What is your favorite paper and why?
Hard to say. There are many papers we like. In the past we often used different kinds of uncoated papers (like Munken or Lessebo). But generally, we choose the paper according to its function.

Could you give an example of a design you created where paper played a special or particularly functional role?
In most of our works paper plays an important role. Searching for the right paper has the same significance as searching for the perfect format or choosing a font. We recently designed a book with japanese binding. This binding assumes a rather thin paper. We went for Z-Offset natural. A 60 g/m2 paper that has a smooth surface and a good opacity. In another book (which had to do with a text from The New Yorker from 1990) we used a recycled paper, a reference to papers used for newspapers. Paper is a perfect instrument to make structure physical. Particularly in book design, this is an authoritative characteristics.

Siah Armajani, An Ingenious World, Catalogue for the Exhibition at Parasol unit, London/ Cover: 2.5mm Cardboard/ Paper inside: Munken Lynx 150g/m2 Cyclus Offset 90g/m2 (The New Yorker Reprint)

Siah Armajani, An Ingenious World, Catalogue for the Exhibition at Parasol unit, London/ Cover: 2.5mm Cardboard/ Paper inside: Munken Lynx 150g/m2 Cyclus Offset 90g/m2 (The New Yorker Reprint)

Siah Armajani, An Ingenious World, Catalogue for the Exhibition at Parasol unit, London/ Cover: 2.5mm Cardboard/ Paper inside: Munken Lynx 150g/m2 Cyclus Offset 90g/m2 (The New Yorker Reprint)

How important is the choice of paper in your designs? Do you spend a lot of time choosing the paper?
Choosing the right paper is very important, and spending time in search of the perfect paper always pays off. Paper supports the message of a design and gives the product its appearance. We certainly use some standard papers. It’s important to us that we can trust in the materials we are working with. On the other hand,  we do love to experiment with papers we don’t know. For exceptional uses the choice takes more time. Our paper suppliers and partners support us as well as they can with their knowledge.

Bändlistrasse/ Cover: Silkscreen on Peyer Vinyl, light grey/ Paper: Quatrosilk 90g/m2

Bändlistrasse/ Cover: Silkscreen on Peyer Vinyl, light grey/ Paper: Quatrosilk 90g/m2

Bändlistrasse/ Cover: Silkscreen on Peyer Vinyl, light grey/ Paper: Quatrosilk 90g/m2

Bändlistrasse/ Cover: Silkscreen on Peyer Vinyl, light grey/ Paper: Quatrosilk 90g/m2

Could you mention a designer whose paper choice appeals to you?
There is no specific designer. We like printed materials from different designers such as moiré, Graphic Thought Facility, Cornel Windlin, Studio Marie Lusa or Ludovic Balland.

Is there something missing in the current range of available paper?
Not at all. The paper suppliers in Switzerland do an excellent job and are always motivated to innovate and create new products.

What is your biggest frustration in the field of paper?
Once we wanted to print on a very specific paper. Unfortunately, it was hard for the printer to get this paper to Germany in time. But finally everything worked out very well.

Is it difficult or easy for designers in your country to find information on paper, paper samples and/or paper collections?
Yes, it is very easy. Swiss paper suppliers have a perfect customer service.

Corporate Communication-Wanderlust Paris. Different print matters. (poster, flyer, invitation card, booklet, tattoo, etc) Standard recycling paper

How do you see the future of paper?
We trust in paper rather than in screens!

Find out more about Marlon and Simon’s work.