Responses by Haruki Mori, design director, and Mamoru Takao, project manager, Mori Design Inc.
Background: The purpose of this exhibition was to showcase the potential of silkscreen printing through the Fine Paper × Silk Screen Sample Book, a collection that blends a wide variety of fine papers with diverse silkscreen printing techniques and innovative designs. The sample book showcases 39 designs printed on a variety of fine papers, employing techniques that range from simple single-color printing to fluorescent and textured printing, as well as flocking and thermochromic printing. Organized into four sections—Black & White, Color, Texture and Effect—the book provides detailed specifications on a sample sheet, including the types of paper, printing colors and processing techniques, presented in sequential order to offer practical insights and specialized knowledge.
The exhibition also offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production process, featuring materials such as printing plates, films, mesh screens and squeegees, as well as video footage documenting each step, from data creation to platemaking and printing.
At the venue, visitors were encouraged to handle and explore the sample book firsthand. We thoughtfully designed the exhibition to inspire a diverse range of creators—designers, artists and students, among others—by providing fresh ideas and new possibilities for their work.
Design thinking: Kumazawa Screen Printing approached us with a vision to inspire designers and expand the creative possibilities of silkscreen printing. While the printing company initially planned for a short promotional video, we proposed a more immersive, innovative approach: a tactile print sample book paired with a documentary video showcasing the craftsmanship and precision behind silkscreen printing. This combination would engage designers both visually and tangibly, fostering a deeper appreciation for the technique.
To maximize impact, we suggested showcasing the project at Aoyama Mihoncho, the renowned showroom of paper distribution company Takeo, which is celebrated for its expertise in fine paper planning. As it was already frequented by designers and creatives, this venue was the perfect setting to elevate the project’s visibility. Takeo fully embraced the concept, generously contributing the paper used in the sample book and providing the exhibition space.
After six months of meticulous production, we completed the sample book. The exhibition brought the project to life, displaying the book alongside a video documenting its printing process. To enhance the experience, we created seven B1-sized posters (about 27¾ × 39⅜ inches) that let visitors witness the dramatic scale and texture of silkscreen printing in large formats.
The exhibition was a resounding success, attracting a significant audience of designers and industry professionals. The sample books received high praise, and the event served as a pivotal moment in highlighting the versatility and expressive potential of silkscreen printing. By merging tactile design with visual storytelling, the project not only achieved its goal of inspiring designers but also redefined how silkscreen printing can be experienced and appreciated.
Challenges: Establishing a cohesive design concept for the sample book. While the objective was to showcase a diverse range of printing techniques, we realized that using entirely different designs for each sample sheet could distract viewers from focusing on the techniques themselves. After careful consideration, we decided to adopt a unified, simple format and tailored the visual expressions within the book to best complement each technique.
New lessons: We learned so much about the craftsmanship, tools, techniques and variety of inks involved in silkscreen printing. Every design had its own intention, and the team at Kumazawa understood this deeply. They were incredibly supportive, suggesting innovative techniques to enhance and elevate our designs. Through this collaboration, we discovered countless possibilities, such as varying mesh densities and ink types—nuances we would never have understood without being present at each step of the process.
For example, while we provided CMYK-ready data for each design, the printing director customized some of them to amplify specific effects we had envisioned. These interactions enriched our understanding of the artistry behind silkscreen printing and pushed the boundaries of what was possible.
Visual influences: Our goal was to create a print sample unlike anything that had been done before. While we did review existing print samples for context, they served as references for what we wanted to avoid, rather than emulate. We aimed to produce something entirely unique—a tactile and visual experience that would showcase silkscreen printing in a fresh, imaginative way.
Time constraints: The design timeline itself was manageable, but staying aligned with the printing schedule was crucial. Checking color proofs and maintaining close communication with the printer required meticulous attention. We exchanged countless emails and held numerous meetings to ensure every detail was perfect. Keeping track of the status for each sheet throughout the process was a significant challenge, but it was essential to delivering a high-quality final product.
Specific project demands: One of the most exciting yet challenging aspects was having the freedom to choose from Takeo’s extensive selection—around 7,000 types of paper with different textures, colors and weights. We selected a unique paper for each sheet in the sample book, making this a dream opportunity for any designer.
Additionally, our mission to cover nearly all available silkscreen printing techniques added complexity. Balancing the combination of paper types and printing methods required considerable experimentation and creativity. Despite the challenges, we pushed boundaries and delivered a project we are immensely proud of.
Alternate paths: We are extremely proud of what we accomplished and wouldn’t change anything. However, we see this as just the beginning and would love to continue expanding the collection by adding more print samples in the future.