Awards are often seen as the culmination of a process, a recognition of achievement. But when reflecting on our recent win for the self-promotional kit showcasing our metal deco capabilities, it’s clear that the award, while an honor, is just the surface of something much deeper.
Awards are often seen as the culmination of a process, a recognition of achievement. But when reflecting on our recent win for the self-promotional kit showcasing our metal deco capabilities, it’s clear that the award, while an honor, is just the surface of something much deeper. As our CEO, David Olberding , put it, “Being at the awards ceremony to accept this honor was a moment of pride, not just for the work itself, but for how far we’ve come in blending our heritage with the innovation of today.”
The kit we created is impressive, a physical representation of innovation and creativity. But what truly stands out is the collaboration, problem-solving, and dedication that led to the final product. This award is a reflection of how our team came together to push beyond the visual design, tackling real-world challenges to make something extraordinary.
Historically, industries like ours have a disconnect between the creative visionaries and the technical production experts. Designers push the boundaries, while production teams are left to figure out how to make it work on press with little understanding of the vision. But at Olberding Brand Family , we’ve made it a priority to bridge this gap. David reflects, “As someone with deep roots in production and prepress, I’ve spent decades understanding how to make things work on press. But in recent years, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how upstream design and production can work hand-in-hand.”
This shift in thinking has played a critical role in the success of our work. Our Metal Deco promotional kit was designed not just to show off what we could do but to inspire brands to think differently about what’s achievable on press. To push creative boundaries, ensuring that the substrate doesn’t limit great design but shines just as brilliantly on metal as it does on any other substrate.
The kit was inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, with each can designed to reflect the magic and mystery of the story. Take, for example, the “Curious Can,” featuring a photo-realistic image of Alice. Achieving lifelike skin tones in print is one of the toughest challenges, often thought impossible. But by combining design expertise with deep production knowledge, we made it happen. This was a direct result of our collaborative approach.
The “Caterpillar Can” uses vibrant colors and innovative technology to create separations that give the illusion of more hues on press, without actually using additional colors. The “Cheshire Cat” features color-changing inks, which reveal the character’s grin when the temperature shifts. And the “Rabbit Can” incorporates textured inks, creating a rich, tactile experience. These elements show not just technical innovation, but the power of design and production working in tandem.
Kim Hawes , Creative Director, who led the creative development of this project, shared her perspective: “Throughout this process, working closely with production was absolutely key. I was able to lead the creative development while staying deeply connected with the production team, ensuring that our vision translated seamlessly into reality. It’s this kind of partnership that allowed us to push creative boundaries without compromising on feasibility. Together, we were able to make the impossible possible, and that collaboration is what made this project truly special.”
David’s pride in the project stems from this collaboration as well. “What makes me especially proud of this project is how the whole team, from creative to production to plating, came together to push the boundaries of what’s possible. That moment at the awards ceremony was a reflection of all of us, our heritage, and our future working as one.”
While the award itself is a fantastic recognition, the true reward is our journey to get here. The trophy symbolizes the blending of design and production, which is the foundation of our company culture. It’s not just about one project; it’s the way we approach every challenge we face, every day.
We’re committed to fostering a culture where designers and production experts collaborate as equal partners. This allows us to solve problems creatively and push further than we ever thought possible. David shared, “At the end of the day, it’s about creating something that looks great and pushes the limits of what’s possible. And when design and production are truly connected, the possibilities are endless.”
We’re incredibly proud of our achievements and the ongoing collaboration that makes them possible. The future looks bright, and we’re excited to see where this shared vision will take us next.