Winners profiles 2024
Uppdrag Granskning (Mission: Investigate) is a Swedish investigative journalism TV programme that exposes politically and socially reprehensible practices and criminal activities. The Dallas branding agency and its motion design specialists gave the TV programme a new look that centres on the brand essence – the act of unveiling the truth – and uses graphics to manifest it.
Interview with Denis Widmann Design Studio
Red Dot: Both the invitation and the “Paper Peep Show” are characterised by dense storytelling. Did you have the story in mind right from the start?
Denis Widmann Design Studio: The aim of the invitation was simply to immerse the guest in the event immediately, meaning that the rough outline of the storytelling was already clear at the briefing. With the “Paper Peep Show” it was different due to its complexity. I gradually approached the protagonists and placed bartenders like Charles Schumann or Ago Perrone as visuals in the scenery. I wanted to achieve a filmlike atmosphere and was inspired by the style of Victorian panoramas that I first saw when studying in Scotland. These handmade paper stage installations were often a favourite souvenir of high society in the Victorian era.
Pop-ups in particular require precise production. What role did the material play in this?
The material plays a key role in every project, so I always choose it carefully and look at samples before I make a decision. In the case of Campari, it was a specially produced variety from the Gmund Creative System, which was wonderful to work with.
How important is haptic communication to you?
Projects that allow different materials are always very close to my heart. I want to create multisensory experiences that also establish a specific emotional connection to the brand through the fine coordination of materials – whether paper, wood, metal or fabric. In our studio, we believe that print is not dead; only cheap print will die. So if using print, it should be well-crafted print that satisfies the need for haptics and materiality.
Doesn’t a designer’s heart beat incredibly high when you can draw, as with Campari, on the full scope of laser cutting, colour cutting, slip-cases, hot foil stamping, die cutting, magnetic closures and more?
Of course. It’s precisely these projects where I feel the greatest passion for my craft. Being able to enjoy the creative freedom and trust, despite tight deadlines, when creating something special for others to enjoy is a great feeling. Putting smiles on people’s faces is probably the most beautiful goal in my profession.