A Love Letter to Print

DATE

March 2026

DRINIQUE, EmmA SABBE, LUMO, MAISON MOLLIE
©.otg KATOO PEETERS

Geltex colour plan
instagram
©gf smith

Why we think print is still relevant

As life as we know it proceeds to evolve more and more into an online world, we tend to hold on to the tactile stuff. Our love for print only grows stronger, rather than fade away.

The smell of fresh ink, the weight of a good paper stack, the soft crackle of a page being turned? It just hits different.

FRESH OFF THE PRESS

There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the digital work you created come to life in print.

And although we agree, not everything needs to be put on paper, we still think it’s important that the right stuff does get its momentum offline.

Even the smell, oh my! If .OTG ever created a home fragrance, “Fresh off the Press” would be top of the list.

And print doesn’t just look good. It feels good. It can say as much about your brand as your tone of voice or your logo. The paper you choose, the finish, the thickness,… Go bold with unexpected foils or patterns. Keep it timeless with texture and embossing. The options are endless, and we’re happy to help.

Sometimes the best way forward is to look back, to the things that have always been there and still have the power to make us stop, touch, and connect. Print doesn’t disappear after 24 hours or needs pixelated likes to be appreciated. It lasts. And that’s exactly why we love it so much.

GEEKING OVER PAPER

At .OTG, design begins with touch. We have a deep-rooted love for uncoated, raw-looking papers, there’s an honesty to them that glossy finishes often lack. We know that the print budget often can be a hurdle for clients, but we always heavily promote the investment. There is truly nothing like the feeling you get from a heavy-weight business card and a beautifully embossed logo. That’s luxury right there.

We believe branding should be a total experience, and print is where that experience becomes physical.

When it comes to our favorite distributors, it’s a toss-up between G.F Smith and Gmund. Both are essential in keeping the print industry sharp. Gmund, a German family-owned business, is known for pushing boundaries with distinctive, often unexpected textures. Meanwhile, G.F Smith is unrivaled when it comes to color; their iconic Colorplan book has become a universal reference point for designers. The two actually work hand-in-hand, with G.F Smith acting as the exclusive UK distributor for Gmund’s ranges, a partnership that keeps these world-class collections at our fingertips.

EMMA SABBE
© katoo peeters

PRINTING HOUSES

DRUKKERIJ DIRIX

Sourcing local printers that are still active, and more passionate than your average corner print shop in Antwerp, isn’t easy. In Antwerp, there aren’t many left who truly go above and beyond, which is why we’re so glad to work with Drukkerij Dirix. It’s a family-owned business run by Raf, who talks about printing the way George Lucas talks about Star Wars.

To keep the industry alive and art-driven, they host meet-ups where creatives can learn about their techniques. From giant vintage foil presses to precision lasers. For us, every visit feels like being a kid in a candy store all over again.

BUROFORM

Moving toward Mechelen, Drukkerij Buroform has been a pillar of Belgian print craft since the early ’80s. They combine deep technical skill with a high-end creative approach, producing premium work for brands, cultural projects, and magazines for over 40 years.

What makes them stand out locally is their full-service approach. From the first briefing to delivery, they don’t just run the press, they guide the process, helping brands figure out what works on paper and why. And especially for those who aren’t well informed about print (not us, of course 😉), that’s a huge plus.