The Art of Print

Essay

THE ART OF PRINT

 

Modern life can feel fleeting. Screens change by the second. Emails, posts and messages come and go in a blur. News pops into our consciousness and then just as quickly disappears into the ether.

 

Yet, there is still a tangible beauty and permanence to print.

 

While life around us seems increasingly fluid and indefinable, print feels reassuringly authentic, tactile, sensual and enduring.

 

The crisp, clean texture of a new book. The inimitable scent of ink on paper. The pristine finish of an untouched page. The pin-sharp alignment of a matched brand. The unexpected contours of a sculpted emboss in a soft cotton stock. And the weight of the finished piece in the hand all combine to create an evocative experience unlike any other.

 

This reassuringly real and physical presence could explain why for centuries print has had an artistic value all of its own.

 

From the emperors of the Tang Dynasty and the pharaohs of Egypt, to the scholars of ancient Alexandria, print has been a badge of distinction and a treasure prized by royalty, aristocracy and the social elite.

 

Fast forward to today and despite the dominance of digital technology, the power and prestige of print remains undiminished.

 

An impeccably printed tome remains an inspiring reminder of the value of artisanal craft and meticulously considered creativity.

 

Open an elaborately embossed brochure and you are immediately enveloped in a world of unhurried indulgence.

 

That’s why for luxury brands looking to leave a lasting impression there is no better medium. No better way to invite the customer to embrace the brand. And no more compelling way to express your values, beliefs and vision.

 

But not all print is born equal.

 

The finest printing is timeless: a careful fusion of sophisticated craftsmanship and aesthetics, authentically tailored to the customer’s touch, tastes and eye.

 

It’s a similar story with brand collateral.

 

Even the most exquisite brand can be overshadowed by inferior paper, dull colour, miss registered foil, misaligned trimming and a sub-standard finish.

 

And in a digital world defined by Instagram perfection, imperfection lingers long in the memory.

 

However, in its purest form, print is alchemic.

 

The master printer’s artistry and ingenuity have the capacity to embody and enhance the luxurious essence of a brand, distil its character and define its quest for excellence.

 

And as a result, print can immerse the reader in the full richness of the brand experience.

 

You need only look at the work on the following pages to discover how and why.

 

Print only becomes an art form when every element is perfectly considered, crafted and combined.

 

When every angle is precisely defined.

 

When every leaf of every book feels irresistibly opulent.

 

When every letter has a life and vibrancy of its own.

 

When the colour on the page seamlessly mirrors the subtle shade of the brand palette.

 

When the printed volume immerses the reader into the brand story.

 

And when the finished piece truly becomes an extension of the brand.

 

To achieve this extraordinary feat requires a relentless obsession with craft, an unwavering attention to detail and a stubborn refusal to compromise that simultaneously respects time-honoured artistry and technical innovation.

 

In these environmentally-conscious times, it also requires the printer to achieve the same impeccable standards sustainably.

 

Yet, when these intricate, disparate elements seamlessly merge and materialise under the watchful eye of an artisan printer, something remarkable happens.

 

Brands breathe.

Imaginations ignite.

 

Synapses fire.

 

And the fleeting, chaotic world around us falls perfectly into place.

 

This is the true ‘Art of Print’.