Beer + Design | Omnipollo Illustrations

I've been meaning to share these beer labels by Omnipollo ever since I stumbled across them in a dusty old beer + wine store in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, last summer, but for some reason they just got pushed back. As I look over them again the same thoughts pass through my head as they did previously - "You don't see this every day...I wonder what they taste like?"

Each one of Omnipollo's beers takes on characteristics of its own; by using different breweries from across the world to create a unique taste. Each bottle takes on a colourful, pleasing and somewhat surreal theme. I can only imagine that if they taste as complex as they look then these are sure to be showstoppers. Each design has been created by the company's Swedish brewer + artist Karl Grandin. Now, let's hunt some down?

See more of Omnipollo's designs here. See more packaging post here.

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Beer + Design | Big Belly Band

"Life is too short to drink cheap beer"

Drinking beer often results in a belly, but drinking great beer always is money well spent. Following an inspired visit to the Guinness Storehouse (see our visit here), Dublin in 2011, Daniele Simonelli + friends set their minds to creating their own 100% handcrafted beer, resulting in this homebrewing + branding project; Big Belly Band. 

I think they did a smashing job, and no doubt it will inspire many others to give it a shot themselves. It sure is sending beery ideals whizzing around my head, one for a future project...

Originally seen on Oh Beautiful Beer. See more packaging post here.

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Shine Craft Vessel Co. Beer Growlers

Instantly the Shine Craft Vessel Co. reminds me of why I'd love to spend more time across the pond, and also of blog like Shhhhh, In Honor of Design, Cork Grips + To Adventure. Makes me want to get myself in gear and try to find work across the pond. A dream. Anyone want me?

Shine Craft Vessell Co. make modern-day beer "Growlers" – originally named for the rumbling noise that the stopper makes when beer sloshes around in them – for people who like an adventure and enjoy good beer. Shine's take on an age-old commodity was an instant hit in the right circles, since opening for business in early 2014. Each 64 oz. Growler has been designed and made in Virginia, US, keeping every part of production within the local community - with a percentage of each sale going to the NSAC.

I can't say I've been in the position to regularly transport much beer, but with a road trip looming and with a strong affection to Shine's simple, colourful and practical design, I definitely think they would make the perfect travel companion. Swig of beer for the working man!

Shine Craft Vessell Co. Growlers available here.

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Good Things #5 | Backpacks, Branding + More

It's been a while since I've done a round-up post of all "Good Things" so I thought I'd bring it back and show a little love to the things I'm enjoying at the moment from around the web.

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Converse 1970's 3-Panel - I've been on board the Converse 1970's gravy train for a while now, and for good reason. They're superior in comfort, have a bunch of original features and the materials used feel a little more considered + durable. END have just got the Converse 3-Panel 1970 version in Red, White + Blue. I was thinking USA but Nik seems to think they're a homage to the Tour de France.

3D Printed Bowls - These bowls by Digital Natives have been created using a 3-D printer, actually being created a couple of years ago, which just goes so show how advanced the technology was. Imagine what we'll be creating in five years time?

Lost Toon's City - This branding project for a nostalgic theme park concept entitled, "Lost Toon's City", inspired by the golden age of animation. Can't stop looking at the project, it's so well done and right up my alley.

Fjallraven Rucksack No.21 - Over the years I've gone through a ton of backpacks, which I put down to inferior fabrics and skipping corners construction techniques. Any bag I buy needs to be able to take a weight, be made from water resistant fabric and have oodles of compartments. It's best to turn to the outdoor folks (even though you're in the city) with experience in the field, like Fjallraven. The Fjallraven Rucksack No.21 ticks all the boxes, plus it comes with space for your laptop, removable seat pad + pretty much any weather condition.

Designs of the Year 2014 - We're heading back to London in a couple of weeks, and one thing I'm really looking forward to is visiting Designs of the Year 2014 exhibition at the Design Museum. Pictured here is the LEGO Calendar, which helps colleagues organised their week, working both on and offline with iCloud technology.

Beavertown Gamma Ray Beer - Yep you guess it, I was drawn to this stuff because of the design. I'm glad we tried it though as Beavertown's Gamma Ray was an absolute treat. Their other beers look just as mental too, with crazy illustrations over the cans. If Gamma Ray is anything to go by then they're all be worth the money.

Mamnick Lite Socks - I've been getting into cycling more and more of late, so I think it's about time I actually looked the part. This new release by Mamnick could be the first step, literally.

What's floating your boat currently? 

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Avendano's Deli by Jessica Giboin

Re-branding project for a San Francisco based butchers, Avedano's Deli by design graduate Jessica Giboin. One of the best identity projects I've seen in a while and it's sure making me want to visit.

For more information on the project visit here.

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A Visit To...Raw Creative Agency

Raw Design Agency. Islington Mill, Salford, Manchester.

On one of the hottest days of the year so far, just a few weeks ago I headed down to Manchester to pay a visit to the Raw studios. Raw are a Creative Design Agency based in Islington Mill, a converted Victorian Mill, which houses masses of studio space for local designers and artists to use as work space and hold visual art exhibitions.

After a few wrong turns here and there, we found our way through the backstreets of Salford, finally arriving at the mill which is located about 5 minutes from Manchester city centre. After a brief background into the type of work Raw have been creating for the past few years I was able to go for a nosey around their studios, with my finger on the trigger. The spacious studio was packed with graphic, design and branding inspiration as well as previous design projects and lots of funny collectables and keepsakes (always good to see!).

Thanks to the whole Raw team for inviting me down to their offices. Find out  more about what Raw do and examples of their work here.

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Harry's - Give A Shave

 Shaving stuff and razors cost a bomb these days, they really do. I've always fancied one of those razors with the a bone handle but never committed to saving for one. If you want something that looks nice and is extremely affordable you don't need to look much further than Harry's. The Winston Set pictured above features their aluminum handle and costs $25.

All their products are cheap as chips plus they actually give a damn. With their "Give A Shave" incentive  every purchase made from the store Harry's will donate one blade (or the equivalent monetary value) to an organisation that supports their mission to help the greater good.

For more about Harry's and their incentive check out their lovely website here.

Enjoy your weekend guys!

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Loveland Aleworks / Bank Holiday

It's Bank Holiday Weekend across the UK and that can only mean one thing, beer. Yes lovely lovely beer. It's the time where most people get an extra long weekend but everyone working in retail is still stuck behind the tills, I'm used to it now. I'll just be making the most of it when the clock hits 4:30, Sunday afternoon.

With beer in mind today feels like a good time to share Loveland Aleworks and some great branding by San Fran design agency Manual. Loveland are an independent microbrewery based in Colorado; Manual created the identity for the company through the vision its owner and the city's historical past as a railroad town. The taps above, which can be found in their "tasting room" are inspired by original 19th century railway signal levers. It's fair to say I'd like to drink some ale from a growler, all aboard!

What plans have you got for the weekend? Mine will mostly involve cycling and beer. Enjoy your long weekend guys, let's hope the weather holds out!

For more info and images from the project click here

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Human Made x Coca Cola

Always Coca-Cola. You can find this very small and collection (5 pieces in total) of original Coca-Cola printed t shirts at Present. They've been created by Human Made on premium cotton Beams white t-shirts, really limited numbers so when they're gone they're gone. These are definitely for advertising collectors out there but I'm sure most people can appreciate how powerful a bit of branding is.

Human Made x Coca-Cola at Present.

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