Category: Packaging

Two of the elements that can make beer packaging memorable are humour and surprise. That is the primary reason we chose to send Walrus into space. Do you think you’d see a Walrus in space? And on a can of beer?

Working on this project was equally a lot of fun. Our code name for it was: “Close Encounters (of the Walrus Kind).”

I began by creating a collage draught of the label, which included cut out planets and a star map of the Dublin sky on the day of brewing.

The brave Walrus astronaut appears on the final beer label design. He’s determined, but a little puzzled about how he got there.

Planets and galaxies are spinning in the background. The Walrus, of course, is the centre of gravity.

We continued the sci-fi theme with the other elements of “Galaxy-Shmalaxy” label, which is reflected in the colour and font choices, as well as the neon effect. All to exemplify the out-of-this-world flavour of this aromatic IPA beer.

Straight away, I had a picture of Grant Wood’s famous painting in my head. 

“What if we make a twist on “American Gothic” but with walruses?”

“Sounds fun! Can we add some peaches on the fork?”

And so the PEACHfork was born – a perfect fruity American-style beer. It has been receiving praise both for the taste and label since its launch in Summer 2022. 

The walrus couple was digitally painted in Procreate loosely based on the painting. For this summery version of the beer I have developed a brighter colour palette with rustic feel.

Besides the walrus couple beer packaging features all the necessary information about the beer contents, allergens, alcohol contents, volume etc. 2019 Dublin Craft Beer Cup bronze medal is decorating Mr Walrus’s chest.

The design is a play on the variety of hops used in this beer called “Mosaic”. Ancient Greek and Roman mosaic tradition, as well as Irish mosaics, had inspired the style. We wanted to bring the notion of a mosaic into contemporary design and add a pinch of fun.

The star was born. The renowned hero of the past – Walrusus Calisto (from ancient greek “Most beautiful”) – is forever preserved in a mosaic discovered recently by British archaeologists. His confident and handsome profile tells the story of his many victories.

A profile of the walrus surrounded by a round medallion was drawn digitally in Procreate. To imitate the mosaic technique, I used varied shades of colours and dark grout.

Outcome: Two honourable profiles of the Walruses wearing a hops wreath are facing each other. They are looking curiously at a beholder. The name of the beer – “Amuse the Muse” – is transformed into a mosaic and integrated with an overall design.

The background colour and lavish geometric ornament are testimony to the walrus’s element – water. A bright, vibrant colour palette creates a summery feel to the overall design.