Tapping Into Branding
Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to explore beer branding through local competitions and a project at YDM, where I led the branding and illustration for North Carolina’s first-of-its-kind beer.
Beer branding allows me to exercise creative freedom, translating bold ideas into engaging product packaging. I enjoy the challenge of crafting designs that not only capture attention but also resonate with an audience, influencing their choice to pick up a drink based on the story my design tells.
QC Water/Charlotte Water
Renew Brew
Services: Graphic Design,
Print, Branding
When Charlotte Water/QC Water launched the "Renew Brew" initiative, they aimed to highlight the sustainability and safety of treated wastewater while creating a memorable brand. YDM was tasked with developing the branding for both QC Water, the reclaimed water brand, and Renew Brew, alongside the beer can design.
The design challenge was to convey sustainability, innovation, and safety while resonating with the community. Renew Brew’s brand uses modern elements with blue hues to represent water and earthy tones for a natural feel. The beer can design, featuring hand-drawn elements, tells the story of Renew Brew and won Best in Show at the QC Brewers Fest.
QCWater & Lenny Boy Brewing Co. CrownBucha
Services: Graphic Design, Branding
CrownBucha was developed in collaboration with QC Water and Lenny Boy Brewing Co. as a refreshed kombucha concept centered on wellness, flavor, and Charlotte’s identity. Using illustrated elements from an existing Lenny Boy design, we reworked and reconfigured the artwork to support Crown Bucha’s story, drawing from Charlotte’s waterways that QC Water purifies, the drink’s raspberry, lemon, and ginger flavors, and the regal influence of the Queen City.
In addition to the label artwork, I designed the full CrownBucha brand, including the logo, supporting graphics, and merchandise used at Lenny Boy events, creating a cohesive system that felt fun, simple, and distinct within the alcohol-free beverage space.
AIGA Charlotte &
Noda Brewery Beer Branding
Services: Graphic Design, Branding
In collaboration with NoDa Brewing Company, AIGA Charlotte presents the return of Beer & Branding, an event that invites designers to create a unique branding package in partnership with local homebrewers. The challenge involves incorporating the beer style, a secret ingredient, local culture, and community to craft something truly engaging. The resulting creations are showcased for both AIGA members and the general public at NoDa Brewing Company.
Over the past three years, I have participated in this event, with each year presenting a fresh and exciting challenge. I enjoyed leveraging my illustration skills, blending them with creative typography and color choices to create designs that truly reflect the essence of each beer.
