Putting together our annual catalog is a four-to-six month process. It begins and ends with the product.
[ If you want to jump right to the catalog link to review or download a copy, then go here ]
Product development is a year-long process with no beginning or end. After months of concepting, drawing, prototypes, packaging considerations, and costing analysis, we decide if we have a product we want to take to the marketplace. Even at this stage, we may decide to kill it (sometimes choosing to introduce it in the future).
Well composed, high-quality photography is central to our catalog development. We use a range of imagery to show the inherent beauty of the material, the design subtilties, and stylized shots to present situations and uses of our products. We have the benefit of working with the same key photographer for nearly 10 years.
Pro Tip: We shoot with natural light as much as possible.
We spend a lot of time considering our props and styling. What season are we shooting for? What fresh produce is in season in Shanghai, and what seasonal props can we find? Generally, we end up with more props and styling elements than we need. It ends up being a process of reducing elements so that we end up with a well-composed shot.
We completely transformed our Shanghai office into a photo studio, and wrapped up our shooting in December. Thanks to Derryck Menere and his team once again.
Then we headed to Portland, Oregon, where we finalized the catalog design for printing. We we teamed up once again with Cedar House Media, and Primer Graphics. Our pressman was an ace with color adjusting.
Once the sheets matched our press proofs, we were ready for our press run. Waterbased inks laid down on FSC-certified paper on their state-of-the-art Heidelberg press.
We are particularly pleased with this years version. It was a total collaborative effort between ourselves, the workshops, our photography team, designers, and printing folks.
This catalog is 15 years in the making. To see the finished version (digital only) click > http://bam-bu.co/bambuCatalog2018.
If you are a wholesaler or wish to be a bambu wholesaler, we invite you to request our Wholesale catalog by emailing us at [email protected].
We have new additions to our Veneerware disposable dinnerware line, bamboo cutting boards, wood serving trays, bamboo utensils, limited edition cork fabric, and textiles. Plus, we're introducing a brand new specially formulated Finishing Oil for your bamboo and other wood grains.
