On a trip to San Francisco in the late ’80s, Phil was impressed by a distinctive souvenir book – full of vivid photos and impactful words words on the city, but thin and lightweight enough to bring back home. Why not create one on the burgeoning tourist destination of Perth?
Perth: First Impressions & Lasting Images was first published in 1993. A range of ‘quotable quotes’ about Perth, from the likes of author D.H. Lawrence to astronaut John Glenn, formed the first impressions; a series of spectacular aspects, many taken by preeminent photographer Richard Woldendorp, provided the lasting impressions.
As well as capturing the charm of Perth City – its architecture, gardens and cosmopolitan lifestyle – the book featured the famous beaches, Fremantle, Rottnest Island, the Swan Valley and the Darling Ranges. It became a best-seller in local bookshops and visitor centres through the ’90s and 2000s.
The third edition evolved the concept – Perth & Beyond included destinations like Broome, The Pinnacles and Margaret River, with a refreshed look and landscape format. This title was also a popular corporate gift, with custom editions for partners like SKG Radiology and the West Coast Eagles.
In 2013, we were commissioned to create a sister publication, Western Australia’s South Coast. With a significant growth in tourism and business interest from China in the Great Southern, we also produced this book in Chinese, and created custom editions for the local shires of Albany, Denmark and Plantagenet.
Outcome.
The success of our First Impressions & Lasting Images books stems from superb imagery, ‘pick-me-up’ design, minimalist storytelling and high-quality print finish – all wrapped in a lightweight, easy-to-handle format. We positioned our publications as meaningful souvenirs, against options such as the ubiquitous coffee mug or tea towel. These books capture Western Australian experiences in a tactile form to serve as a lasting reminder of travel. Working with the late Richard Woldendorp, Australia’s preeminent landscape photographer, was a career highlight.”