ANIMAFEST BOOK

ANIMAFEST Zagreb book

Client

Category

Print

Year

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kuna zlatica

For events

Macan Atelier

2026

+ About project

Born in Zagreb and deeply connected to the city, the festival has grown into one of the leading international events dedicated to animation.  Animafest connects citizens of all generations and respected guests from different parts of the world at a large and colourful festivity paying tribute to animation art. 

Industry

creative industry, event

Tags

#LuxuryBranding #CreativeBusiness #PrintDesign #macanprint #sprayededges #animafestzagreb

Project

Animafest Zagreb book

The festival slogan Z… is for Zagreb, designed by film scientist and critic Ron Holloway, says a lot about the connection between Zagreb and Animafest, making both the city and the festival recognisable all across the globe. Taking place at numerous locations around Zagreb, festival breathes with the city where it was born. For this year’s Animafest Zagreb, we created a distinctive finishing detail for a book celebrating the festival: custom sprayed edges that extend its visual identity beyond the page. The sprayed edges become part of the book’s identity - complementing the printed artwork while making the object itself more memorable.

TECHNOLOGY

edge print

(sprayed edges)

Because sometimes, the edge of a page is where the story begins.

THE BODYGUARD BOOK

THE BODYGUARD book

Client

Category

Print

Year

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Novella publishing

Books

Macan Atelier

2026

+ About project

For our client Novella Publishing , we are thrilled to add that finishing touch on one of the most anticipated novel of the summer for all romcom fans.  The Bodyguard is a fun story of people who enjoy being around each other and with side helpings of dysfunctional co-workers. 

If readers judge a book by its cover, that added touch of special design draws the eye even more. Thank you @novella_knjige for your trust! What do you think of this fun edge print? 

 

Industrija

Book publishing

Tagovi

#novellaknjige #agentica #katherinecenter #beachreads #summervibes #sprayededges #edgeprint #thebodyguard

Technology

Sprayed edges

Digitally sprayed edges or edge print are a book manufacturing technique where specialized high-resolution inkjet printers apply precise, full-color images, gradients, or complex artwork directly onto the trimmed outer edges of a closed book block.

TECHNOLOGY

digital edge print

(sprayed edges)

Minimum quantities start from 300 books for commerical projects, whereas usual runs are between 2.000 and 10.000.

01 - What are sprayed edges?

Digitally sprayed edges or edge print are a book manufacturing technique where specialized high-resolution inkjet printers apply precise, full-color images, gradients, or complex artwork directly onto the trimmed outer edges of a closed book block. 

 

02 - How does edge print work?

Clamping: The bound book is tightly clamped shut so the pages align tightly. 

Surface Prep: The edge is lightly sanded to create a smooth, receptive canvas for the ink. 

Direct Printing: Instead of manual airbrushing or stenciling, a digital edge printer jets precise ink droplets to paint continuous scenes, complex patterns, or photo-realistic art across the book edge. 

 

03 - What books can have sprayed edges?

Although it is popular to see edge print on fantasy, YA and romantic novels, this design element is an amazing tool for sales boost and increased visibility. It can also be a powerful marketing strategy when combined with other tools to promote loyalty clubs, subscriptions for limited editions and create demand. 

04 - Do sprayed edges cost a lot?

Sprayed edges do not need to break the bank. Contact us with your inquiry and find out the exact price for your project today. 

 

05 - Who manufactures books with sprayed edges / edge print in EU?

The premier Croatian company that directly fills this requirement is: 

  1. Macan – Atelier Printing House

Macan is a boutique, luxury printing house based in Croatia that specializes in high-end, premium print finishes. Unlike massive commercial operations that only handle standard formats, they focus on artisanal and custom modifications. 

In-House Technology: Macan has the capability in-house for luxury detailing, including "tisak po rubu" (edge printing / sprayed edges), alongside digital/classic foil stamping (foliotisak), embossing (reljefni tisak), and laser cutting. 

