There is no shortage of clever print design pieces these days. However, what is in short supply are projects that are – you know – fun. “We’ve got you covered,” say our friends at Studio Sutherl&.
Indeed, they have outdone themselves with this one.
Behold: a reimagined version of Backgammon inspired by Ancient Egypt, with a crocodile-themed aesthetic.
Its name? What else: Snap!Gammon!
All in the Family
This project is very much a family affair.
It features a multitude of hieroglyphic-like illustrations by Rebecca Sutherland, and is designed by husband Jim of Studio Sutherl&d. It’s also based on a story by their daughter, Lucille!
Furthermore, the board game is produced by longtime Studio Sutherl& collaborator Printsmith Productions.
A Complex Arrangement
So how does Snap!Gammon! differ from the original?
Firstly, the familiar Backgammon board has been tweaked to resemble the open jaws of a crocodile. (A nod to the ancient Egyptian god Sobek.) This comes complete with jagged teeth – rendered in White Hot Foil – against a Red Foiled background.
Yet, what might look fairly simple was actually quite challenging to make.
The outer sides of two boards were covered with 130 gsm (80 lb.) GF Smith Extract Cactus [PaperSpecs PRO Members: Get Swatchbook] with a Morocco texture emboss, suggesting a crocodile’s hide.
These were affixed to an inner sheet made of a plain darker Green paper. A Winter & Co. Safia Green spine strip was added, to allow the game board to open and close easily.
The whole assembly is laid flat and Die Cut to its final size and shape. To get the colored Hot Foil on the board to pop, multiple layers of the same Foil were added.
After that, the game pieces, too, are Foil Stamped. In this case it is with Egyptian plover bird faces on Favini Sumo board, kiss-cut for easy removal.
A Roll of the Dice
Meanwhile, the dice come packed inside an oblong box. It boasts a matching Green sleeve and Red tray – both 270 gsm (180 lb.) Extract Smooth.
Finally, 2 accordion folded leaflets digitally printed on GF Smith Colorplan White Frost explain the rules and story. (Rebecca Sutherland’s stylized illustrations and typography work perfectly together here.)
It all goes to show that the right combination of illustration, playfulness and finishing techniques can really help you up your game – or in this case, “gammon.” 😉
