Challenging the Status Quo: Bringing Westerra’s Culture to Life
photo credit: Common Good
At D&K Printing, we’ve never been a "standard business card and brochure" kind of shop. While we handle those with the same precision as everything else, our hearts truly beat for the projects that make people say, “Wait, how are we going to pull this off?”
When the creative team at Common Good (formerly LRXD) approached us with the concept for Westerra Credit Union’s Culture Book, we knew we were in for a treat. This wasn't just a corporate handbook; it was an interactive experience titled "The Why and the Way: A Guide to Working at Westerra."
photo credit: Common Good
Why We Loved This Challenge
In a world dominated by PDFs and Zoom calls, Westerra wanted to give their 300+ employees something tangible—a touchstone that felt as vibrant and unique as their mission. The design called for more than just ink on paper; it required:
Precision Bindery: Projects with this many moving parts—pop-ups, sliders, and intricate folds—require a level of "print engineering" that goes far beyond traditional printing.
Interactive Die-Cuts: An eye-shaped die-cut representing vision to a rocket ship for their mission.
Tactile Elements: We integrated a pop-out mirror to remind team members to "Be You" and included connect-the-dots and fold-outs to keep readers engaged.
Turning "Complicated" Into "Craft"
Many printers shy away from high-complexity projects because they are labor-intensive and require microscopic attention to detail. At D&K, we lean into that complexity. We love the puzzle of figuring out how a custom die-cut will interact with a specific paper weight, or how to ensure a pop-up element survives thousands of page flips.
For the Westerra Culture Book, the goal was to create a piece that didn't just sit on a desk but invited the reader to play, pull, and participate. Our team worked closely with Common Good to ensure that every interactive element functioned perfectly while maintaining the high aesthetic standards the brand demanded.
The Power of the Tangible
Westerra’s CMO, Wade Paschall, noted that this physical book served as a "tangible touchstone" for their employees. At D&K, we believe that print has a unique power to connect people to a brand’s values in a way digital content never can.
Whether it’s our own award-winning Origins Project (which used algae-based inks and zip-strip openers) or a culture-defining piece for a local credit union, we thrive on the challenge of the "unique."
photo credit: Common Good
photo credit: Common Good
photo credit: Common Good
Have a project that seems impossible? Those are our favorites! Let’s talk about how we can bring your most complicated ideas to life.
Want to see more of our work? Check out our capabilities page or contact Tanner at tannerb@dkprinting.com for a quote on your next project.