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Every label tells a story…. Here’s the artist’s story

As long as I can remember, I have been passionate about both the visual and performing arts. I grew up in a small town in the Adirondack mountains of upstate NY, and if I wasn’t outside exploring, I was drawing, crafting, or making music. After earning a B.A. in Liberal Arts and spending a decade dabbling in the music field, I focused my attention on Graphic Arts and became a freelance designer. Though my work output focuses on digital illustration, I love all aspects of the design process, from mind-mapping to sketching to color studies and typography.

Three years ago, I became the Creative Director at Common Roots Brewing Company. In this role, I worked closely with the owners and creative team to streamline our brand strategy for marketing materials and beer packaging. Over time, we developed an illustrated landscape style which is inspired by vintage National Park posters. This work is particularly rewarding for me, as I am able to integrate the Adirondack vistas so near and dear to my heart into the label designs. When developing the recipe for this mid-winter Double IPA, the brew team selected a grain bill and hops that would impart a soft, full-body and robust flavor profile. When designing the label for Big Cozy, my mind immediately went to a cherished family cabin in Brant Lake, NY. I think that many of us hold places in our hearts filled with warm memories of family and friends. This beer is intended to evoke those cozy moments.

The completed label incorporating the artwork

The art, can, label, and caption as part of the CANVAS exhibit

Artist Jess Mead

meadj.myportfolio.com/

The labeled can

For our 45^th anniversary, we created an exhibit entitled “CANVAS” celebrating the art of the can…. Or more specifically, the label art ON the cans of our beer-brewing customers. More about CANVAS

Amherst Label founded 1978 More