Reimagining Print: Insecta Iridesse by Plus Collaboratives

Award-winning Catalogue Design Inspired by Jewelled Insects

Plus Collaboratives, a renowned design team, has created a unique print sales catalogue, Insecta Iridesse, that challenges conventional printing methods. The design was inspired by the industry habit of inspecting print quality through a loupe, similar to a jeweller inspecting gems. The catalogue, resembling an explorer's narration of discovering imaginary bugs, encourages customers to inspect the quality and technicalities of the print effects.

The project stands out for its innovative approach to showcasing metallic print effects. It presents these effects in the form of 3D iridescent gem-like jewellery pieces that resemble rare insect species, made almost entirely of paper printed with new ink. The colour swatch was completely reimagined into a fictional explorer’s journal documenting these gem-like insects, showcasing the different print effects like never before.

The catalogue was produced using the Fujifilm Iridesse Production Press capability in 6-colour printing with speciality ink colours of gold, silver, and white in a single pass. The print sales catalogue used a wide range of coated and uncoated paper stock of varying weights, which demonstrated the capabilities of the printer and showcased the printing effects.

The design process faced several challenges, given the saturation and establishment of the printing market. The team needed to position Fujifilm printers as more than just selling ink. They developed a design solution that addressed the considerations of the traditional print industry while pushing the envelope to reimagine print opportunities for new end consumers, including the creative industries.

The project started in July 2019 and concluded in April 2021, with a disruption in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions and the lack of access to machine capabilities. Despite the challenges, the project was successful, generating sales revenue of over $2 million. The design was awarded Silver in A' Advertising, Marketing and Communication Design Award in 2022, a testament to its creativity and innovation.

In conclusion, Insecta Iridesse by Plus Collaboratives represents a significant disruption in the print industry, reimagining traditional colour and printing methods. The project's success and recognition highlight the potential for innovative design to transform established industries and create new opportunities.