This academic project explores the design of labels for fictional craft beer brand, Nautilus, a brand inspired by a family history connected to the working class of the late 19th century.
My proposal focuses on translating that heritage into an attractive and contemporary visual identity, with references to steampunk, metallic textures, and the use of oxidized copper as a unifying element. The isotype pays tribute to Pepín Almansa, a fictional character and creator of the original recipe, reinforcing the narrative of tradition and craftmanship.
The result is an eye-catching and coherent label that conveys the essence of the brand, standing out in a saturated market and connecting with a young-adult audience seeking authenticity in craft products.
The development began with a brand briefing that outlined the brand's historical inspiration, set in a steampunk aesthetic.
From there, I worked with mood boards and sketches to translate the ideas of gears, metallic textures, and oxidized copper into a visual language that evoked the industrial revolution and the origins of the recipe.
The label combines a circular isotype with gears, framing the silhouette of Pepín, the fictional founder of the brand, along with a custom typeface to give “Nautilus” a unique personality.
The use of copper as the main color, accompanied by warm tones and turquoise contrasts, reinforces the concept of industrial nostalgia and connects it with the target audience.
The result is a set of three labels (front, neck, and information) that work harmoniously: the front label provides immediate visual impact, the neck label reinforces the branding, and the back label provides all the necessary information in a clear and legible manner.
This project focused not only on aesthetics, but also on functionality and production, choosing water-resistant materials and metallic finishes that convey craftsmanship and differentiation on the shelf.
This project focused not only on aesthetics, but also on functionality and production, using water-resistant materials and metallic finishes that convey craftsmanship and differentiation on the shelf.
The label
The front label is the main element of the design: the first impression that consumers receive.
In this project, it was conceived as an immediate visual impact, capable of conveying the artisanal tradition of Nautilus while standing out in a market full of competing products.
The circular isotype functions as a cogwheel framing the silhouette of Pepín Almansa, a fictional character who created the recipe, equipped with a miner's helmet and goggles. This feature connects directly to the brand's working-class origins and reinforces the steampunk aesthetic.
The use of metallic copper in contrast to warm backgrounds and clear typography adds personality and strength, while the shape of the label ensures comfortable, straightforward reading without needing to turn the bottle, allowing consumers to identify the product at a glance.
The back label is designed to complement the overall look and functionality, providing all the mandatory information without detracting from the appeal of the packaging.
The warm, artisanal aesthetic of Nautilus is maintained, with the same palette of copper tones and metallic finishes, achieving a seamless integration with the front label.
Its composition seeks a clear visual hierarchy, where the data, ingredients, volume, alcohol content, best-before date, and batch number are distributed in a balanced and legible manner.
Special care has been taken with the Arial font, chosen for its readability in small sizes, and the placement of the barcode and regulatory seals, arranged in a white box to ensure contrast and visibility.
Beyond its informative function, this label reinforces the brand identity: order, clarity, and authenticity. Overall, it helps Nautilus project a professional, consistent, and artisanal image, maintaining the connection between tradition and contemporary design.