Say Hi to Flower Sours
This is Flower Sours, a sour beer design study based out of Vancouver, B.C. Flower Sours draws inspiration from the vibrant and free-spirited atmosphere of the 1960s. The era's bold use of colors, psychedelic patterns, and flower power movement serves as the foundation for the compelling design.
The goal in this project was to evoke a sense of nostalgia while celebrating the unique and refreshing nature of sour beers. The target audience for this brand is people 19-30 years old. Sour beers are becoming increasingly popular for this generation because of their refreshing and vibrant taste. I chose a 60’s theme because this era is becoming popular among Gen Z/millennials with its vibrant nature, especially regarding music and fashion.
Flower Sours has four unique flavours deriving from natural florals such as “Cherry Blossom”, “ Elderflower”, “Blue Borage” and “Violet Lavender”. Each Flower Sours can design is adorned with a single focal colour that serves as the backdrop for the simple floral pattern. This deliberate choice not only pays homage to the aesthetics of the 1960s but also allows consumers to visually distinguish between the flavors at a glance. For the main brand colours I chose Blue, Orange Pink and Purple and used different values for each to contrast different design elements.
For the logo, I chose to do a wordmark. Due to the cans curvilinear shape, it can be placed inside a simple flower graphic or can be effective as a stand-alone graphic. While the typography is experimental, it's also consistent across the Flower Sours brand. The flowy nature of the letters maintains a sense of playfulness, yet the overall consistency ensures that the message is conveyed with clarity. It's a delicate balance of chaos and order, much like the spirited balance of sour and floral notes in the beer.
Each can share a unified layout. This deliberate strategy showcases a family resemblance while still giving each flavour its moment in the spotlight. Each can has its own unique flair, a visual story told through the distinct floral pattern and color scheme. It maintains the unity of the brand while celebrating the individuality of each beer.
For the advertisement and social media, I wanted to showcase the natural world from which the beers derive from. I added a simple picture of a flower field as the backdrop with one of the cans in the spotlight to maintain focus on the product itself. For the brand's merchandise, I created functional items the target audience would use/wear such as a five-panel hat, a t-shirt, a tote bag and coasters. I wanted to make the merch as simple as possible, just showcasing the logo and the brand's colour pallet.
through this project, I gained a deeper understanding of how to create harmonious designs using a limited color palette. Experimenting with monochromatic schemes allowed me to explore the subtleties of color variation. Working with a single color forced me to consider the role of contrast in design. I learned how to use variations in tone, texture, and scale to create visual interest and hierarchy within the composition, ensuring that important elements stand out without the need for additional colors.
One of the key takeaways from this project was the importance of striking a balance between creativity and functionality. While it's essential to push creative boundaries, it's equally important to ensure that the logo remains legible and effectively communicates the brand's identity and values.
Illustrator | Photoshop | Branding | Illustration | Packaging Design