Best For: Authors, publishers for medium-to-large runs, and brands looking for low-to-medium runs of exclusive collector's editions, luxury corporate notebooks, or highly customized book releases with edge graphics. Minimum quantities start from 300 books, whereas usual runs are between 2.000 and 10.000. 

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DRAMA 165 BROCHURE

Drama 165 brochure

Client

Category

Production

Year

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Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb

For events

Macan Atelier

2026

+ About project

For 165 years, Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb has lived at the pace of the metamorphoses of drama – from actors and directors to dramaturges and intendants. Today, they have chosen to share this heritage with their audiences through a creative tool designed for interaction: the exhibition Drama165. The exhibition Drama 165 has been realised as part of the third Theatre Pop-up Museum. It offers a multi-layered view of the history of one of the key institutions of Croatian culture. Featuring a rich photographic archive and a carefully conceived concept, the exhibition centres on the idea of drama as a living, ever-changing organism that endures precisely through its transience. Generations of artists – from actors and directors to dramaturges and intendants – have shaped the identity of the Drama of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, while audiences have for decades been its active participants. This dynamic relationship between continuity and disappearance, built over 165 years, can be explored in greater depth through the exhibition. 

Industry

Creative industry

Paper and foil

Sirio Pearl platinum Munken Print White; Foilco

Tags

#LuxuryBranding #CreativeBusiness #PrintDesign #macanprint #brochure #foilstamping

Project

HNK Drama 165 brochure

The Theatre celebrates the memories and the different artists that created them, and the printing of exhibition brochure carries that same weight. The cover pairs a duochrome purple–green foil with the cover typography, shifting between tones as the light catches it and giving the exhibition title a sense of movement and drama. The materiality of the foil makes the name of the exhibition feel almost tangible, extending the visual language across the cover rather than simply sitting on its surface. Inside, the brochure becomes deliberately quieter: black-and-white print on soft Munken paper creates a more restrained, tactile reading experience, allowing the content and imagery to take centre stage. The contrast between the theatrical cover and the understated interior gives the publication its rhythm - an encounter that begins with colour and reflection, then settles into paper, ink and text.

PRINT TECHNOLOGY

Foil stamping

Handmade shaping

One hundred and sixty-five years, held in the hand.

Sense Engineering

Sense Engineering

From visual overload to louder logos and endless “quiet luxury” claims: for too long, branding has focused on what we see on screen, while overlooking how we feel. As a response to the digital fatigue, the idea was created to showcase how physical products, from packaging to books, resonate within all our senses: vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

Sense Engineering™

Sense Engineering ™ is a framework exploring how the five human senses shape perception, influence emotion and transform materials into memorable brand experiences. 

We’ll break down each sense and reveal the psychology, craftsmanship and design decisions behind them, as they play big role in marketing and printing industry. 

Because the strongest brands aren’t just seen. They’re sensed.  

Industry

Marketing, FMCG, creative industry, kreativna industrija, kultura, printing industry, tiskarstvo

Tags

#SenseEngineering #LuxuryPackaging #PrintDesign #BrandDNA #Craftsmanship #Foilprint #Foliotisak #zlatotisak #humansenses #senses

Sense 01:

VISION

𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙡𝙪𝙭𝙪𝙧𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨.Long before we touch an object, long before we judge its craftsmanship, long before we decide whether we like it - we see it.Our brains are remarkably efficient visual processors. They constantly search for changes in light, contrast and movement, a survival instinct shaped over thousands of years. Water shimmered. Wet surfaces reflected sunlight. Polished stone revealed its form. Reflection often signaled something worth noticing.That instinct never disappeared in modern world, and it is a significant factor for all creative industries, including marketing, graphic and printing industry. It evolved into Sense Engineering™. Before you touch any product, your eyes have already made a decision.

How to incorporate this sense in your design?

