Estudio Maba's Innovative Design: The Picglaze Sample Book

Transforming the Ordinary into Extraordinary with Unique Material Choices

The Picglaze Sample Book was inspired by futurism illustrated posters and films. The designers at Estudio Maba wanted to create a volume illustration or photography, composed by different layers that create a landscape or new picture in the composed form. The result is a vertical composition with different levels, different artwork and illustrations, which are placed in layers, cut out differently making themselves a new picture or photo.

What sets the Picglaze Sample Book apart is its unique use of materials. Picglaze prints photos, but finishes them with something out of the ordinary. They print on versatile and different materials, with the rigidity of the formats as a main element. The challenge was to make the most of these qualities. Since the materials are rigid they can be sustained and form a composition. As such a sculpture with different colors and thicknesses.

The design was realized by printing images with high gloss finishing on different materials such as PVC, MD, methacrylate, dibond, and more. The assembled piece measures 32x18x39 cm. The design team included Beatriz Suárez, Miguel Angel del Baño, and Adrián Marzal.

The Picglaze Sample Book is more than just a catalogue. It's a decorative object that looks pretty on the point of sale of any studio of photography. This is a plus of usability and experience. It is easy to choose this display over its competitors. It stands out, as others work in more conventional and rigid formats.

Creating the Picglaze Sample Book was not without its challenges. Eight different materials were used in this design, and the main challenge was to prepare the pieces in a base made of the same materials and able to sustain the whole display. This way, the client can produce their own displays, without having to outsource them. One of the materials had a fixed size. It was a 126 mm x 126 mm square that had to support and integrate the whole construction. That particular adaptation was one of the hardest problems to solve.

The Picglaze Sample Book is a testament to Estudio Maba's innovative approach to design. It's a piece that's nice to see, touch, and feel. It's a product sample book that becomes a piece itself. A decorative object, further than a catalogue, this piece is volumetric design at its best.