Rockliffe Airport Beer Cans

Selecting a local brewery which went with the theme I hadchosen was very easy when the research began, selecting VIMY Brewing Co, havingpersonal connections to the military it was clear that was the brewery.Developing a story also was not easy, having an interest in history, which Ottawais liberally steeped in, I wanted to find something that no one else could havepicked besides me. Easy enough, Airplanes were where I “landed,” and the Rockliffeairport, the oldest airport in Ottawa, I selected two stories which were unitedin past and present. 412 Squadron was a Canadian fighter squadron during the SecondWorld War which went on to gain many flying honours and legendary stories, aninteresting one being shooting up Erwin Rommel’s staff car. The second was the AviationEngineering and Technology Establishment (AETE) this was essentially theaviation testing group for Canada beginning back before the First World War.Some of the first things they were testing were fog lamps for landing, fuelmixtures for flying in the cold and asbestos fireproof suits (this can be seenon the can). Highlighting the iconic aircraft themselves was important to me, sousing photographic references and incorporating the airport’s evolution.

This project’s open-ended nature made it both exciting and creatively freeing. With guidance but no strict constraints, I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of ideas and visual styles. The flexibility allowed for experimentation and innovation, making the process highly enjoyable. It also became a strong portfolio piece, showcasing my ability to develop unique concepts within a broad creative scope.