In this post, the digital label printing experts at United Label are going to find creative inspiration by taking a look at creativity in beer labels–where a ton of great work is being done these days.
When we decide to try a new beer, our first impression often comes from the label. There are more beer brands out there than ever before, with creative and colorful branding to go along with them. In fact, half the fun in selecting a new beer to try is checking out the incredibly creative artwork displayed on the label.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of our favorite examples of creativity in beer labels.
No Bones
When it comes to beer labeling, perhaps no other brewery places a higher value on creativity than Indiana City Brewing. Their No Bones label features a series of striking images based on random themes. Indiana City Brewing recruits local artists to participate in their Craft Brew Doodle Crew. At meetings of the Crew, random themes are given to the artists, who then have 10 minutes to come up with a design. The best ideas are chosen, and the best ideas are refined into the images that make it onto the can. This random approach has produced several memorable labels, with new and unique ones coming all the time.
Wander On
Wander On from Saint Errant Brewing sports an image on its label that is best described as a house that sprouted arms and legs. It’s a cool modern art design on its own. But there’s a story behind it, as it’s based on a Slavic folktale. In the story, the house of a witch named Baba Yaga wanders through a forest on chicken legs. While that may sound a tad bizarre, Baba Yaga is known as one of the most memorable figures in European folklore, and the image on the Wander On label is just as inviting.
Big Atlanta Energy
Big Atlanta Energy is a traditional American Pale Ale, with a classically inspired label to match. A collaboration between the Wild Heaven Beer and Switchyards craft brewers, this is a beer label that stands out from the crowd by bringing to mind the distinctive designs of mid-20th century America. With a silvery white background and pastel reds and blues, the label is comfortable and familiar, while also being unmistakably modern. It’s a testament to the power of graphic design, and is a strong example of how a good label can help build a brand.
Noble Friend
The Miami brewery Unseen Creatures Brewing & Blending has a wonderful theme for their labels, featuring wonderfully detailed portraits of animals. For the beer Noble Friend, Unseen Creatures teamed up with Civil Society, and the can features one of their best labels yet. Adorned with a stunning drawing of a fox in the woods, this label is a true work of art that inspires confidence in the care that must have went into crafting the beer inside.
Time Bandits
If you value a beer label that you can spend a lot of time looking at, then Time Bandits may be the beer for you. Another collaboration, this time from Brouwerij West and Great Notion Brewing, the label takes you back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Featuring brightly colored dinosaurs all the way around the can. The look is similar to what you would find in an illustrated children’s book about dinosaurs, with bright primary colors catching your eye. The variety of dinosaurs included on the label, drawn in a style pleasing to the eye, is the perfect compliment to the brew’s mix of tropical flavors.
New Favorites all the Time
If you like trying new beers, you’ve surely ran across some impressive creativity in beer labels. With so many craft breweries popping up all over the world, there’s new beers competing for our attention all the time–and lots of creative new labels to go along with them. The wealth of creativity on display in these labels leads us to find new favorites all the time, adding to our enjoyment of the beers behind these labels.
And if you’re looking for help with your own labels, give United Label a call today, or reach out to us with the contact form to the right.