Antalis: A Tale of Paper, Print, and Design

Marcin Leszczynski and Paulina Zbylut's Innovative Calendar Design

The inspiration for Antalis came from the Conqueror paper, created in Scotland in 1888. The designers were drawn to the number 8, a symbol of perfection and eternity, which became the main theme of their design. The number 8 was treated as a minimalist design, sparking twelve unique designs that collectively tell a story of paper, print, and design.

Antalis is not just a calendar, but a swatch book presenting Conqueror papers and various print technologies. The designers aimed to extend its lifespan beyond a single year by allowing the pages to be easily removed and used separately, like art prints. The gold binding screw, a supplement to the design, enhances this functionality.

The design and printing collective, Kolory, handled the printing of Antalis, merging old technologies with modern design. Techniques such as letterpress, embossing, debossing, hot stamping, multilevel hot stamping, silkscreen, and pantone litho printing were used. Most of the prints and binding were done by hand, with custom die cut boxes with holes and holographic stickers adding a final touch.

The project, which took place from October to December 2017 in Krakow, Poland, presented several challenges. The designers set a high standard for the quality of the design and its execution, ensuring that the design, paper, and technologies were lucid, thought-provoking, and coherent. Despite the difficult manual printing techniques and tight deadline, the team successfully delivered an award-winning design.

In conclusion, Antalis is a testament to the power of design, print, and paper as three inseparable parts in creating a final product. It is a celebration of the number 8, a symbol of perfection and eternity, and a tribute to the beauty of Conqueror papers. The design, which won the Silver A' Design Award in 2018, is a testament to the creativity and innovation of designers Marcin Leszczynski and Paulina Zbylut.