Case Study

Black Lodge Brewery

Background

Directed and designed by Smiling Wolf, this project focused on creating high-end digital representations of Black Lodge Brewery’s products.

Challenge

Craft beer packaging is tactile, detailed, and highly design-led.

Everything had to feel real — but elevated.

Solution

A library of high-quality CGI assets and animations for Black Lodge Brewery.

CGI Modelling Lighting Animation

Background

Directed and designed by Smiling Wolf, this project focused on creating high-end digital representations of Black Lodge Brewery’s products.

Working from physical packaging, we built digital doubles — enabling the brand to move beyond traditional photography and into a fully flexible digital space.

The Challenge

Craft beer packaging is tactile, detailed, and highly design-led.

The challenge was to:

Accurately recreate materials, finishes, and label detail
Maintain consistency across multiple product variants
Deliver visuals that feel premium and cinematic
Create assets that can work across campaigns, formats and environments

Everything had to feel real — but elevated.

The Approach

Precision Modelling & Materials

Each product was rebuilt in 3D with a focus on:

Accurate proportions and geometry
Realistic material response (metal, glass, liquid)
Label fidelity and print detail

Subtle imperfections and surface behaviour were key to avoiding a sterile look.

Lighting as Storytelling

Dark, cinematic setups
High contrast highlights
Controlled reflections and shadow

From underwater shots to studio compositions, lighting was used to shape mood and elevate the product.

Designed for Versatility

The digital approach allowed the same assets to exist across multiple contexts:

Hero product shots
Dynamic compositions
Abstract, campaign-led visuals

Without the limitations of physical shoots.

The Solution

A library of high-quality CGI assets and animations for Black Lodge Brewery.

Digital Product System
A consistent, scalable set of digital doubles across cans and bottles.

Cinematic Visuals
Imagery that pushes beyond documentation into brand storytelling.

Flexible Campaign Outputs
Assets designed to work across social, web, and marketing materials.

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Case Study Summary