The Evolution of Beer Can Designs: A Look at Shapeshifters
Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world, and the beer can is an integral part of the drinking experience. Over the years, beer can designs have evolved from simple, plain cans to elaborate, eye-catching designs that can be considered works of art. In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of beer can designs and take a closer look at the newest trend in can design: shapeshifters.
The Early Days of Beer Can Design
In the early days of beer can design, most cans were simple, with basic designs and colors. The biggest challenge for beer can designers was to ensure that the label didn’t peel off or smear when the can got cold or wet. Some of the earliest beer can designs featured images of animals or landscapes, or simple stripes and geometric patterns.
The Rise of the Aluminum Can
In the mid-1900s, the aluminum can became the preferred material for beer cans. Aluminum was lightweight and easy to manufacture, and it didn’t rust or contaminate the beer. The switch to aluminum cans also allowed beer companies to experiment with more elaborate, eye-catching designs.
The Age of Pop Art
In the 1950s and 1960s, pop art became a popular movement, and beer can designs reflected this trend. Colorful, bold designs featuring pop art images and slogans began appearing on beer cans. The Coca-Cola Company’s famous “It’s the Real Thing” ad campaign came out in 1969, and other beer companies followed suit with catchy slogans and eye-catching designs.
The Digital Age
In the 1980s and 1990s, the rise of digital printing technology allowed beer can designers to create even more elaborate and intricate designs. The advent of computer-aided design (CAD) meant that designers could create 3D models of cans before they were manufactured, allowing them to experiment with new shapes and designs.
Shapeshifters: The Newest Trend in Beer Can Design
In recent years, a new trend has emerged in beer can design: shapeshifters. These are cans that change shape or transform when they are opened or poured. Some shapeshifter designs simply feature a unique, irregular shape that makes them stand out from other cans, while others have interactive elements that change when the can is opened.
Examples of Shapeshifter Designs
One example of a shapeshifter design is the Red Bull Energy Drink can. When the can is opened, the tab releases a mechanism that allows the drink to flow out of the can smoothly. Another example is the Heineken Ignite bottle, which features LED lights that flash in time with the music when the bottle is opened.
The Future of Beer Can Design
As technology continues to advance, there’s no telling what the future of beer can design might hold. Designers will likely continue to experiment with new shapes, materials, and interactive elements to create beer cans that are not just functional, but also visually stunning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are shapeshifter cans?
Shapeshifters are beer cans that change shape or transform in some way when they are opened or poured.
Why are beer can designs important?
Beer can designs are important because they help to differentiate one brand of beer from another. A well-designed beer can can also help to attract new customers and convey the values and personality of the brand.
What are some of the most popular beer can designs?
Some of the most popular beer can designs include simple, minimalist designs that emphasize the name of the brand, as well as more elaborate designs that feature unique shapes, eye-catching images, and interactive elements.