Beer and Coffee

It's a pleasure to work with certain clients and produce tasty work. By that, I mean something that looks as good as it tastes. Our senses are tied to pleasure centres in our brains, so putting a visual statement on a package can satisfy both the palate and the palette.

Here are some recent projects, one with a local brewery, the second with a local coffee roaster. Both are exceptionally delicious, high quality and I'm excited to be a part of their identity. I posted earlier designs from Signal, when I developed their branding and identity. The images here show the cans produced for the LCBO (distributed throughout the Province of Ontario).

Now for the eye-opening goodness of dark roast coffee, an absolute essential in my home. Ryan Noth kicked off the project, working with Cherry Bomb Roasters and fellow illustrator Clayton Hanmer, who coordinated the design. Kyle Topping and Chrissie Poitras, good friends from Spark Box Studio also contributed artwork for the other blends. Nothing like a kickass collaboration!

Here's a detailed view of the artwork:

Signal Brewing Company

Corbyville sits on the Moira river north of Belleville. Corbyville was once a thriving centre of industry, it produced whiskey and spirits for over 100 years. Sadly, the plant closed in the 1990's and most of the complex was destroyed by fire.

In several buildings that remain on the site, there has been a rebirth of sorts. Richard Courneyea purchase the old excise building and pumphouse, close to the river and has spent the better part of a year building a brewery on the site. I worked with Richard and his team on the concept, identity and branding. Signal Brewery opened it's doors this week.

It's a challenge to find the right image for a brewery, with so much history and craftsmanship to take into account, so I worked with Richard to refine the image, to find the right balance. We went through multiple iterations and designs until we came up with a simple, strong central image.

The site is beautiful, and the beer is also excellent. So thrilled to see all of the hard work pay off, and to have been a part of this from the start.

The brewery is developing a full range of craft beers, so we worked together to pair my illustrations and type with different brewing styles. Here is a sampling of three new labels. More brands and labels will be released down the road.

Easy drinking pilsner, anchor brand:

Full bodied (and very juicy) pale ale:

Hoppy and intoxicating:

I was inspired by Richard's dedication and work ethic to provide some of the finishing touches on site. I have a few pictures of the medallion I painted on the floor and the tasting room in the brewery, using a hand-cut stencil.

 

The event room has a stage space backed by reclaimed, rusted barn siding. I projected the image on to the wall and worked the rusty parts into the sign, to give it a weathered look. It's great to work big!

The motto of Signal is 'History Made Again'. Looking forward to many years with tasty beers for Belleville!

Follow/like Signal Beer on Facebook:

Signal Beer

Better yet, drop by the brewery, pick up a t-shirt and sample some pints. Signal's website will be up soon.

 Here's an amazing aerial shot of the site: