Behind the Label - Tripel Note
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the branding at Starr Hill Brewery with our Marketing & Creative Manager, BJ Swing. This is the sixth post of a weekly series spotlighting the inspiration and process behind our designs. Our last post featured Sonic Haze. If you like what you see, we have released some of our most popular labels as prints on heavy-weight, uncoated poster paper. Every sale supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Starr Hill will match the funds raised. More info below. Be sure to join our newsletter and follow us on social to stay up-to-date with these posts.
BJ Swing, Marketing & Creative Manager
Thursday, October 19, 2023
We've now crafted a six-pack of posts! It's been rewarding to reflect on Starr Hill's history and the brands that I've helped develop. People have reached out to express their appreciation for the series and I'm delighted that these posts are making a connection. Our release schedule can move so fast and older brands can be overshadowed by the attention on newer ones. Once labels are released, I've already moved on to designing art for the next season. Nothing like enjoying the last warm weeks of summer while drawing snowflakes. So it’s been nice to take the time to look back.
I created his project to raise awareness for my Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraiser. I've always enjoyed participating in charity and volunteer work while growing up. That slowed down when my wife and I moved to Virginia, amidst learning about a new area and enduring lockdowns. I'm pleased that I'm part of something that sheds light on this invisible illness, that affects those so young. Starr Hill has always made the effort to be involved in local charity work and giving back to the community, and I'm happy I can do my part. If you purchased a print or donated to my campaign, I am genuinely thankful for your support. If we haven't met yet, I hope we do, and get a chance to share a beer.
Speaking of beer…
Tripel Note was another design, like Sonic Haze, that I came up with while stuck at home. I had to rely on my imagination to see what I could come up with. Like Last Leaf, this design drew inspiration from nature. My workspace has a view of our backyard and patio. The room provides great natural light, and I get to keep an eye on our dog as he explores outside. I worked on this design in the middle of July 2020. During this time, my wife and I spent a lot of time outdoors on our patio. Naturally, we became amateur birdwatchers. (I've also heard this activity accelerates after 30.) I was captivated by the vivid colors of the Bluebirds and was able to spot them all over the yard.
The city skyline on Tripel Note is an allusion to Richmond. The brewery in Richmond had only been open for half a year and was our largest venue at the time. I prepared the label in case we decided to release a large RVA-specific offering. We now have an endless number of special offerings coming from the Richmond brewery, but at the time, production was starting to ramp up. Richmond boasts some beautiful houses tucked into neighborhoods surrounding the downtown area. I admire the Fan District for its walkable layout and the personal approach the owners have to their historical homes.
Two of the three birds on the label are finishing each other's songs with three notes. Calling or answering each other. Like classic guitar riffs, a three-chord song can be more than enough to create a lasting impression.
Inspiration can come from simple places. Whether it's the natural beauty of bluebirds in my backyard, the iconic architecture in Virginia, or the melodies of classic guitar riffs, every element helps tell the story. As a designer, it's been a gratifying journey to weave these narratives into the visual language of Starr Hill's brands. Cheers to art, community, and the simple joys that unite us all.
If you are interested in a print of the "Tripel Note" artwork, they are available in the brewery’s online shop. Your purchase supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. If you would like to learn more or donate to my campaign directly, you can visit https://finest.cff.org/Charlottesville/bjswing.
Have a question or want to drop me a note? You can contact me here.
Cheers!
The sales from this event will be donated directly to the CF Foundation, whose mission is to cure Cystic Fibrosis and provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long fulfilling lives. Funds go directly to support research and drug development. Starr Hill Brewery will also match these proceeds up to $1,500 during this fundraising period.
This fundraiser will end on or before 12/31/2023. This fundraiser is not sponsored or administered by CF Foundation. All rights reserved.
