We recently connected with Philip and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Philip, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
I began my college education at Temple University, initially pursuing a degree in liberal arts. However, after a semester, I felt creatively unfulfilled and decided to transfer to the University of the Arts, where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts. Like many artists, I had dreams of making a living from my talent, but pursuing a career in the arts always felt like a huge risk. The term “starving artist” was often mentioned when I shared my aspirations, and I saw friends and family either thriving in their artistic careers or stuck in unfulfilling jobs that didn’t allow them to fully utilize their talents.
Leaving a prestigious university to attend art school was a significant leap, especially since I tend to be risk-averse by nature. But deep down, I knew it was the path that had the potential to bring me the most joy. Taking that risk and embracing my purpose has brought me immeasurable fulfillment, and I can’t imagine navigating adulthood without this creative outlet. The skills and experiences I gained during my time at UArts have undoubtedly shaped who I am today and prepared me for the journey I’m on.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Philip, and I specialize in creating custom beer label designs and branding that help my clients’ products stand out on the shelves. With a focus on storytelling, I work closely with breweries to create artwork that reflects both the unique flavors of their beers and the essence of their company.
I entered the world of beer design in 2019 when a mock beer can label I created and shared on Instagram caught the eye of a brewery owner. He asked if I was “up for freelance design.” A month later, my first official beer label, “Squad Goals,” was released at Saints Row Brewing. After a few more collaborations with Tony at Saints Row, I started approaching other local microbreweries with my designs. It didn’t take long before I began receiving commissioned work from other breweries.
One of the turning points in my career came when I started working with Dan and Nick from Full Tilt Brewing. Collaborating with them really helped me find my niche in the industry, blending my sense of humor with my illustrations. Their ideas pushed me to be more creative and led to some of my favorite designs.
What I’m most proud of, however, are the lasting relationships I’ve built within the craft beer community. While I can’t speak for every designer, I’m fortunate to have formed friendships with my clients that extend beyond the professional realm. Even after projects have ended, I can proudly say that I’ve walked away with lifelong connections.
Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with breweries such as Saints Row Brewing, True Respite, Full Tilt Brewing Co., Black Flag Brewing Co., Idiom Brewing Company, Fourscore Beer Co., Red Bear Brewing Co., Urban Garden Brewing, Black Viking Brewing, Attic Brewing Co., and Autumn Arch Beer Project.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The driving force behind my creative journey is the goal of diversifying the craft beer industry, ensuring that my culture and perspective are reflected not only in the flavors and designs of the beers but also in the physical spaces of breweries themselves. I want to see representation in every aspect, from the art on the cans to the experience of being in a brewery, so that people like me can feel seen and connected to the products they enjoy. Beyond that, I’m committed to using my talents to not only help businesses thrive but also create additional income streams for my family, providing financial stability and opportunity. Art is my passion, and I want to leave a lasting legacy for my children and for the artists who will come after me. It’s important to me that they see how pursuing your passions can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding life, both creatively and financially, and I hope to inspire them to do the same.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I believe society can support a thriving creative ecosystem by embracing the arts. Supporting artists doesn’t always require money; it can also be as simple as writing a positive review, recommending their work to friends and family, and connecting with them on social media. Engaging with and reposting their content helps spread the word, and tagging them when you showcase their art not only supports their work but also helps create a larger community of appreciation for creativity. As an art educator, I’d be remiss if I didn’t emphasize how crucial it is to support funding for art programs and encourage enrollment in art classes for the next generation. These small actions can have a big impact in promoting the arts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artandaledesigns.com
- Instagram: Artandale