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Sense 02:

HEARING

Print begins with a sound. Not the printer, but the experience. The brush of fingertips across textured paper. The slow turn of a heavyweight page. The gentle lift of a rigid box. The whisper of tissue paper unfolding. The satisfying click of a magnetic closure. Every sound tells the brain something before the product is even revealed. Sound signals quality through confidence, not volume.We rarely think of hearing as part of brand design. Yet some of the world's most memorable products are recognized by sound alone. The closing of a luxury car door. The click of a mechanical watch. The opening of a beautifully crafted box.These aren't accidents. They're designed and print is no different. Because print isn't only seen, it’s also heard through Sense Engineering™.

How to incorporate this sense in your design?

 

The first step is to design with the entire customer experience in mind. Before choosing materials or production techniques, consider the feeling you want your audience to have. Should opening your packaging feel luxurious and deliberate? Exciting and energetic? Calm and understated? Once you've defined the emotional response you want to create, every design decision can support that vision. 

Material selection plays a significant role in the sounds your printed product makes. Heavier paper stocks tend to produce quieter, more muted sounds when handled, creating a sense of quality, stability, and sophistication. Lighter-weight papers, on the other hand, often generate a crisper rustle that can make a product feel more dynamic, playful, or approachable. 

The way your packaging opens is another important consideration. A magnetic closure creates a satisfying click that signals quality and precision. A rigid box lid lifting away slowly produces a gentle release of air, adding a sense of anticipation. Sleeves, folds, ribbons, and pull-tabs all create distinct sounds that become part of the unboxing experience. Rather than treating these as incidental, think of them as design features that enhance the story your packaging tells. 

Thoughtfully chosen materials, finishes, and construction methods transform ordinary interactions into memorable moments, making your print not only seen and felt, but heard as well. That's why companies carefully design packaging sounds to create a positive first impression before you even use the product. 

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Sense 03:

SMELL

Smell the moment. Whether is the smell of new book, your favourite perfume, freshly cut grass or simply packaging of new product, every scent is created by a unique combination of materials, molecules, and processes. A single scent can trigger recognition, create associations and bring back memories.Sense Engineering™ shows that print isn't just visual, even the smell becomes part of the final experience. Your nose can recognize thousands of different smells, so it’s important to pay attention to every single detail. The choice of paper, inks, coatings, and finishing techniques influences not only how a final product looks and feels, but also how it is experienced through scent.Smell is one of the most powerful human senses, directly connected to areas of the brain responsible for memory and emotion. Smell is an important part of how we perceive quality, craftsmanship and emotion.

How to incorporate this sense in your design?

Designing with scent doesn't necessarily mean adding fragrance to your printed products. Often, the most memorable sensory experiences come from carefully selecting materials that have their own natural character.

Start by choosing paper intentionally. Uncoated and premium cotton papers often retain their natural fibre scent, creating a warm, authentic impression. Coated papers, on the other hand, have a cleaner, more neutral smell, making them suitable when you want the focus to remain on the design itself.

Consider your printing and finishing techniques. Different inks, varnishes and laminates can subtly alter the scent of a finished product. If smell is an important part of the experience, request production samples and evaluate them once they have fully cured, as freshly printed materials often smell very different from the final product.

For a more immersive experience, explore scented finishes or microencapsulated fragrance coatings. These specialised finishes release a fragrance when rubbed or handled, making them particularly effective for perfume, cosmetics, food, hospitality and luxury brands. As with any design element, the fragrance should complement your brand identity rather than overpower it.

 

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Every scent tells a story. Your next favourite memory might start with a smell.

