After graduating in 2015 from John Cabot University with a BA in Marketing, Marina Jankovic stepped into her family’s printing business and discovered her true passion: book production. Today, as the founder of InkSync, a book production agency based in Serbia, she is transforming ideas into beautifully crafted books, blending artistry with technical precision. In this interview with the Alumni Office, Marina shares her journey, the lessons that shaped her, and her vision for the future of book production.
What was your journey from graduating from John Cabot University to becoming the founder of InkSync? What key experiences shaped your path?
After graduating, I returned to Belgrade, Serbia, to work in my family’s printing business. I was fortunate to have the support of my father and brother. My father brought extensive experience, my brother contributed expertise in finance and operations, and I added strong organizational skills. Our different strengths allowed us to approach challenges from multiple perspectives – though, of course, working with family also meant plenty of debates.
Together, we grew the company, increased its value, and eventually sold it two years ago. But my passion for book production never faded, which led me to establish InkSync and continue working in the industry I love.
What is InkSync’s mission and what role does it play in the publishing world?
InkSync is a book production company. With deep expertise in printing and binding technologies, we pride ourselves on delivering products that meet the most exacting standards.
Our work operates on two main fronts. First, we act as a bridge between publishing houses and printing facilities. We connect clients with high-quality printing services, producing and delivering books according to their specific requirements.
The second aspect of our work involves collaborating with artists and marketing agencies as print consultants. Unlike large publishing houses, smaller companies often lack in-house production departments. That is where we come in. We guide our clients through the entire book making process, from concept to finished product. We advise on formats, materials, binding types, and finishing touches, ensuring each book is not only produced but thoughtfully crafted.
Our mission is simple: to produce beautiful books. We constantly strive to push the boundaries of the graphic industry, blending technical expertise with creativity to bring unique concepts to life.
In an era of rapid technological change and AI-driven content creation, what aspects of book production remain uniquely human?
With current changes, what remains, and what becomes even more important, is the craftsmanship behind the physical product. Decisions about paper, binding, print quality, color accuracy, and finishing touches require deep technical knowledge and aesthetic judgment. These are areas where human expertise still defines the difference between an average book and an exceptional one.
Technology can support creativity, but it cannot replace the nuanced collaboration between designers, printers, and clients. In fact, as more content is generated digitally, the value of a beautifully produced physical book increases. It becomes a deliberate, tactile experience rather than just a container of information.
Through InkSync, we do not just produce books; we help ideas take shape, stories find their voice, and creativity leave a lasting mark on the world.
In what ways did your time at JCU influence your professional development and entrepreneurial mindset?
During my time at JCU, both students and professors were encouraged to think freely, question existing business practices, and explore alternative problem-solving strategies. Debating ideas with professors taught me the importance of inquiry in business. A well-defined problem is already halfway solved, and that mindset has been invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey.
What were some of the main challenges you faced while building InkSync, and how did you navigate them?
Transitioning from a family-owned business to my own company was a major challenge. In the family business, I could rely on my father and brother to challenge my reasoning. With InkSync, the responsibility rests entirely on me.
I navigate this day by day, embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. Each challenge becomes an opportunity to grow, refine my decisions, and strengthen my resilience as an entrepreneur.
What advice would you give to current JCU students or alumni interested in entrepreneurship?
Stay curious, and remember that success is not a straight line, but a series of thoughtful decisions, bold steps, and continuous learning.
Most importantly, do not be afraid of challenges. Every obstacle carries a lesson, and every lesson moves you forward.
