Critique Beer Bottle Label

[Ronald]

In applying for a part-time graphic design job at a craft brewery, the other applicants and I have gone through many hoops. I've been assigned the (paid) task of designing two new labels to fit their current bottle label style as well as the same two beers with a totally new label style. Raygun and NewBo are the labels I made, paired with the preexisting Slingshot and Gold Coin for reference. I have not finished the totally new style labels, but I'll post them when I have them. Personally, I love how Raygun turned out, but I might enlarge the gun art. I also might tweak NewBo so the art can be bigger.

http://s976.photobucket.com/user/Cal...pscwa.jpg.html

[Steve Rindsberg]

I'm curious to see how the "totally new" ones turn out, but I'd say you've done a great job of keeping the style of the existing beers and having some fun with it. Nice work!

[terrie]

I echo Steve's comment...nicely done!

Keep us posted...


Terrie

[Ronald]

Thanks so much, guys. The positive feedback is highly validating.

I now have the alternative "toned" labels that I'd appreciate feedback on. The brewery owners emphasized trying a simplified label that emphasized pencil art, so here's my attempt. Also note the stitched pocket frame, which echoes the brewery namesake: Backpocket Brewery. I think they're strong designs, but I wonder if the layout of shapes and spacing could be improved.

"Toned" Bottle Labels

[Steve Rindsberg]

I noticed the alternate versions below the ones you linked to, with, for example, just RAYGUN at the top instead of RAYGUN IPA. It makes the product name pop out more.

Would the client go for those if you also included the IPA/CITRA PILSNER text on the "pocket", below the top line of stitching or in larger letters beneath the main image?

[Ronald]

Originally Posted by Steve Rindsberg

I noticed the alternate versions below the ones you linked to, with, for example, just RAYGUN at the top instead of RAYGUN IPA. It makes the product name pop out more.

Would the client go for those if you also included the IPA/CITRA PILSNER text on the "pocket", below the top line of stitching or in larger letters beneath the main image?

Thanks, Steve. Something as short as "IPA" is hard to incorporate horizontally on it's own. I had people suggest that I include IPA/Citra Pilsner, and they're often included right in the beer names when being discussed, so I just did that. I've also been frequently told the brewery logo should be included, so I've since made two variations with it. I think it helps fill out the overall design:

http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/a...psbbhtafd8.png

These have to be sent in today, so I'm trying to pin down a final version within the next few hours. Thanks again for all your feedback.

[terrie]

With the second set of options, I think I prefer the top one with the "Backpocket" at the top of the label...


Do keep us posted! '-}}



Terrie

[Steve Rindsberg]

The ones with "Back pocket" at top and the name of the brew "on the pocket". No question. In what passes for my mind, anyhow.

[terrie]

Great minds...'-}}



Terrie

[Steve Rindsberg]

Originally Posted by terrie

Great minds...'-}}



Terrie

Or what's left of 'em.