The Big Picture

The art of the can photographed by Rob Vanderplank

Art matters. Labels matter. For a good century, brewers have understood the benefits of a nice bottle, bottle label and pump clip, often employing world-class illustrators and artists to make them. Just look at the artwork on the old William Younger’s and Guinness labels. Plus, the Bass Red Triangle was, of course, the first registered trademark. Breweries have long understood branding.

Yet in the brave new world of craft beer, the design of bottles, pump clips, and especially cans, can be elevated to something beyond branding. At its best, it’s a canvas for artists, illustrators and designers. Just look at this Unfiltered Lager can from And Union. It’s beautifully simple, yet tactile. We love it (what’s inside

The Big Picture

The art of the can photographed by Rob Vanderplank

Art matters. Labels matter. For a good century, brewers have understood the benefits of a nice bottle, bottle label and pump clip, often employing world-class illustrators and artists to make them. Just look at the artwork on the old William Younger’s and Guinness labels. Plus, the Bass Red Triangle was, of course, the first registered trademark. Breweries have long understood branding.

Yet in the brave new world of craft beer, the design of bottles, pump clips, and especially cans, can be elevated to something beyond branding. At its best, it’s a canvas for artists, illustrators and designers. Just look at this Unfiltered Lager can from And Union. It’s beautifully simple, yet tactile. We love it (what’s inside is pretty special too).

Photographed for Hoptical on January, 6 2017 by Rob Vanderplank.

 

 

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