Bowens gives birth to RapidStudio
Bowens is a company born out of innovation, unusual approaches to finding
solutions to problems, and lots of hard work. It has always been at the forefront
of print innovations, and introduced many of them to South Africa. Going digital
early, a pioneer of OPI, computer-to-film, computer-to-plate and of course,
personalised image creation and personalised print. Partnering with other
industry leaders, Bowens has been able to stay at the leading edge of the
digital revolution that is shaping the print industry of tomorrow.
One of the amazing brands Bowens has birthed is RapidStudio. With a passion
for personalisation and customer service, Bowens brought RapidStudio to life in
2008 as a brand that could bring digital print to end users, giving mom at home
an affordable, easy way to create and order all sorts of print and photo products.
From photobooks and canvases to aprons, mugs and keyrings, RapidStudio’s wide
range of products, easy to use software and convenient online ordering system
made it an instant success.
RapidStudio wasn’t the first photobook company in South Africa, but it was early
to the game, and with a can-do attitude, strong work ethic and some of the best
customer service in the country, it quickly became a top photobook choice for
housewives, professional photographers and corporates alike.
RapidStudio is now one of the largest photobook brands in South Africa, and
continues to grow with new products, innovative solutions for a growing internet
savvy customer base, and effective solutions for design teams and corporates
working on photobooks, yearbooks, high-end portfolios, and other creative
photo projects.
A project which really illustrates Bowens’ passing on the flame of personalisation
and innovative technology to RapidStudio is the recent set of photobooks created
for the riders who participated in the Cape Epic cycle race. This unique project
brought many challenges.
A set of 126 high-end photobooks, each based on a common, beautifully designed
template, but each personalised with the names, result times, and photographs of
the individual riders who participated.
The team of stakeholders from the corporate client, the agency and RapidStudio’s
management, designers, and R&D staff worked closely to create a system for
designing, proofing and personalising all of the books. The project was especially
unique in that each book required professional designers to select and place the
personal images of the riders. This professional, hands-on approach ensured
each book was impeccably designed, not just more computer generated
homogenised variants.
RapidStudio’s unique approach to the project, and online systems for designing,
editing and proofing the books turned the idea into reality. The result is amazing
hardcover photobooks that will blow the riders away, allowing them to share their
epic story with friends and family, keeping the memories alive for a lifetime. This
is what RapidStudio is all about. Creating ways for people to preserve, share,
and enjoy their photo memories.
RapidStudio has an amazing array of products, and is always willing to find ways
to make the client’s vision a reality.
A personalised image of the rider
Nex Media •
Vol 3 Issue 2
11
