What it is
CM ART are souvenirs inspired by the Euro Banknotes.
The characteristics that make them so unique start from the cotton paper, which incorporates a watermark and fluorescent fibrils of two different colours visible only when exposed to ultraviolet light.
The printing techniques also use cutting-edge technology. The lithography technique has an extremely high definition that allows the presence of Micro-Text, as well as a Ghost Image. The tactile marks obtained by chalcography deliver the souvenir with a unique look and feeling. Part of the souvenir is printed with a thermo-chromic ink and changes colour, depending on the temperature. Rubbing it with one’s finger is enough to heat the surface and temporarily change the colour. Other components are normally invisible and detectable only when exposed to ultraviolet light.
The presence of a silver hologram with three dimensional effects will immediately capture your visitors’ attention. Additionally, the presence of a symbol created with micro-perforations is a key characteristic pioneered by the Swiss Banknotes.
Each souvenir presents a serial number, which makes it a unique piece.
The dimensions of each CM ART are 13.6 x 7.4 cm.
Main elements on the front side
Main elements on the back side
Front side exposed to ultraviolet light
Back side exposed to ultraviolet light
1. Customizable Title · 2. Customizable Image· 3. Hologram · 4. Micro-Text · 5. Ghost Image · 6. Chalcography (colored) · 7. Micro-Perforations · 8. Serial Number · 9. Version Number and Date of Emission · 10. Chalcography (dry) · 11. Thermo-Chromic Ink · 12. UV Ink · 13. UV Fibrils
For the production of such advanced and innovative souvenir, we work under an Exclusive and confidentialagreement, with one of the largest security printing companies. We base our souvenirs on cutting-edge technology, exclusive materials, patented techniques, and extensive experience.
Our Security Systems
1. Watermark
In the texture of the cotton paper, a dark-grey geometric design can be observed by looking at the souvenir against light.
2. UV Reactive Fibrils
During the production of the paper, small fibrils of two colours are included in the paper that are only visible when exposed to ultraviolet light.
3. Thermo-Chromic Ink
The writing “ZERO” appearing on the back side of the souvenir is printed with a Thermo-Chromic Ink, which changes colour when exposed to heat. It only requires the application of light friction to the ink to observe a temporary change of the colour, which becomes much lighter. The effect is highly captivating and attracts all visitors’ interests.
4. UV Ink
Some of the components of the souvenir are printed with ink, which is visible only when exposed to ultraviolet light. This is a modern version of a technique used for centuries to deliver secret messages.
5. Hologram
The hologram included in the souvenir generates fantastic 3D effects. If the light hits the hologram, hundreds of colours are generated by simply changing the angle of the light. The hologram is a cut using laser which promotes extremely precise results.
6. Micro-Text
The background of the souvenir contains Micro-Text. The exceptionally high definition and density of the lithographic printing technique enables us to include text which is so small that it is not easily readable with the naked eye, but it is clear when seen under magnifying glass.
7. Ghost Image
If observed against the light, the two halves of the Vitruvian Man printed on the two sides of the souvenir complement each other forming the famous drawing by Leonardo da Vinci. This technique requires a tremendously precise printing technology and it is very difficult to replicate.
8. Micro-Perforations
The alphabetic part of the Serial Number consists of Micro-Perforations forming the letters “ZS” plus the country code (such as “IT” for Italy). This is a security system rare even among banknotes.
9. Relief Chalcography
Part of the souvenir uses chalcography, a highly expensive technique, which is used almost singularly in the production of banknotes. Thanks to the high pressure of the printing process and the special ink applied, it is possible to feel the colour while touching the souvenir.
10. Serial Number
Each souvenir presents a different alphanumeric Serial Number, making it a unique piece. The alphabetic part is composed of Micro-Perforations (see detail n° 8 above) while the numeric part is printed using OCR characters: the same kind used on real banknotes.
11. Dry Chalcography
Part of the souvenir is made by employing dry chalcography: a technique permitting the creation of small and detailed embossed areas.
Our Security Systems
1. Watermark
In the texture of the cotton paper, a dark-grey geometric design can be observed by looking at the souvenir against light.
2. UV Reactive Fibrils
During the production of the paper, small fibrils of two colours are included in the paper that are only visible when exposed to ultraviolet light.
3. Thermo-Chromic Ink
The writing “ZERO” appearing on the back side of the souvenir is printed with a Thermo-Chromic Ink, which changes colour when exposed to heat. It only requires the application of light friction to the ink to observe a temporary change of the colour, which becomes much lighter. The effect is highly captivating and attracts all visitors’ interests.
4. UV Ink
Some of the components of the souvenir are printed with ink, which is visible only when exposed to ultraviolet light. This is a modern version of a technique used for centuries to deliver secret messages.
5. Hologram
The hologram included in the souvenir generates fantastic 3D effects. If the light hits the hologram, hundreds of colours are generated by simply changing the angle of the light. The hologram is a cut using laser which promotes extremely precise results.
6. Micro-Text
The background of the souvenir contains Micro-Text. The exceptionally high definition and density of the lithographic printing technique enables us to include text which is so small that it is not easily readable with the naked eye, but it is clear when seen under magnifying glass.
7. Ghost Image
If observed against the light, the two halves of the Vitruvian Man printed on the two sides of the souvenir complement each other forming the famous drawing by Leonardo da Vinci. This technique requires a tremendously precise printing technology and it is very difficult to replicate.
8. Micro-Perforations
The alphabetic part of the Serial Number consists of Micro-Perforations forming the letters “ZS” plus the country code (such as “IT” for Italy). This is a security system rare even among banknotes.
9. Relief Chalcography
Part of the souvenir uses chalcography, a highly expensive technique, which is used almost singularly in the production of banknotes. Thanks to the high pressure of the printing process and the special ink applied, it is possible to feel the colour while touching the souvenir.
10. Serial Number
Each souvenir presents a different alphanumeric Serial Number, making it a unique piece. The alphabetic part is composed of Micro-Perforations (see detail n° 8 above) while the numeric part is printed using OCR characters: the same kind used on real banknotes.
11. Dry Chalcography
Part of the souvenir is made by employing dry chalcography: a technique permitting the creation of small and detailed embossed areas.
How it can be customised
The front of the souvenir is nearly entirely customisable! In addition to all decorations and security systems described above, we will add a photo or a collage of photos to the souvenir. Based on your exact design and specifications, we will produce a unique souvenir focused on the needs of your touristic site, museum, or event. The first photo highlights the area of the souvenir which is customisable, while the following pictures depict the final souvenirs.
Customizable area
Souvenir portraying the House of Juliet
Souvenir portraying the Rialto Bridge
We will take the utmost care of re-elaborating the picture (original photo) into a graphic style that will fit the souvenir, and we will send you a digital prototype (intermediate phase). If you are satisfied with the prototype, then we complete the souvenir and send it to production (final work).
Original photos + basis of the souvenir
Intermediate phase
Final work
The back side of the souvenir encompasses a collage of different Italian and European monuments and remains the same for each souvenir.