Phantom Gin
The Brief
Create an emblem for Phantom Gin that celebrates ‘the Phantom Moth’ as well as the different botanicals found within the composition of the gin.
Solution
Designed a unique emblem that incorporated the various story elements that surround the inspiration behind Phantom Gin, namely the forest and the mystery surrounding the Phantom Moth. The Phantom Moth is an endemic creature and can only be found in the mysterious Knysna forests.
To pull through the mysterious theme, I created a story within the wings of the moth using creatures from the forest and botanicals used in the gin.
The Emblem - Phantom
The logo captures the enchanting essence of the Knysna forest through a whimsical, storybook-style illustration. It weaves together elements unique to this ancient Afromontane ecosystem — from the vibrant Knysna Lourie and delicate ferns to mushrooms, lion’s tail, bones, and leaves — all evoking a sense of mystery and timelessness.
At its heart lies the spirit of the Phantom Moth, a ghostly creature found only in this region, symbolising the untamed soul of the forest. This design pays homage to the wild beings of Knysna — from the forgotten paths of forest elephants to the slow grace of dwarf chameleons — and reflects the gin’s deep connection to its natural origins, with botanicals and fulvic minerals drawn from the land itself.
The Emblem - Phantom Brenton Blue
The second gin in the collection pays tribute to another elusive local icon — the endangered Brenton Blue butterfly, found only in the coastal fynbos of Brenton-on-Sea, Knysna. Like the first, this label blends intricate linework of local flora and fauna, this time inspired by the unique ecosystem surrounding this rare species.
The Brenton Blue (Orachrysops niobe) is one of South Africa’s rarest butterflies. Its survival depends on a delicate and fascinating relationship with its environment. Females lay their eggs on the Indigofera erecta plant, the only host the larvae will feed on. After hatching, the caterpillars are cared for by Camponotus baynei ants, who protect them in exchange for sweet secretions.
The larvae eventually pupate underground, guarded by the ants, and emerge as adults in early summer. Their fleeting life — just 2–3 weeks — and intricate life cycle make the Brenton Blue a symbol of fragility, wonder, and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Phantom Vodka Illustration
This design draws its inspiration from the coastal waters of Knysna, where each winter the majestic Southern Right and Humpback whales pass by on their great migration — journeying from the icy southern seas to warmer northern waters.
Building on the whimsical illustration style of the first emblem, this piece captures the haunting mystery of the deep. A whale is shown diving into swirling waters, its skeletal form subtly revealed beneath the surface — a poetic nod to nature's beauty, power, and transience. The result is a unique yet connected continuation of the emblem series, echoing the spirit of the sea and the stories it carries.
