Flora Hall's Oatmeal Stout

My primary source of inspiration for this project came from Stranger and Stranger, an international packaging agency specialized in alcohol packaging. Additionally, Victorian posters influenced my approach to typography, bringing a certain elegance to the design. This project provided the perfect opportunity to apply my newly acquired skills in research and illustration, allowing me to dive deep into Ottawa's captivating history and channel that knowledge into the initial concept.

Firstly, I dived into a thorough exploration of ideas. Throughout the project, I created eight pages of sketches, including a range of imagery that embodied Ottawa's heritage, incorporating elements like the iconic canal and logging boats. To ensure precision and authenticity, I paid a visit to the Bytown Museum, gathering additional materials and references to ensure my design had a genuine sense of historical context.

After analyzing my initial sketches, I proceeded to a selection process to identify the most impactful design. Through my "last man standing cage match," I narrowed down the options to two choices: a depiction of a lumberman and a red plaid pattern. Given the objective of celebrating Canada Day in Ottawa, it felt fitting to incorporate the symbol of Canada—the red plaid pattern—to pay homage to the diligent workers who played a crucial role in building the city.

This project provided a valuable opportunity for me to explore and develop my newfound expertise in intensive research and constant hand-drawn sketches. It equipped me with a deeper understanding of the creative process, the importance of historical context and the effective integration of research and illustration.