Some designs unexpectedly find their way into a new medium. The label for Black Albert, the powerful Belgian Royal Stout by De Struise Brouwers, originally started as a Polynesian tattoo backpiece.

With its symmetrical composition and warm bronze and gold tones, the design felt to me like a tribute to a chief or king – a powerful, almost ritualistic symbol.

Almost twenty years ago, in my early years as a designer, I specialized in the Polynesian tattoo style, in which I gave my own interpretation to traditional patterns.

De Struise Brouwers wanted to give a tattoo-inspired twist to their beer label, and my design became the visual face of Black Albert.
The label grew into a recognizable symbol within the beer world, matching the intensity of Black Albert – a stout that stands out for its rich taste and robust character.

For me, this project remains a beautiful example of how tattoo art and graphic design can reinforce each other, even in an unexpected place like a beer bottle.