Student-crafted beer glass wins competition sponsored by Belgian brand Duvel

An RIT student-designed goblet wrapped with defining landmarks of the Rochester skyline won a competition organized by Belgian beer brand Duvel.

Third-year graphic design students in the Design Systems I class spent a month of the spring semester creating designs for Duvel’s distinctive “tulip” glass. Randy Scroger, Duvel’s national northeast accounts manager, coordinated a competition for the 41 students. It culminated in a panel of nine Duvel judges selecting a winning concept.

 

Graphic design student Emily Castrichini, left, and Steve Durso, Duvel's Western New York market manager, at the final showcase event, where Castrichini was announced as the competition winner.

The winning glass was designed by Emily Castrichini, who crafted the Rochester skyline on the stemmed, curvy vessel. Castrichini also incorporated hints of devilish characteristics, a nod to the company’s branding. 

This was the second year the graphic design program partnered with Duvel for the competition. In 2021, Gabi Johnston’s design was chosen for distribution. Visiting Lecturer John Dyer, Professor Lorrie Frear and Lecturer Stephen Scherer led the sections of the course that participated this year.

Beyond the glass concepts, students produced comprehensive design systems — from clothing to social media campaigns to motion pieces for website use — that were displayed at a final showcase. Steve Durso, Western New York market manager for the beer brand, attended the event. 

“The work the students have done is so impressive,” Durso said. “To have apparel and interactive work in addition to the glass concepts is fantastic. We are very honored and happy to be continuing this project with RIT.”

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Some of the students t-shirt designs.