![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/94402896-b035-413e-97ba-d374905b2b3a/1ecc2192-73f2-43ae-bdbb-28f634bdd7eb_rw_1200.jpg?h=78f3348bbb3cac21d85b0624a0558018)
Photo by @karolmellcanti
Hopfully Brewing Co. is an Irish craft brewery that are passionate about combining the art of brewing with creative visuals. Each of their uniquely complex beers are illustrated by a different artist. Hopfully Brewing co. approached me to help develop a unique label for their 'Sakura’ Cheery blossom themed Single Hop/ Sorachi Ace beer.
Working closely with art director Bey Rodriguez, I created a quirky and cheerful Geisha character to accompany the unique personality of the beer. To heighten the playfulness of the character we introduced an Okame mask, traditionally worn in a performance in Japanese culture. This really helped exaggerate and intensify the fun nature of the product.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/94402896-b035-413e-97ba-d374905b2b3a/8183817a-d235-4c3c-b4d9-f76adcf81d7a_rw_1920.jpg?h=6bfc835a78b8e72a44ef957020e8e1c5)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/94402896-b035-413e-97ba-d374905b2b3a/90b0b7df-cb24-4820-a9b8-a69a5d93cd2e_rw_1920.jpg?h=a1cce2cd8083367f041125ed047ae581)
![Early concept sketch of female samurai warrior character](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/94402896-b035-413e-97ba-d374905b2b3a/3fad0c62-e980-4b71-8c0b-465358c20f78_rw_1920.jpg?h=7c1243de2421e54db45acaf0e27793f6)
Early concept sketch of female samurai warrior character
![Rough Sketch of Geisha](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/94402896-b035-413e-97ba-d374905b2b3a/babc2582-463f-4f80-9d9e-0b9c98815538_rw_1920.jpg?h=7491eb6b6b2f68f1f26f2bbd8a690d8d)
Rough Sketch of Geisha
![Early sketches exploring a variety of approaches to Geisha Character](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/94402896-b035-413e-97ba-d374905b2b3a/d10c1c4e-295a-4593-a00f-c1bca7b3a38c_rw_3840.jpg?h=af08e5a931a14a36273a98cf81f81f0c)
Early sketches exploring a variety of approaches to Geisha Character
Above: early work in progress sketches of geisha/ warrior characters
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/94402896-b035-413e-97ba-d374905b2b3a/7b51c613-932b-4b91-a3aa-47e64d4a4450_rw_1920.jpg?h=94192a82426ba00bce55938c0b64acee)
Hopfully Brewing Co. range including Sakura can design. Art director: Bey Rodriguez