We’re incredibly proud to share our latest collaboration with paper artist extraordinaire, Helen Musselwhite, who’s created a captivating key visual for Opihr Gin.
At Handsome Frank we love a challenge, and the expectation was high for this project from the offset. Not only were we asked to create a striking and intricate paper-cut image, but we were also charged with transporting the viewer to the exotic origins of Opihr's botanicals.
The core concept for the Opihr key visual revolved around the idea of using a window motifs as a "portal" to a new and exciting world. This of course perfectly aligns with Opihr's brand, which is inspired by the adventurous spirit of the original Spice Route explorers. The aim was to create a sense of depth and layering, reflecting the brand's tagline: "Let the taste take you there".
The creative process began with Helen's sketching her initial ideas and imagining how it would work as a paper-cut aperture, housing the gin bottle. This approach led her to explore layered illustrations in order to create a sense of depth, drawing people into the world of Opihr. The idea was for the multiple paper-cut layers to add a sense of craft and sophistication to the visual.
Throughout the development, Helen worked closely with the client, sharing progress shots and implementing feedback. She first concentrated on the botanicals and other foreground elements, such as the grapefruit peel and elephants, before moving onto the arches and window layers. The final artwork required careful consideration as to how the bottle would sit within the paper elements, the desire was for the paper to show through the glass and for the gin to appear to be leaping out of the background.
Another careful consideration was the selection of the paper stock. Helen headed to her favourite art shop in London, Stuart R. Stevenson and picked out the perfect stock and colours, from their legendary offering.
Once approved by Opihr, it was time for the photoshoot. Helen has worked with multiple photographers in her career, depending on the requirements of the shoot. On this occasion we chose to partner with Paul Zak, mainly due to his experience with alcohol brands and 'liquid' shoots. Paul's meticulous attention to detail meant that Helen's artwork was lit to perfection, capturing all the details that Helen had painstakingly created.
The brief required both landscape and portrait formats for final deliverables, plus assets for animation. So consideration was given to make sure everything was captured across the two day shoot.
The finished work is a testament to Helen's incredible talent and skill as a paper artist and her ability to envisage a visual and then bring it to life. Her meticulous process, from initial sketches, material selection, through to the final construction, perfectly encapsulates the adventurous and flavourful spirit of Opihr Gin. We couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome and immersive and captivating visuals Helen created.
Client: Quintessential Brands
Brand: Opihr gin
Illustrator (paper-craft): Helen Musselwhite
Illustrator Agent: Tom at Handsome Frank
Photography: Paul Zak
Photography Agent: Katy Niker
Animation: VÂNĂ
