Ivankiv: Ukrainian Vodka
The brief was to look at the world of spirits and create a brand that comes from somewhere. It can a specific region or country, or even a town or city; but the drink should tap into something unique. This could be its culture, its geography, its past or its future. My response was a bold brand and visual identity for Ivankiv, an artistic Ukrainian mixed vodka brand aimed at redefining the vodka market traditionally dominated by Russian influences. Ivankiv's horilka recipe, deeply rooted in Ukrainian culture and often regarded as the "soul of Ukraine," serves as the foundation for this brand.
Sadly during the war, the local art museum in Ivankiv was tragically destroyed, including the works of the iconic painter Maria Prymachenko. Maria, known for her hospitality, often welcomed friends into her home with a glass of her homemade vodka, gifting them her vibrant paintings. Now, Ivankiv seeks to transcend borders and showcase Ukraine's rich cultural heritage and resilience. By recreating some of Maria Prymachenko's beautiful artworks, this brand embodies the strength and kindness that Ivankiv has demonstrated throughout the years. We’ve developed a range of flavours of Horilka that are each distinguished by their unique colour and design on the cans, ensuring they stand out on your shelves with our signature identity.
Taking in mind that Ivankiv seeks to transcend borders and showcase Ukraine's rich cultural heritage and resilience, the digital identity is important in getting the Ivankiv message across. The app and website are key features of our brand in how we create an experience with our products and expand from alcohol into other avenues such as merchandising and fundraising. These interfaces was designed to allow our range of imagery to stand out and be the main focal point of the design.
My approach was clear and confident, driven by a unique insight: research showed the vodka market is in need for something refreshing and exciting—a brand you can truly love. This realisation sparked a creative idea to recreate the stunning artworks of Maria Prymachenko, capturing the vibrant colours and unique style that define her work. Ivankiv is more than just an alcohol brand; it extends to a lifestyle. Our merchandise spans both digital and physical products, allowing you to showcase your appreciation for Maria and the beauty of Ukrainian naive art in every aspect of your life.
