Design and Process
Premium rye whiskey Branding
Label design created for Old Sinner Rye Whiskey, an 8-year-aged premium product, combining dark storytelling with refined heritage aesthetics. The centerpiece of the label is a hand-drawn portrait of Jacob Sinner, inspired by traditional engraved portraits and cross-hatching techniques, framed within a vintage crest enriched with Victorian-inspired ornamentation. A custom stamp and a reconstructed signature of Jacob Sinner were created as supporting brand assets, extending the identity beyond the bottle itself. The visual language was further extended through the design of a product packaging, adapting the core elements of the label into a cohesive system. The project explores how these elements come together across different brand applications to create a distinctive brand identity.
The creative process began with a detailed hand-drawn sketch of Jacob Sinner, focusing on capturing the character, expression, and personality of the figure.
The illustration was then redrawn and rebuilt as a vector artwork, with every line manually crafted and inspired by traditional cross-hatching techniques.
This approach allowed the final artwork to preserve the authenticity and organic qualities of hand-drawn illustration while achieving the precision
and flexibility required for different brand applications.
With the portrait established, the label was designed around the central crest, balancing typography, ornamentation, and composition to achieve a timeless heritage aesthetic.
Victorian-inspired details were carefully integrated throughout the design to reinforce the premium character of the whiskey while maintaining a clear visual hierarchy.
The same visual language was extended to the presentation box, where the crest, typography, and ornamental elements were adapted into a refined packaging design
that complements the bottle and enhances the overall brand experience.
Additional brand assets were developed to further extend the identity beyond the label itself. A custom stamp was created for secondary applications, while a reconstructed
signature of Jacob Sinner added a personal and authentic touch to the brand story. Together, these elements create a cohesive visual identity that can adapt across different
brand applications while maintaining the heritage-inspired character of Old Sinner.
The smallest details often leave the strongest impression. From custom illustrations and typography to carefully refined ornaments and finishing
touches, every element contributes to a richer story and a more memorable brand experience.
If you're looking to create packaging that feels as distinctive as the product itself, I'd love to hear your ideas.