Brand New published a review of the CoastWise packaging design that has us smiling from ear to ear.
Launched in 2017, MiresBall had the privilege of designing the craft beer packaging for CoastWise Session IPA.
The craft beer is by San Diego, CA-based Coronado Brewing Company in collaboration with San Clemente, CA-based Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the ocean.
We chose the name CoastWise for its meaning, “following the coast,” which gives a nod to both brands.
Created by MiresBall Associate Creative Director Miguel Pérez and Senior Designer Shawn Ritzenthaler, the packaging features playful lettering and an illustration inspired by a sea-protecting Poseidon, giving the can a whimsical aura.
I love how it’s a very unique, graphic interpretation that looks almost like Pixar-level character exploration work.
Armin Vit, Brand New
Poseidon is paired with scribbled, surfer-vibe script lettering that keeps the aesthetic fun and loose while establishing an unexpected Yin and Yang of type and image that works beautifully on cans and boxes, Vit says.
“One of the most impressive things about the packaging system is that everything is done in a single color but by modulating the size relationships between lettering and illustration, there is a great sense of variety throughout the applications.”
Comments from the design community on the craft beer packaging
Not usually an easy crowd to please, the Brand New community reached out with multiple favorable comments.
“I love this,” Ian Philip said. “It has great clarity and economy of thought, yet with enough variation to be really interesting. Makes such a welcome break from that Craft Brewing look that’s been so in vogue for the last few years.”
Another commenter, Philip Pietri, said, “I like the simplicity of this. The illustration is charming and distinct. It looks especially nice on the pint glass.”
“The single color design is refreshing, pun intended,” commented Corey Kent. “Might have been nice with a sans serif used sparingly to cut back on the amount of script. Nicely done, though. Oh, and I think 5% is a little high for a session ipa (sic)!”
“My distaste for IPAs just met its exception. I’m swooning,” iTheodore wrote.
With proceeds going to support the care of the coastline, we are also swooning over this craft beer. We designed the packaging with the goal to make an impact on the environment and on the shelf.
CoastWise interactive stack posted by Brand New member Tyler Barnes, who said, “The interactive stack is in right now. It’s certainly is fun and I can appreciate the hand illustration and type.”
Read the full review from Brand New. And then view more kudos for CoastWise from Communication Arts.