The Decatur Craft Beer Festival committee announced this week that Lenz Art Director Ben Barnes’ design was selected as the 2013 official logo. His design will appear on all of the festival’s merchandise, from souvenir t-shirts to tasting glasses.
Richard J. Lenz, president/CEO of Lenz, encouraged Barnes to apply for the contest. Lenz has a history of supporting Decatur festivals and events, including past Decatur Beer Festivals, Wine Festivals, Arts Festivals, and Book Festivals. This year, Lenz felt that his company had something to offer for the upcoming Beer Festival.
To make the logo for the contest, Barnes had to create a design that would include “The Decatur Craft Beer Festival 2013” and of course, capture the spirit of Decatur.
“The most important aspect to me in designing the festival’s logo was to make sure that it paid homage to Decatur’s unique personality,” Barnes said.
“I wanted to bring to life the experience of drinking beer rather than just the aesthetic of the logo,” Barnes added. “And part of graphic design means realizing that the core of a good identity speaks to the brand without having to explain itself.”
He began with an idea based on the shape of a pint glass and worked to modify the design to add a special Decatur flavor, but he also wanted to keep it simple.
“So then I thought, ‘how can I convey the idea of the glass without literally showing the glass?’” Barnes said.
After much work, he achieved the perfect combination. This year’s logo features a coaster with a stained circle of beer—an interesting take on a classic idea.
“His final design took blood, sweat, and beers,” Lenz Creative Director Cameron Spivey joked. “But in all seriousness, Ben came up with a great solution, and we are very proud.”
This year’s Decatur Craft Beer Festival will be held on October 19, from 12-5 p.m. on the Decatur Square. Admission is $40 per person, which includes a commemorative tasting glass with Barnes’ design. Tickets go on sale Monday, September 16, at 12 p.m. through Ticket Alternative.