Custom Illustrated Beer Labels That Stand Out
- Troy Designs
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Huff McGruff x YEPP Brewing Co. - Custom illustrated beer label design
In a world overflowing with craft beer options, shelf impact is everything. At Troy Designs Studio, we specialise in creating custom illustrated beer labels that don’t just catch the eye—they tell a story, spark emotion, and sell beer.
One of our latest projects brought together character, creativity, and craft brewing in a unique and engaging way. Meet Huff McGruff—YEPP Brewing Co.'s much-loved sausage dog, now starring on their newest beer label in a full wrap-around custom illustration.
Illustrated Labels with Maximum Shelf Impact
Craft beer is a competitive space. With so many great breweries producing amazing beers, the label can often be the difference between getting picked up or passed over. That’s why we focus on custom illustrations—designed to be bold, original, and unmistakably unique.
For this project, the goal was to create a label that felt personal to the brand while bringing a fun, illustrated character to life. We wanted Huff McGruff to be more than just a mascot—we wanted him to own the can. So we made him wrap around it entirely, giving the label a 360° personality.
The Design Process – From iPad to Can
Using Adobe Fresco on iPad, we started the label with loose sketch pencil lines to capture the character and pose of Huff McGruff. Once the concept was locked in, we switched to vector pen tools to create clean, scalable outlines perfect for print. The result? Crisp, high-resolution artwork that holds up whether it’s on a 355ml can or a giant poster.
Colouring was done with Huff McGruff colour scheme from the supplied photo to make the artwork pop both on the shelf and in the fridge.
Why Custom Illustration Works
A custom beer label design goes beyond good looks. It creates:
Brand memorability – Characters and stories make your beer more relatable.
Social engagement – People love to share labels that make them smile.
Shelf stopping power – Illustrated designs help your product stand out, not blend in.
Whether it's a flagship release or a limited edition run, your beer deserves a label that captures its personality.
My Process for Craft Brewery Label Design
Brand Discovery – I learn your brewery’s story, your ideal drinker, and what makes you different.
Concept Sketching – On iPad with Adobe Fresco, using a pencil brush to explore poses, compositions, and ideas.
Vector Illustration – Clean, scalable lines are created with the vector pen tool, ideal for high-quality printing.
Colour & Texture – Using layered techniques for shading, vibrancy, and detail to give your label depth and dimension.
Final Setup for Print – Ensuring your label is press-ready and fits your can template like a glove.
Let’s Create Something Legendary
From character-based concepts to detailed illustrated scenes, Troy Designs Studio can help you bring your next beer label to life. If you’re a craft brewery looking to launch a new release or refresh your core range, we’re ready to sketch, ink, and illustrate your vision—digitally crafted and print-perfect.
Get in touch to start your custom beer label journey.
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