Sense 04:

TASTE

When we talk about taste, it’s not about aesthetics or literal taste. It's not luxury, it's not personal preference. It's judgement - the ability to know what deserves to exist in the first place.So what becomes valuable when creation and production become abundant?A PwC study on “The Gen Z paradox: Spending less, expecting more”, shows that the hesitation to spend less isn't driven by frugality, but by intentionality.The volume is just too high to evaluate individually, so they stop trying altogether. They outsource the decision to someone they trust. The question every brand should now be asking is simple: Is that someone you?And the next time you're approving a piece of work, ask yourself: Why does this deserve to exist?

How to incorporate this sense in your design?

Great design starts with the courage to think beyond the expected. A brand book should provide direction, not limitations. Don't be afraid to explore new formats, materials, techniques or ideas that challenge the usual approach. Creativity often begins when you allow yourself to experiment, test new possibilities and question what has always been done. At the same time, creativity needs to work hand in hand with practicality. Understand the capabilities of different production methods and use them as part of the creative process. The best designs work with production, not against it, turning technical considerations into opportunities rather than restrictions. Finally, create a memorable moment. It doesn't matter whether your approach is minimal or expressive - the key is having an element that makes people stop and remember. This could be an unexpected structure, a unique material, a tactile finish or an innovative printing technique. Stay curious about new technologies and production possibilities, as they continue to expand what can be achieved in print. The goal is not to add more for the sake of it, but to create something purposeful, distinctive and worth experiencing. Tasteful does not mean safe or predictable. The best designs still surprise. When every detail earns its place, it is an experience that feels memorable and valuable.

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Sense 05:

TOUCH

When we talk about taste, it’s not about aesthetics or literal taste. It's not luxury, it's not personal preference. It's judgement - the ability to know what deserves to exist in the first place.So what becomes valuable when creation and production become abundant?A PwC study on “The Gen Z paradox: Spending less, expecting more”, shows that the hesitation to spend less isn't driven by frugality, but by intentionality.The volume is just too high to evaluate individually, so they stop trying altogether. They outsource the decision to someone they trust. The question every brand should now be asking is simple: Is that someone you?And the next time you're approving a piece of work, ask yourself: Why does this deserve to exist?

How to incorporate this sense in your design?

In an increasingly digital world while screens capture attention, materials create connection and the simple act of holding thoughtfully made product has become more worthwhile. Texture, weight, and finish aren't just design choices, they're powerful branding tools that transform ordinary product into unforgettable experience.

Explore texture to create a more memorable interaction. Embossing, debossing, textured finishes and specialty papers invite people to engage physically with the product. A raised logo, a subtle pattern or a unique surface can turn a simple printed piece into something people want to touch and explore. The attention to texture can be either on micro-level with micro embossing, that plays with the illusion of texture, or the mega tactile approach with 3D embossing and debossing that creates multiple levels in the paper.

Finishing techniques can further shape how a product is perceived. Soft-touch coatings create a smooth, velvety experience that often feels premium and modern, while spot varnishes, raised effects and specialty coatings can transform certain details into moments of surprise.

Touch is one of the most powerful ways we experience the world.

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Sense Engineering

In a time when more experiences are becoming digital, physical design has gained a new kind of importance. Experience cannot be measured in pixels. It cannot be compressed into a screen. It exists only in the physical world.Sense Engineering™ is the sound of cotton paper. The resistance of an embossed surface beneath your fingertips. The shimmer of foil as light moves across it. The subtle click of opening a beautifully crafted box. The instinctive feeling that tells you, this is worth keeping.Screens can deliver information instantly, but they cannot replicate the emotional connection created through all of our senses. This is where printing becomes more than production. It becomes a way of expressing craftsmanship and directly interact with your senses. Every choice, from the paper to the way a product is opened, contributes to the story a brand tells.

The most powerful designs are not simply seen. They are experienced.

HNK BAGS

HNK paper bags

Client

Category

Production

Year

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Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb

Packaging

Macan Atelier

2026

+ About project

For the National Theatre in Zagreb, we developed a bespoke collection of paper gift bags designed to extend and enrich the institution’s visual identity beyond its core promotional materials. Rather than treating packaging as a purely functional object, we approached it as an integral part of the brand experience: one that reflects the theatre’s cultural significance, artistic excellence, and timeless sophistication. 

