Tamdhu was originally born on the banks of the River Spey

Steven Bonner has recently finished a drinks packaging re-brand for an iconic whisky label, Tamdhu.

The label oozes heritage, born originally on the banks of the River Spey in 1897. It ran for over one hundred years until outside influences forced it’s grave closure. However, the good news is that the popularity of the label prevailed and back in 2012 distillery was re-opened and thus Tamdhu was re-born. But it needed a new look. This is the part where Steven Bonner was able to turn his skilled hand to a brand that deserved the very best design and art direction.

via Tamdhu was originally born on the banks of the River Spey | blog | jelly illustration | jelly.

 

Pears and Honey for Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky

Computer Arts Mag have published a behind the scenes article on Steven Bonner.

“The Scottish illustrator brought pears, honey and more to life and created a bespoke typeface to boot in this thirst-quenching project for Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky. Award-winning illustrator Steven Bonner worked with digital agency Work Club to design an illustrated animation and typeface for Ballantine’s 12 Year Old, a premium Scotch Whisky. Briefed to illustrate the seven main tasting notes – vanilla, cream, clementine, berries, oak, pear and honey – as illuminated letters, Bonner treated each as an “exercise in expressive drawing”, with each letter telling the story of its own flavour.”

via Pears and Honey for Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky | blog | jelly illustration | jelly.

 

Becoming a successful illustrator

Steve Simpson has been commissioned to illustrate this vibrant and enthralling book jacket for ‘Becoming a Successful Illustrator’ By Derek Brazell and Jo Davies which is available to buy in May.

We thought this was an interesting subject. So we asked Steve all about it and here is what he said:

“This was a really great project to work on. The deadline was tight but I was given a fair amount of creative freedom, however there were a few technical restrictions; the position of the logos, the white vertical band and the size of the title box. I built my illustration around these fixed elements. My first thought was to make the title box into a portfolio case. Once I’d added a handle, the hand, arm and figure fell into place quite nicely. I like the fact we don’t see the head. Around the AVA logo I drew a box which transformed into the top of a hi-rise building which allowed me to create a whole row of buildings and break into the vertical while band. The wording in the background is taken from the chapter headings.

One issue the editor brought up at the pencil stage was to be sure the busy background didn’t distract too much from the title. I did this by creating the background in grey scale, then colour overlaying the brown-orange-yellow to knock back the background action and a contrasting blue/green box for the title. All the text (apart from the logos) is hand drawn – that means no fonts.”

via Becoming a successful illustrator | blog | jelly illustration | jelly.

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Carmichael calligraphy for Jacksons

Jacksons Estate Agents are undergoing a re-brand to offer their clients a more personable and premium service. As part of this new brand positioning they required some nice typography to deliver their witty messaging.

To capture the essence of their communications they commissioned Alison Carmichael, the calligraphy connoisseur, famous for her huge range of diversity and versatility in hand lettering styles to create quotes like, ‘Jacksons are in danger of giving Estate Agents a good name.’

via Carmichael calligraphy for Jacksons | blog | jelly illustration | jelly.

Adding some flair to flash

Alison Carmichael has been commissioned by Leo Burnett to bring an elegant and feminine twist with her scripted hand-lettering to the end-line of the familiar house hold favourite; Flash Cleaner.

Alison’s type reads, ‘cleans as good as it smells’ and is animated for the spot. This citrus-fresh product will leave any surface sparkling and likewise, Alison’s lovely lettering makes any campaign sparkle.

via Adding some flair to flash | blog | jelly illustration | jelly.