, engage, and inspire, 1MP delivers fast-paced, high-impact videos that spotlight the diverse and evolving world of print. From commercial offset and digital printing processes to finishing techniques, paper selection, ink technologies, large format equipment, product highlight shorts, and behind-the-scenes production insights, 1MP aims to demystify the print industry in one-minute segments. 1MP makes print accessible, visual, and undeniably cool.
How is Bigger Dot striving to implement more sustainable practices?
Bigger Dot is actively implementing sustainable practices in its operations and services. Internally, the team embraces “zero-waste” strategies, recognizing that reducing waste isn’t just good for the planet but also eliminates inefficiencies. The company has invested in technologies and workflows that minimize overproduction and waste (for instance, digital proofing and on-demand production). It also offers eco-friendly product options to clients, such as the TRIGA®Go display system—a reusable hardware framework for displays that can be reconfigured and re-skinned with new graphics, significantly cutting down on single-use materials. Through these efforts, Bigger Dot is working to shrink its environmental footprint.
So far, what has been the most challenging print project Bigger Dot has worked on?
Over the years, Bigger Dot has tackled a number of complex projects. One example of a challenging production project was a high-profile custom book production for a well-known New York publisher. Bigger Dot successfully managed the “Stickers Vol. 2: From Punk Rock to Contemporary Art” limited numbered edition project by coordinating a highly complex, multi-faceted production from start to finish. The team oversaw overseas printing of the hardbound art book in South Korea and orchestrated the creation of a premium turned-edge presentation box with a magnetic closure, which involved multiple specialized vendors in Los Angeles for printing, matte lamination, spot UV finishing, and final assembly.
In addition, they produced approximately 125 custom stickers (both kiss-cut and die-cut) and handled the logistics of getting these sheets signed by contributing artists around the world. Challenges arose from the project’s sheer complexity and tight budget constraints. Thanks to diligent planning and collaboration, the final limited-edition package came together smoothly. The client was delighted with the outcome, and in fact, the project’s curator described the finished volume as a “beautiful artifact,” conveying his appreciation for the quality and effort that went into bringing this labor-of-love project to life.
Another example of a tough project was the production of carpet sample binders for a major flooring manufacturer. This undertaking involved not only printing but also managing 14-foot-long master carpet rolls, die-cutting, gluing, and sewing carpet sample pieces. In addition, Bigger Dot handled assembly, packaging, and logistics of the product, and added printed collateral into a cohesive sales kit. This ongoing work was logistically intensive and time sensitive.
These experiences have become part of the company’s DNA, proving its ability to handle complex, large-scale, and time-sensitive assignments through teamwork and expertise.
What does the future for Bigger Dot look like?
The future of Bigger Dot is focused on strategic growth, innovation, and leveraging new opportunities on the horizon. The company is enhancing its global reach in Los Angeles and Europe to better serve international projects and clients. In terms of services, Bigger Dot plans to continue expanding its partner production relationships, offering creative display solutions and advanced digital print technologies to stay ahead of market trends. Bigger Dot’s vision is to be not just a vendor, but a partner in its clients’ success. Bigger Dot aims to accelerate and inspire growth for its customers, employees, and community alike. This means embracing AI, new print and media technologies, providing opportunities for employee education and personal growth, and participating in community efforts.
Why did you decide to join the Alliance? What resources do you plan to or have already utilized through your membership?
Bigger Dot’s decision to join PRINTING United Alliance in 2024 was driven by a desire to tap into a broad network of industry resources, education, and advocacy. As a member of the Alliance, Bigger Dot’s team can utilize the Alliance’s expert-led iLEARNING+ courses and technical certification programs to sharpen their skills and stay current with best practices.
Participating in the annual PRINTING United Expo provides us with invaluable market insights and networking opportunities that the company can leverage to provide better services to our clients. The Alliance membership aligns with Bigger Dot’s philosophy of continuous learning and industry collaboration.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Beyond its commercial activities, Bigger Dot’s core values and community engagement play a key role in defining its identity. The company culture places great emphasis on purpose and giving back. In line with its mission statement’s call to “contribute to the quality of life in our community,” Bigger Dot supports initiatives that uplift disadvantaged groups. Notably, myself and CFO Marci Tasche have helped establish the Drive Savant Foundation, a non-profit endeavor known as DSF WERKS—a mentorship and skills-training community to help at-risk young adults (youths who have aged out of foster care), teaching vocational skills in media arts and car restoration. This philanthropic project, led by Bigger Dot’s leadership (Joel is himself a former foster parent), exemplifies the company’s heart for community impact.
In terms of positioning, these values translate into a brand that stands for more than just print: Bigger Dot is positioned as a forward-thinking, ethically conscious partner. Clients and industry peers see a company that invests in sustainable practices, employee well-being, and social causes – all while delivering high-caliber print production work. This blend of technical excellence and community-minded vision is a distinguishing strength of Bigger Dot. It underscores the company’s belief that doing good for clients, employees, and society go hand-in-hand.
For more information on Bigger Dot, visit their website at https://www.biggerdot.com/.