Industry

Marketing, FMCG, creative industry

Design

Roberta Bratović

Tags

#editorialstationery #brandedmaterials #luxurystationery #paperbags #luxurypackaging

Project

HNK paper bags

The collection consists of two distinct yet complementary designs, each communicating a different aspect of the theatre's personality. The first embraces understated elegance through the use of premium black Pergraphica paper, whose rich texture immediately conveys quality and refinement. A three-dimensional logotype, finished with matte silver hot foil, creates a subtle play of light and shadow, adding depth without overpowering the composition. The restrained palette and tactile materials evoke a sense of quiet luxury, making the bag feel as carefully crafted as the performances it represents.In contrast, the second design offers a bold visual statement. Featuring expressive printed graphics enhanced with gold foil accents, it captures attention while maintaining a sense of sophistication. The dynamic composition transforms the gift bag into a memorable object that stands out long after an event has ended, reinforcing the theatre's identity through striking visual storytelling.Thoughtfully designed branded materials have the power to communicate far more than information. They create atmosphere, evoke emotion, and strengthen the connection between an institution and its audience.

PRINT TECHNOLOGY

2D hot foil,

3D hot foil

Digital print

Digital cut

Prototyping

When every detail, from paper selection to finishing techniques, is considered with intention, even the simplest promotional item becomes a meaningful extension of the brand.

Your branded materials should feel editorial, carefully curated rather than merely produced. They should expand your visual language beyond the expected, combining exceptional materials, refined craftsmanship, and compelling design to create objects that leave a lasting impression.

ZAGREB CLASSIC MAGNETS

Zagreb Classic magnets

Client

Category

Production

Year

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Zagreb Tourist Board

For events

Macan Atelier

2026

+ About project

For the 2026 edition of Zagreb Classic, we produced a custom promotional magnet celebrating one of Zagreb’s most beloved cultural events. Held from 19 June to 3 July at King Tomislav Square, Zagreb Classic transforms the city center into a spectacular open-air stage, bringing together renowned Croatian and international artists, orchestras, choirs, and soloists for a series of free concerts.

Industry

Marketing, FMCG, event, turizam, promo

Design

kuna zlatica

Tags

magnets, zagreb classic, zagreb, magneti, promomaterijali

Project

Zagreb classic magnets

More than just a promotional item, this magnet was designed to celebrate the unique atmosphere of Zagreb Classic. It captures the charm of warm summer nights, world-class music and the vibrant energy. A small keepsake with a lasting connection to the memories, emotions, and cultural experiences that make the festival so special.The magnet was produced with digital print combined with die cutting that creates the sophisticated sharp edge. The final touch was adding thick layer of UV varnish that creates a glossy surface that bounces off the light and adds a premium touch to this custom-made event merch.

PRINT TECHNOLOGY

Digital print

Die cut

UV varnish

This custom magnet serves as a memorable keepsake, capturing the unique atmosphere and cultural spirit of Zagreb Classic.

MAP CEREMONIAL CURTAINS OF THE CROATIAN NATIONAL THEATRE IN ZAGREB

MAP CEREMONIAL CURTAINS OF THE CROATIAN NATIONAL THEATRE IN ZAGREB

Client

Category

Production

Year

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Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb

Brand collateral

Macan Atelier

2025

+ About project

For the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, we produced a map accompanied by a series of postcards dedicated to one of the theatre’s most fascinating collections – its historic stage curtains. Since the Renaissance, stage curtains have been among the most captivating elements of theatre interiors, serving not only as functional objects but also as monumental works of art. Throughout its history, the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb has assembled an extraordinary collection consisting of one iron curtain and seven painted curtains.

