Discovery Bank Commemorative Book
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 Print & Digital / Book and Magazine
Company Name:Fandam Studio
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Sean Fandam, Dustin Slabber
Other Contributor(s):Lawprint
Client Name:Discovery Bank
Photo Credit:Jurie Potgieter
Project Location:Johannesburg
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Project Description:
Created to commemorate a one-million customer milestone, this 276 page coffee table book reframes the corporate book. Rather than presenting a simple success story, it offers a layered account of building a challenger bank within a mature and highly regulated market. The content balances technical depth with human perspective, combining insights into legislative, operational and strategic complexity with first-hand anecdotes from the team who shaped the business. This duality reflects the nature of the organisation itself — analytical, yet driven by a belief in shared value. Editorial in tone, the book avoids the conventions of corporate reporting. It is designed to be read, explored and revisited, functioning as a cultural artefact rather than a marketing tool. Produced as a limited edition and hand-delivered to key stakeholders, it serves as a considered expression of what has been built — and the thinking behind it.
Created to commemorate a one-million customer milestone, this 276 page coffee table book reframes the corporate book. Rather than presenting a simple success story, it offers a layered account of building a challenger bank within a mature and highly regulated market. The content balances technical depth with human perspective, combining insights into legislative, operational and strategic complexity with first-hand anecdotes from the team who shaped the business. This duality reflects the nature of the organisation itself — analytical, yet driven by a belief in shared value. Editorial in tone, the book avoids the conventions of corporate reporting. It is designed to be read, explored and revisited, functioning as a cultural artefact rather than a marketing tool. Produced as a limited edition and hand-delivered to key stakeholders, it serves as a considered expression of what has been built — and the thinking behind it.
Project Innovation / Specification:
The project redefines the corporate milestone book as a precision-crafted object — one that reflects not only what was achieved, but how it was achieved. Innovation lies in the integration of concept and narrative, creating a publication where every detail reinforces the brand’s positioning as an intelligent disruptor. A precision die-cut cover references the bank’s distinctive vertical card, revealing the brand mark beneath. Metallic edge painting gives the book a refined, engineered quality, while selective use of silver touch plates — particularly on portrait spreads — introduces tactility and elevates the images with a sense of permanence reminiscent of early photographic processes. Scale is expressed through a spread composed of one million micro-dots, transforming an abstract milestone into a tactile visual field that reads as a halftone from a distance and resolves into precision up close. Throughout, spot varnishes and metallic finishes are used with restraint to emphasise key moments and align with the brand’s forward-looking aesthetic. Produced as a limited edition of 500 individually numbered copies.
The project redefines the corporate milestone book as a precision-crafted object — one that reflects not only what was achieved, but how it was achieved. Innovation lies in the integration of concept and narrative, creating a publication where every detail reinforces the brand’s positioning as an intelligent disruptor. A precision die-cut cover references the bank’s distinctive vertical card, revealing the brand mark beneath. Metallic edge painting gives the book a refined, engineered quality, while selective use of silver touch plates — particularly on portrait spreads — introduces tactility and elevates the images with a sense of permanence reminiscent of early photographic processes. Scale is expressed through a spread composed of one million micro-dots, transforming an abstract milestone into a tactile visual field that reads as a halftone from a distance and resolves into precision up close. Throughout, spot varnishes and metallic finishes are used with restraint to emphasise key moments and align with the brand’s forward-looking aesthetic. Produced as a limited edition of 500 individually numbered copies.
Project Sustainability Approach:
While not conceived as a sustainability-led project, the publication takes a deliberate approach to longevity and relevance. A limited print run of 500 copies ensures minimal excess, with each book delivered in person. The focus on permanence over volume is central to the approach. High production values and durable materials position the book as a keepsake rather than disposable communication, extending its lifespan significantly. By prioritising quality, intentional distribution and long-term value, the project avoids unnecessary waste and reinforces the idea that fewer, better-crafted objects can have greater impact than mass-produced materials.
While not conceived as a sustainability-led project, the publication takes a deliberate approach to longevity and relevance. A limited print run of 500 copies ensures minimal excess, with each book delivered in person. The focus on permanence over volume is central to the approach. High production values and durable materials position the book as a keepsake rather than disposable communication, extending its lifespan significantly. By prioritising quality, intentional distribution and long-term value, the project avoids unnecessary waste and reinforces the idea that fewer, better-crafted objects can have greater impact than mass-produced materials.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
The project’s impact is concentrated within a defined network of key stakeholders, where it serves as a powerful expression of capability and credibility, reinforcing the brand's purpose – shared value. By articulating the complexity and achievement behind the one-million milestone, it strengthens confidence among partners, regulators and influential audiences.
The project’s impact is concentrated within a defined network of key stakeholders, where it serves as a powerful expression of capability and credibility, reinforcing the brand's purpose – shared value. By articulating the complexity and achievement behind the one-million milestone, it strengthens confidence among partners, regulators and influential audiences.
