Editorial Design / Print Design
The purpose of this book is to communicate the concept behind the new NatWest branch design with a focus on sustainability and the origin & story of the fabrics, materials and furniture. It needed to exist as a “boasting book” that could answer any questions the customer might have about the branch design - from the chair they’re sitting on, to the table in front of them. The challenge for us was to come up with a design that needed to tread a fine line between conforming to very strict existing corporate guidelines, but also be something exciting, interesting and creative. The brief was to create a beautiful book that was “un-bank-like”, but while of course remained on brand.
We bridged this gap by integrating key, core elements from the NatWest brand guidelines with the creative concept. We came up with the idea of creating a “technical sketchbook” - something that appeared clean and considered on the exterior, but inside contained an honest, hand-crafted, human exploration of materials & processes with a real consideration for specifics & engineering. We aimed to put a spotlight on craftmanship through the use of custom hand-drawn ink illustrations on gridded pages as well as physical material swatches, paired with considered, structured typography and layered papers in the NatWest brand colours. We also aimed to highlight the beauty of technical structures by displaying different types of information and content - such as plans, diagrams, swatches, photography and stories - on different paper stocks and page sizes.
In order to fully reflect the sustainable nature of the content; all papers used were sourced from the UK, and we ensured that each paper had a low environmental impact in their manufacturing process as well as being fully recyclable and biodegradable. Every paper was also carbon balanced (a process by which the carbon impact of the production & distribution of the paper has been offset by the World Land Trust; an international conservation charity). We also bound the book with thread to reduce the amount of glue used in conventional bookbinding methods. The tiny amount of glue that was used was water based and solvent free. From the early stages of design, the book was also considered so that it created the least amount of wastage and offcuts possible throughout the production process from the size of the book itself to the method of printing. Fabric & wood swatches were created from recycled offcuts.
Credits
Project Management by Pure Design Consultancy
Concept, Design & Art Direction by Passport
Copywriting by J for Jen
Illustrations by Poshfruit Creative
NatWest Photography by James A. Hudson
Founded by Jonathan Finch and Rosalind Stoughton in 2012, Passport is an independent branding and design studio based in Leeds, UK. We collaborate with a wide variety of businesses and individuals both locally and internationally, providing services that include; branding, creative direction, print design, illustration, packaging, typography and web design. We create thoughtful and effective visual identities by gaining an in-depth understanding of your audience, and then using design to communicate to them in the most appropriate way. We deliver unique resolutions that are carefully crafted and well executed as a result of constant research and experimentation into unconventional materials and processes.
If you have a project that you’d like to work on together, no matter where you are in the world, just drop us an email to get things started.
check-in@wearepassport.com
+44 (0)7850 981901
Passport is an independent branding and design studio based in Leeds, UK. We partner with clients from around the world and across various industries; creating honest and impactful work that leaves a lasting impression.
check-in@wearepassport.com
+44 (0)7850 981901
Duke Studios
3 Sheaf Street
Leeds, LS10 1HD
United Kingdom
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