The two companies, both based in London, had already worked together on a number of projects and decided to co-operate on the design and production of the promotion, which involves two packs of 10 postcards: a ‘Thanks’ pack for existing clients and a ‘Greetings’ set for new business prospects.
Each firm has its own, white foil blocked, branded version of the packs, with We Made This opting for a dark grey tear-open envelope and Benwells choosing lockwood green.
“We’re very proud of them, and I’ve had great feedback from the people who’ve received them so far,” said We Made This director Alistair Hall. “We wanted it to be functional and hopefully it’s something people will appreciate in a tactile way.
“It’s showcasing what we both do and also encouraging people to print stuff, which is a good thing.”
There are 10 different designs in each pack. The stocks used, all from GF Smith, range from 175gsm Colorplan to 1,200gsm Nomad Bedrock. The packs also include a duplex card and an 8pp folded format.
Print and finishing techniques include blind debossing, letterpress printing, litho printing, and a range of foiling techniques including white, matt gold, copper, and ‘super diffuser’ holographic foil. Each postcard has its own production details.
Benwells deployed a range of kit to make the postcards, including its Heidelberg platen and cylinder, and Gietz flatbed foiling machine.
“You can imagine how much work was involved in producing them all, it’s effectively 20 individual jobs,” said Benwells managing director Paul Haslam. “You hope people will adore them, and we’ve had a fantastic response.”
Hall added: “We chose techniques from our own portfolios but also did some experimenting. One of the joys of working with someone like Paul is that we can test things out.”
Benwells employs 20 staff and has sales of around £2m.
Haslam is the current chairman of the Wynkn de Worde Society and has also worked with Hall on items for the association, which is named after William Caxton’s apprentice and celebrates printing excellence.
