Ayr College students brew up design ideas

Jun 12 2009 by Stuart Wilson

STUDENTS at Ayr College are brewing up something different to end their academic year.

The HND Visual Communication class are lending their talents to the launch of Ayr’s first and only microbrewery.

The five students are competing against each other to design the beer font labels for Ayr brewery’s three locally-produced ales.

And the brand new microbrewery should have its first brews ready in July.

Anthony Valenti, of Ayr Brewing Company, revealed: “We are producing three different ales – a pale session ale, a premium bitter and a dark ale, which will be available at first in the Glenpark Hotel.

“The Glenpark Hotel has a reputation for selling quality ales, so this really is an exciting time.

“The ales will be named after characters from the poetry of Burns: Jolly Beggars, Leezie Lundie and Towzie Tyke.

“We wanted to keep a link with the local area and reflect our heritage. I am delighted that the students at Ayr College are designing the beer fonts for our new ales.”

Peter McClurg, graphic design lecturer, added: “The students have researched the various characters from Burns which are the namesakes of the ales, looked at the branding that’s already out there on other similar products, and are now at the final stages of their designs.

“This is an excellent opportunity for students to be involved with a real product and a real client. No doubt some sampling will be required.

“We’re always on the lookout for live briefs for our students. It gives them a taste of what working in the industry will be like and familiarises them with the process.

“The students have produced fantastic work for this brief at a very busy time of year – the standard was so high that I have been able to incorporate the project into their course work.”