Case Study 1
A case-bound multi-faceted internal promotional book.We were approached by one of the top London design houses who had created an internal promotional document for a top UK communications company. The book was to comprise of 60 double-sided pages, each facing pair having a different finishing technique applied.
Additional pre-constructed items where then to be fixed into exact positions throughout: these included a filled bespoke printed seed pack; an imitation board game customised wallet with working laser-cut plastic spinning arrow and supplied coloured acetate cells; an imitation brown board photo-album frame which was to be die-cut with gold foiled edging plus an actual photograph produced on lustre paper with a printed protector sheet on Simulator 160gsm; supplied PVC window sticker with paper compatible adhesive, an envelope with a hand applied Royal Mail 1st class stamp plus a plain-paper note-pad with strawboard backing.
The cover was to be matt laminated paper-over-board with plain end papers for protection.
Size
440mm x 308mm landscape
The solution
Due to the very small run involved (40 books) our Xerox digital press was utilised to produce each backed-up page onto predominantly Splendorgel 190gsm Uncoated stock.
In addition, a high-gloss self-adhesive peelable paper (with matt printable backing) was passed through the press manually to minimise heat buckling. This was then kiss-cut to create individual graphical stickers to be used on the opposing high-gloss sheet printed with a desert island theme.
Various finishes were then applied as instructed, including UV spot varnish and customised perforations for the 'helicopter' style message cards.
The pre-constructed items where digitally printed on a variety of stocks as appropriate to the end effect required.
The sets were then collated together by hand taking particular measures against finger marks and then bound into the hard-back.
The result
An exceptional award winning book that was well received by a very impressed end client.
Case Study 2
A 12pp roll-fold company brochure. Unlike a standard brochure we required a smaller format for mailing purposes but still had sufficient copy area to successfully promote all areas of the business.
Size
A6 portrait
The solution
Designed from the outset to be a little different and eye-catching, the graphical elements were produced using Adobe Illustrator in a similar format as the new corporate styling.
A striking graduation was applied to the background to be further enhanced by the high-grade matt lamination used. The graphics were then spot gloss UV varnished using a multi-layered high build technique to add a tactile element to the project.
After machine creasing and roll folding by hand, a minimal-height self-adhesive magnetic clasp was used to negate the need for obtrusive closer discs that would clash with the clean design.
The result
A well received brochure that is equally at home as part of a mailing or as a sales representative's hand-out.
Case Study 3
An internal marketing manual for a well known tobacco organisation. A high quality consumer products manual that had to be a cut above the ordinary. A thread-sewn 44pg case bound book format was chosen with contemporary styled text and graphics to promote a vibrant team spirit as well as the company's ultimate goal.
Size
153mm x 215mm portrait
The solution
Gold was decided as the main theme colour and was used extensively. Despite the small run all pages were printed litho as 8pg sections with an additional 4pg section at the front to allow for specialised printing of a 3-hit gold background with a duotone graphic.
The cover was to be a project in itself. This used a 115gsm Mirri Brushed-gold gloss stock with 2000mic Greyboard for rigidity of the casing. Printing involved an initial quadra-tone image onto the mirri paper, drying times were strictly controlled and hastened by using oxidising inks.
A gloss laminate was then applied to protect the background and prevent cracking. Details were then added by screen-printing with 3-hits of opaque white to build-up the density.
After sufficient curing time the sheets were then mounted to the backing board and a heavy deboss die used to create the shaped area in the middle (at the same time adding a slight sand-texture). The book block was then secured to the cover with 3-hit gold endpapers.
The result
An amazing looking book that certainly had the X-factor in huge quantities. The effect was further enhanced by a bespoke presentation case in the same style as the cover.
Case Study 4
A promotional CD wallet for an international footwear brand. The client required a fully biodegradable CD wallet with a sliding tray, graphics and finishes had to promote a dynamic lifestyle appealing to their adventurous market.
Finished closed size
214mm x 150mm landscape
Stock
460mic Mirri Silk Silver board, 400gsm Trucard Duo (2 sided)
The solution
Outer: 4 colour printing onto the Mirri board substrate using oxidising inks. Extensive natural drying time was required to ensure good adhesion. The sheets were then matt laminated using a biodegradable material and extensive silver foiling applied. After complex die-cutting the covers were made-up ready for the trays to be inserted.
Tray: Straight forward 4 colour printing but with the addition of a high-grade litho silver ink for the text and background. After drying, the same matt laminate was used to seal the sheets which were subsequently die-cut and creased to shape.
Make-up: the final wallet was finished by hand using a clever tray-stopper technique to prevent over extension. A foam CD holder was added and the supplied CDs placed in position before closing. Very great care was taken to prevent finger marks.
The result
An extremely polished end result that was well received by the end client.
Case Study 5
A promotional booklet aimed at the 'big kid' in every adult. A top London design agency was asked by a leading Confectionery Company to produce a promotional pack for their new line of sweets. Their solution was both ingenious and memorable!
Size
A6 portrait
Stock
120gsm Revive 50:50 plus supplied self-adhesive pre-printed sheets
The solution
The sheets were printed lithographically and the sticker shapes defined using a fine laser die-cut technology. These were then French folded into 8 x 4pp sections, collated and line singer-sewn in three different colours by hand. Total run in excess of 10,000.
The result
A unique instructional booklet that provided family fun using the 'animal track' stickers and a hidden packet of sweets.
Case Study 6
Invitation with a difference. Our client wanted something a little bit special for their Invitation to a grand re-opening of one of the South of England's premier landmarks.
Size
105mm x 196mm portrait
The solution
We used 350gsm Colorplan Ebony, the text was then silver foiled using a new technique to preserve the typographical fine details and then a further black foiling was applied using heavier pressure to simulate a film negative frame with sprocket holes.
The result
A stunning, but deceptively simple invitation that reflected the occasion perfectly.
Case Study 7
Prestigious drinks brand promotional place mat. A leading design agency asked us to produce a 'simple' place mat for a top brand of drinks to be used during an A-list tasting promotion.
Size
262mm x 370mm landscape
The solution
A substrate consisting of dual-layer 540gsm Colorplan Ebony was chosen with a heavy 'Morocco' embossing to one side to simulate a leather surface. This was then screen printed in twin passes using gold-leaf based solvent inks of two different viscosities. The fine serif text required special attention separate to the herring-bone graphical elements to prevent fill-in due to the textured surface.
The result
An impressive drinks mat designed to be biodegradable after use but retaining an air of sophistication and luxury as a perfect background to the malt whiskies being promoted at the event.
