Welkin Brewery
PROJECT TYPE
Self Initiated branding & Bottle Design
PROJECT YEAR
2025
Welkin Brewery is a fictional ale brewery based in Dedham, Essex. Their identity and first beer series draw inspiration from John Constable’s cloud studies, which were painted in and around the same landscape the brewery calls home. The brand combines this artistic heritage with a bold, contemporary look suitable for modern beer shelves and bottle formats.
The logo I have designed brings together sky, craft, and place through a simple yet symbolically rich form. Its dome-like silhouette and internal spiral echo the curvature and movement of the sky. At the same time, the mark hints at the shape of a fingerprint, reflecting the individuality and care of the brewer’s hand.
The logo is drawn freehand, giving it the warmth of something made rather than manufactured. This gesture strengthens the brand’s craft ethos while lending a modern graphic character. Yet it also feels timeless its spiral and dome shapes have the resonance of motifs found in ancient cultures and early markings from the landscape around Dedham. This lightly historical undertone connects Welkin to the deep human relationship with sky, land, and making.
The spiral element of the logo can be used as a submark. This is particularly useful for small or rounded spaces like bottle caps or beermats. The spiral can also be subtly referenced in other materials like the background of packaging for instance.
The bottle designs draw directly from John Constable’s legacy by using high-res public domain images of his sky studies as atmospheric backdrops. These paintings give each label a sense of depth and authenticity, linking the beer to the Dedham landscape and the artistic tradition that inspired the brand.
Bold modern lettering creates a striking contrast between heritage and contemporary design. Each beer features a subtle tint chosen to reflect the character of its style. This approach gives the series a coherent visual identity while allowing each bottle to remain distinctive.
To achieve strong shelf presence, the typography uses analogous colours that compliment but contrast the background. This creates visual harmony while still ensuring that the lettering stands out clearly. The type also incorporates a soft transparent glow, allowing the texture of brushstrokes to remain visible beneath.
