John Noonan

Blooming Color

Project Manager + Graphic Designer

OVERVIEW

My background is in graphic design, which has a direct correlation with the printing industry, as it is the bridge between designs created and the final product for a consumer or company. Due to the correlation, I pursued the print industry, as there are many graphic design elements involved. In early 2025, I was honored to have been hired to work at Blooming Color in Lombard, Illinois.

Blooming Color is a commercial printer in the Chicago-land area that started as a Minuteman Press franchise in 1988, and grew into one of the largest in the system, eventually becoming Blooming Color. We specialize in the use of innovative printing technology called the HP Indigo and also the use of API integration. We moved away from the use of the traditional offset press in 2024, and now solely print on 5 different HP Indigo digital offset presses. Our company has grown exponentially, and we have many clients domestically throughout the United States, as well as many internationally.

Continue scrolling to see More about my work and role at Blooming Color.

My Role at Blooming Color

Project Manager + Graphic Designer

Prep design files for the press (pre-press and impositions).
Design client items as needed, as well as for in-house needs.
Set up proofs.
Make print instructions as clear as possible for accurate prints.
Program files on the press controller.
Put together project estimates on PrintSmith.
Create/process/bill invoices on PrintSmith.
Keep projects organized and keep track of where they are at within production, to make sure it is shipped on time for client deadlines.
Quality check printed items for accuracy and errors.
Problem solve with technical issues and printed items.
Answer the door in the lobby, greet walk-ins, clients, prospects, and assist clients in their needs and in picking up their orders.
Answer phone calls and provide friendly and enthusiastic customer service, which also includes placing orders with clients.
Prep and package completed printed items.
Process orders for shipment.

Award: Rookie of the Year 2026

After a challenging and productive Peak Season at Blooming Color from mid November until the end of 2025, which dwindled down in early January, we had the Blooming Color Holiday Party. It was great to see everyone and enjoy some time together outside of work.

At one point during the celebration, there were several talks given by the owners, as well as by fellow workers. Some awards were also presented. I happened to be one of those recipients. President Rosemarie Breske Garvey and CEO Brian Scott presented me with the “Rookie of the Year” award.

The Production Floor

Here at Blooming Color, there are many roles that play a part in making sure we ink the impossible and successfully produce any materials needed for all our clients. We have full-production capabilities and offerings. This is where a significant part of project management comes into play with tracking the status of orders, seeing whether items have been printed or are somewhere within bindery, quality checking for accuracy and errors, problem solving with technical errors, packaging, and shipping.