THE CHALLENGE
Matron Fine Beer was entering a crowded craft market full of loud cans and short-lived trends. The brewery wanted the opposite. Something timeless, not trendy. Honest and approachable, just like their beer.
The identity needed to signal trust, quality, and a sense of place from the first glance on the shelf.
MY ROLE
I co-led the brand and packaging design with my wife, working closely with the founders to bring their vision to life. Together we built a consistent, systematic identity (excluding the logo) that could scale as the brewery grew.
• Cohesive brand system
• Packaging with a unified voice
• Simple colour shifts to differentiate beer varieties
• Visual identity across glassware, merch, and digital
• Clear, approachable design that worked everywhere
THE OUTCOME
Matron launched with a brand that felt confident from day one. The cans form a recognizable block on shelf, the collateral feels authentic, and the overall system is easy for the brewery to manage as they release new beers.
It was a fun creative partnership with family, friends, and founders. Straightforward, honest, effective. A timeless foundation that still holds up as Matron has grown into one of Ontario’s most beloved craft breweries.
TESTIMONIAL
I’ve worked with and managed many designers over the years, and choosing Neil was an easy decision. He’s communicative, thoughtful, professional, and undeniably talented. He nailed our branding and continues to deliver on every project. We’re proud of what he’s created for us.