PRINTspiration Stories: Rafael Adame

From family-run screen printing to color engineering and offset printing machinery.

At age 18, Rafael Adame never imagined that the family screen-printing business would be the starting point for a career that would take him from artisanal production to the technical sales of high-end German machinery. What began as a job in the family workshop eventually evolved into a deep passion for the graphic arts and for understanding the industry from every angle: manual, industrial, technical, and commercial.

“It all started 12 years ago,” he sums up. Today, at age 30, his journey reflects a constant evolution.

In his early years, Rafael worked printing licensed merchandise for major brands such as Disney, Looney Tunes, Barbie, and Cars. Screen printing was at the heart of the business: printing designs on clothing that would then be sold in stores throughout Mexico.

At age 23, he took a decisive step forward by joining Vertical Knits—one of the country’s leading apparel manufacturing plants—as production manager. He became the youngest team leader and transitioned from manual screen printing to industrial-scale production, coordinating up to 40 people and multiple automated machines that produced for brands such as Nike, Patagonia, and Converse.

That environment motivated him to pursue a career as an industrial engineer and get involved in certification processes in accordance with international standards. It was there that he came to understand that the printing industry is not just about creativity, but also about precision, efficiency, and processes.

Start a Business, Export, and Start Over

Before the pandemic, Rafael co-founded Blue B in partnership with Agriexport, a project focused on sustainable clothing made from recycled yarn. From Yucatán, they began exporting to the United States, and their products made their way into stores like Target. They also developed collaborations with artists such as Mr. Pig, blending design, music, and textiles.

The pandemic put the project on hold and forced him to start from scratch. “Leaving your immediate family behind and taking a chance on a new chapter is scary, but once you get through it, you gain knowledge and experience,” he reflects. He returned to Mexico City and entered the world of offset printing, starting with ink manufacturing, and delved deeper into color theory and sheet-fed printing processes.

German Technology and a Global Perspective

His next move took him to Manroland, a German manufacturer of offset printing machinery with over a century of history. There, he combines technical sales, training, and specialized consulting, after receiving training in Germany and Spain on machinery processes and consumables.

Once again, he was the youngest member of the team. But that consistent practice of surrounding himself with more experienced professionals has been an essential part of his learning process.

Today, Rafael sees his career not only as a path to personal growth, but also as a responsibility toward future generations. “The industry will give them everything, but they have to give themselves a chance. It’s a complex and demanding field, but deeply rewarding.”

FESPA as a meeting place

Rafael has a special fondness for FESPA. It was the first printing trade show he attended—first as a visitor and then for five years as an exhibitor. For him, it’s the place where the industry comes to life: demonstrations, training, technology, and conversation.

“It’s where you can really show the world what you’re doing,” he says. And it’s also where students and emerging talent can discover that the graphic arts aren’t just about printing, but also fashion, advertising, design, engineering, and communication.

In an industry that shapes what we wear, what we read, and what we consume, Rafael believes that the future depends on something simple yet powerful: being open to constant learning and committing to growth in a sector that combines art and industry like few others.

PRINTspiration Stories is a series of success stories from FESPA Mexico that aims to inspire professionals in the graphic arts industry in Latin America. We celebrate the talent, creativity, and drive of those who turn printing into an art form and a tool for transformation.