Innovation isn’t just a story of men like Thomas Edison—it’s also the story of women who dared to disrupt the status quo. In the worlds of printing and advertising, these trailblazing women didn’t just follow in anyone’s footsteps; they forged their own paths, introducing groundbreaking ideas that transformed their industries. Their work didn’t just make waves—it set new standards, opening doors for future generations of women to lead and innovate.
Margaret Knight, known as the Female Edison of printing, and Helen Lansdowne Resor, the Lady Edison of advertising, didn’t just change the game—they rewrote the rules, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire and ignite progress today.
The Pioneering Women Inventors in Printing
In the early days of printing and publishing, women faced immense barriers to entry. But a few fearless women challenged the status quo and changed the course of history. One of the most notable figures in this space was Margaret Knight, who, though primarily known for her work in manufacturing, also made significant strides in the printing industry.
- Margaret Knight: The Female Edison of Printing
Margaret Knight, often dubbed The Female Edison, was a brilliant inventor and entrepreneur who revolutionized the way paper bags were produced. Though she’s most famously known for her invention of a machine that could produce flat-bottomed paper bags, her contributions to the printing world were no less remarkable. Knight’s invention changed how packaging and advertisements were printed and marketed on packaging, paving the way for modern printing technology that we still use today.
What makes Margaret Knight’s contributions especially inspiring is her ability to innovate in a male-dominated field. At a time when women were rarely recognized for their inventions, Knight filed numerous patents, including some for printing technologies. Her work in automation made printing more efficient and accessible, setting the stage for more complex printed materials that could cater to the growing needs of advertising.
- Lady Edison in Advertising: Helen Lansdowne Resor
When it comes to advertising, there is a rich history of women who have not only contributed but have helped shape the strategies, psychology, and creative direction behind some of the most successful campaigns. Helen Lansdowne Resor, who is often referred to as the Lady Edison of advertising, was one of the earliest female executives in the advertising industry and one of the most influential figures in shaping how products are marketed today.
Helen Lansdowne Resor was a groundbreaking woman in the world of advertising in the early 20th century. Working at the J. Walter Thompson Company, Resor was instrumental in the creation of the first emotionally driven advertisements. Before Resor’s time, advertisements were often cold, factual, and straightforward. But Resor understood that to capture the attention of consumers, advertisers needed to connect with them on a deeper, emotional level.
Her campaign for Woodbury’s Facial Soap in 1912 was revolutionary because it was the first to feature an emotional appeal to women, encouraging them to take care of their skin and their beauty. Resor’s vision forever changed the advertising world, paving the way for the personal, emotional, and aspirational advertisements we see today. Her work also promoted the idea of advertising as an art form, inspiring future generations of women to step into the world of creative and strategic advertising.
The Rise of Women in Printing and Advertising
Over the decades, women have played increasingly important roles in both fields, challenging gender norms, breaking barriers, and creating new opportunities for themselves and others.
In the 20th century, women began to take on leadership roles in advertising agencies and printing companies, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
- Women like Mary Wells Lawrence, founder of the ad agency Wells Rich Greene, built successful businesses that revolutionized advertising with bold and daring campaigns. Lawrence’s work on campaigns for brands like Alka-Seltzer, American Airlines, and Olay demonstrated the power of fresh, creative, and strategic advertising that resonated with audiences on a deeper level.
In the world of printing, women’s contributions also grew as they became more involved in the management and ownership of printing companies. Barbara Kinsley, a renowned printer and publisher, was a trailblazer in both the traditional and digital printing sectors. Kinsley’s leadership in creating sustainable and eco-friendly printing practices continues to inspire future generations of printers and entrepreneurs, particularly women who are entering the space today.
Why Their Impact Matters
The importance of the contributions of these women extends beyond their individual inventions and campaigns. Their legacy is about showing the world that women have always been integral to the progress and development of industries that were traditionally male-dominated. Through their innovations and leadership, they shattered the glass ceilings in printing and advertising, making it possible for the women of today to follow in their footsteps with greater opportunities and fewer obstacles.
Moreover, these trailblazing women made advertising and printing more inclusive. They recognized the power of communication, and through their work, they made sure that messages were crafted not only for the masses but for the diverse, ever-changing world they were living in. They understood that advertising and printing weren’t just about selling products—they were about connecting people, emotions, and ideas, and they used their influence to ensure that these industries reflected the values of their time.
Celebrating Women in Printing and Advertising Today
As we look forward to Women’s Day 2025, it is important to recognize the women who have shaped the printing and advertising industries. From the Female Edison, Margaret Knight, to the Lady Edison, Helen Lansdowne Resor, and countless others, these women have left an indelible mark on the world.
Today, we see more and more women rising in the ranks of printing companies, advertising agencies, and creative agencies. Their influence continues to grow, and the industries they helped shape are thriving because of their contributions. As we celebrate their achievements, we also acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to create an even more inclusive and empowering environment for women in these fields.
In honor of Women’s Day 2025, we not only celebrate the well-known names of women in history, but we also shine a light on those women who helped shape industries like printing and advertising. Their stories are a testament to the resilience, creativity, and determination that have always been part of the fabric of our society. Just as Thomas Edison’s name is synonymous with innovation, so too should these women’s names be remembered for their contributions to the world of print and advertising. Their impact is undeniable, and their legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Written by BannerBuzz Editorial Team.
Posted in 
