News
A PUZZLING PROJECT
King James Advertising Agency in Cape Town approached various printers
with what they described as a "nasty, but definitely award-winning
job". Allan Gray, one of King James' clients wanted to demonstrate
on a billboard at Cape Town International airport that "Purpose is
nothing without patience" by building a 7000 piece puzzle over a
period of a few weeks that would reveal a message as the puzzle grew.
Clarion rose to the challenge and was the only printer who was able to
offer a workable print solution.
There were a few challenges, the biggest being that Clarion had to find
a substrate that would give the perception of depth, adhere to the billboard
backing sheets and be Cape Town weather proof.
A template of the entire 3 x 12m billboard was designed in order to calculate the dies, allow for the placement of the graphics and to ensure that the applicators had a reference for application. The material was printed with the outline and die cut into well over 7000 individual pieces.
With a bit of head scratching and puzzled looks, the entire puzzle was put together to size on our factory floor and the Clarion team then applied and hand cut the vinyl to the puzzle. The pieces were delivered in batches to the applicators who patiently applied them to the billboard.
To demonstrate how Clarion sees its jobs through from start to finish, the Visual Graphics Sales Manager climbed the nine metres of scaffolding in high heels and howling winds to ensure that the first piece of the puzzle was placed safely and straight on the billboard and needless to say her fear of heights was overcome.
Over a period of a few weeks the puzzle has grasped the attention of
many a motorist and visitor to Cape Town and this big idea has certainly
put a spin on the conventional vinyl print. We are proud to have been
so actively involved in this creative first and are up to any print challenge.
