Client Spotlight: Private, keep out! Combining creativity & confidentiality for Privacy International

Here at Holywell, every now and again we are lucky enough to get to work on a project that is truly original, innovative and tests our craftsmanship to the full. One such job came to us through the global award-winning creative agency, Paul Belford Ltd.

The agency approached us with an initial concept for a direct mail prospectus they were designing for their client, the campaigning organisation, Privacy International. They had a very clear idea of what they were looking to achieve, and wanted to find a print partner that could work with them to help refine their concept and produce a workable, practical print piece.

The purpose of the prospectus is to outline the work and aims of Privacy International, and the creative approach proposed by the designers reinforced the organisation’s goals by having it sealed within an outer cover, so that the contents would be kept completely private until opened by the recipient.  

We were very pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside the creative team at this prestigious London agency, and be able to offer them the benefit of our advice on materials, production and finishing techniques. By collaborating at this crucial stage of the project, we were able to help make sure the finished print piece fully matched the agencies original concept - with no compromises.

The high-spec nature of the project called on a wide range of our skills and required us to undertake a bespoke production process in our Oxford factory. The 32 page prospectus was printed on Cyclus recycled paper, punched with three holes and hand sewn with thread into the oversized outer which was made of heavyweight (300gsm) recycled material called Paperback Loop Jute.  This outer cover which also acted as a protective envelope for mailing was blind embossed, glued shut with the prospectus inside, and perforated on three edges.

Not every job we work on is as complex as this one was, but it is great to meet creatives who see the possibilities of the printed medium and want to push the boundaries to produce something really special.

Credits to:

Creative Direction: Martin Brown and Paul Belford
Design: Martin Brown, Paul Belford and Joseph Carter