09.19.24
In the heart of the Western Cape, a region renowned for its Mediterranean climate and deep-rooted history in the wine industry, MCC Paarl recently hosted its 21st Annual Student Label Design Competition. This much-anticipated event, which first began in 2002, invites currently enrolled design students to showcase their talents and creativity, offering them an opportunity to intersect with three significant regional industries: printing, design, and alcoholic beverages.
The Western Cape province, where MCC Paarl is located, is not only the birthplace of the South African wine industry, dating back to 1659, but also the traditional home of printing in the country. The region’s first printing press was established in 1784, marking the beginning of a long-standing legacy in the printing industry. Today, the Western Cape is celebrated as a hub for design and creative industries, with Cape Town, the province’s capital, having earned the prestigious title of World Design Capital in 2014. It is also home to South Africa’s leading design academies, making it the perfect backdrop for this unique competition.
Now in its 21st year, the MCC Paarl Student Label Design Competition has grown to become a key event in the region’s design calendar. Open to all design students currently enrolled in local academies, the competition focuses on label design for alcoholic beverage products, primarily wine, but occasionally spirits or beer. This year, the spotlight was on spirits, adding a fresh twist to the event.
The competition is distinguished not only by its emphasis on original design ideas but also by its commitment to traditional craft skills. Participants are required to prepare a bottle mock-up of their design for presentation, allowing them to showcase their ability to marry creativity with practical application. This hands-on approach helps bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world experience, providing invaluable insights into the demands of the industry.
A standout feature of the competition is its diverse judging panel, which includes representatives from the printing, design, and alcoholic beverage industries. Each judge brings their own perspective to the table, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the entries. MCC Paarl represents the print industry, while guest judges from the design and alcoholic beverage sectors contribute their insights, resulting in a holistic appraisal of each entry’s merits.
The MCC Paarl Student Label Design Competition also serves as an educational experience that broadens students’ understanding of brand marketing tiers and the role of design in communicating value. The competition begins with an introduction to these concepts, exploring how different design options and embellishments can convey a brand’s position in the market.
In addition to this theoretical foundation, students are given practical exposure to modern printing technology. Factory tours and label sample demonstrations help familiarize them with the latest printing techniques and embellishment options available in the industry. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants leave with a well-rounded understanding of the field.
To recognize the hard work and creativity of the participants, certificates are awarded to all finalists. In addition, the top winning students receive Wacom Intuos Pro drawing pads, a professional design tool that will be invaluable in their future careers. The competition’s Gold winner will also have the opportunity to see their design brought to life, as MCC Paarl will print the winning entry. This experience allows the winner to gain practical insights into the production process, from concept to completion, and provides an impressive addition to their professional portfolio.
The winners are:
The Western Cape province, where MCC Paarl is located, is not only the birthplace of the South African wine industry, dating back to 1659, but also the traditional home of printing in the country. The region’s first printing press was established in 1784, marking the beginning of a long-standing legacy in the printing industry. Today, the Western Cape is celebrated as a hub for design and creative industries, with Cape Town, the province’s capital, having earned the prestigious title of World Design Capital in 2014. It is also home to South Africa’s leading design academies, making it the perfect backdrop for this unique competition.
Now in its 21st year, the MCC Paarl Student Label Design Competition has grown to become a key event in the region’s design calendar. Open to all design students currently enrolled in local academies, the competition focuses on label design for alcoholic beverage products, primarily wine, but occasionally spirits or beer. This year, the spotlight was on spirits, adding a fresh twist to the event.
The competition is distinguished not only by its emphasis on original design ideas but also by its commitment to traditional craft skills. Participants are required to prepare a bottle mock-up of their design for presentation, allowing them to showcase their ability to marry creativity with practical application. This hands-on approach helps bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world experience, providing invaluable insights into the demands of the industry.
A standout feature of the competition is its diverse judging panel, which includes representatives from the printing, design, and alcoholic beverage industries. Each judge brings their own perspective to the table, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the entries. MCC Paarl represents the print industry, while guest judges from the design and alcoholic beverage sectors contribute their insights, resulting in a holistic appraisal of each entry’s merits.
The MCC Paarl Student Label Design Competition also serves as an educational experience that broadens students’ understanding of brand marketing tiers and the role of design in communicating value. The competition begins with an introduction to these concepts, exploring how different design options and embellishments can convey a brand’s position in the market.
In addition to this theoretical foundation, students are given practical exposure to modern printing technology. Factory tours and label sample demonstrations help familiarize them with the latest printing techniques and embellishment options available in the industry. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants leave with a well-rounded understanding of the field.
To recognize the hard work and creativity of the participants, certificates are awarded to all finalists. In addition, the top winning students receive Wacom Intuos Pro drawing pads, a professional design tool that will be invaluable in their future careers. The competition’s Gold winner will also have the opportunity to see their design brought to life, as MCC Paarl will print the winning entry. This experience allows the winner to gain practical insights into the production process, from concept to completion, and provides an impressive addition to their professional portfolio.
The winners are:
- Gold: Del Alma Tequila – Caroline De Abreu, Cape Town Creative Academy
- Silver: Schiavon Grappa – Hana Kamhoot, Cape Town Creative Academy
- Bronze: Calasis Bourbon – Logan Murray, Cape Town Creative Academy
- Special Mention: Kahlo Tequila – Ella McCarthy, Red & Yellow Creative School of Business
- Special Mention: Negroni – Sebastian de Silva, Cape Town Creative Academy
- Special Mention: Tilt Crafted Gold Rum – Mikayla Rushton, Red & Yellow Creative School of Business
- Finalist: Sweet Snake Mezcal – Alexis Volschenk, Stadio Higher Education
- Finalist: Loro Rum – Cheyenne-Sky Terblanche, Stadio Higher Education
- Finalist: Sanaa Whisky – Clement Kevin Sims, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Finalist: No Master Gin – Caitlyn Snelling, Red & Yellow Creative School of Business
- Finalist: Vierkant Brandewyn – Hannah Grimbeek, Red & Yellow Creative School of Business
- Finalist: Madre 01 Tequila – Nicole Thikeson, Cape Town Creative Academy
- Finalist: Sunday Citrus Gin – Jess Pitout, Cape Town Creative Academy
- Finalist: Fokit – Jani Carstens, Cape Town Creative Academy
- Finalist: Boundless Karoo Agave Spirit – Jess Hattingh, Cape Town Creative Academy
- Finalist: Jie Witblits – Lucy McDonald, Cape Town Creative Academy
