Sparkling Vitamin Water branding

(Description)

AERA is a conceptual premium sparkling vitamin water brand inspired by the beauty of nature and the imagination of surreal landscapes. At the heart of the identity is a surreal underwater-inspired illustration where whale sharks move through an icy, glacial environment – an impossible yet captivating combination that creates a sense of wonder, movement and exploration. The visual identity balances this dreamlike world with a clean, contemporary design system to position AERA as a sophisticated alternative to conventional functional beverages.

Challenges & Objectives

/ Challenges

Create a distinctive identity for a vitamin water brand in a crowded functional beverage market.
Find a visual concept that communicates freshness and vitality without relying on conventional health or hydration imagery.
Combine surrealism and natural elements in a way that feels intentional, premium and memorable.
Balance the imaginative illustration with a clean, contemporary packaging system.
Communicate the functional benefits of the product without making the brand feel overly clinical.

/ Objectives

Establish AERA as a modern, premium sparkling vitamin water brand.
Create a memorable visual world built around the unexpected combination of whale sharks and an icy landscape.
Use surrealism to give the brand a sense of wonder and escapism while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic.
Develop a flexible packaging system that clearly communicates the product and its vitamin content.
Create a visual balance between nature, imagination and contemporary design.

/ Final Outcome

The final identity combines a custom bold, futuristic wordmark with a surreal, atmospheric illustration depicting whale sharks moving through an otherworldly icy landscape. The unexpected juxtaposition of marine life and glaciers creates a dreamlike visual narrative that sets AERA apart from conventional beverage branding. A restrained palette of white, silver and deep teal reinforces the feeling of freshness and premium quality, while circular vitamin indicators provide a clear and recognizable information system. The result is a distinctive brand identity that combines surreal storytelling, natural beauty and functional wellness in a contemporary packaging system.