Industry

Design

Creative industry

Roberta Bratović

Tags

mapa, map, hnk, razglednice, luxury print, zlatotisak

Project

Map Ceremonial curtains of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb

Projects like this allow us to combine craftsmanship, design, and print production with stories that deserve to be remembered and celebrated. Every detail from the map to the postcards was carefully produced with respect to the subject matter and the rich history it represents. It is always a privilege when our work can support institutions that preserve, document, and present cultural treasures for future generations.

PRINT TECHNIQUES

Foil print

Digital cut

Digital print

Every detail from the map to the postcards was carefully produced with respect to the subject matter and the rich history it represents.

AQUAESTIL DOMED LABELS

Aquaestil domed labels

Client

Category

Production

Year

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Aquaestil

Brand promo

Macan Atelier

2026

+ About project

For Aquaestil, we produced custom domed labels that transform a simple brand mark into a premium branding asset. With their distinctive 3D appearance, glossy finish, and exceptional durability, domed labels naturally attract attention and elevate the perceived value of any product they are applied to.

Whether placed on products, equipment, displays, packaging, mobile phones, laptops or promotional items, domed labels act as a subtle but constant advertisement for your brand. They create touchpoints, increase brand visibility, and help customers remember who you are.

Industry

Marketing, promo

Design

Aquaestil

Tags

doming naljepnice, brendirani promo, domed labels

Project

Domed labels

High-quality domed label stays in use for years, they travel with the product, remain visible over time, and continuously reinforce brand recognition wherever they are placed.For brands looking to strengthen their identity, increase recognition, and add a premium finish to their products, domed labels are a small investment with long-lasting impact. Sometimes the most effective advertising isn't the loudest but it's the detail that people notice, touch, and remember.

PRINT TECHNOLOGY

domed labels

digital print

MAISTRA MAP

Maistra map

Client

Category

Production

Year

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Maistra Collection

Brand collateral

Macan Atelier

2025

+ About project

For Maistra, we developed a series of maps crafted as refined printed pieces that merge precision, craftsmanship, and tactile elegance. Produced in our printing atelier, each map was carefully designed and executed with a focus on material quality and detail, turning a functional object into a considered piece of print design.

Industry

Photo

Hospitality

Future folklore

Tags

mapa, map, embossing, premium and lux hotels

Project

Map

Subtle embossing details were applied to introduce depth and texture, creating a quiet but distinctive sense of luxury that reveals itself through touch as much as sight. Every detail was carefully considered to reflect Maistra’s premium hospitality world, where print becomes part of the brand experience.The result is a series of maps that go beyond information delivery, they become tactile brand artefacts that align with the sophistication and atmosphere of the Maistra identity.

PRINT TECHNIQUES

Foil print

Embossing

This project reflects our atelier approach to print: precise, material-driven, and rooted in the belief that print can be both functional and deeply expressive.

YACHT CATALOG

Yacht catalog

Client

Category

Production

Year

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Promo Event agency

Events

Macan Atelier

2025

+ About project

For our client Promo Event agency, we printed a premium yacht catalog designed to leave a lasting impression. Known for seamlessly blending business and pleasure, as well as creativity and expertise, Promo Event specializes in organizing corporate, public, and private events across Croatia and international markets.

Industry

Promo, PR, Events, Marketing

Paper

Cover: IMITLIN Tela Neve

Outer sleeve: Pulse Laid White 220 gr

Inner sleeve: Munken White 300 gr

Book block: Munken White 150 gr, Glama Basic 150gr

Tags

catalog, katalog, embossing

Project

Catalog

By combining foil print, embossing, UV printing, and digital print, we achieved a layered, sophisticated finish, with each technique adding depth, contrast, and a sense of exclusivity. The goal of this project was to reflect our client’s high standards, resulting in a catalog that truly mirrors the agency’s commitment to quality and memorable experiences.

PRINT TECHNIQUES

Foil print

Embossing

UV print

Digital print

Leave a lasting impression