Fun Stuff

Welcome to Local Good Friends, our series celebrating the passionate people who make the South West of Western Australia such a special place to call home.

Through stories, conversations and creativity, we shine a light on the makers, artists and locals whose work helps shape our community. This edition features Chris Nixon, the Fremantle-based artist whose distinctive illustrations have become an integral part of the Eagle Bay Brewing Co. brand.

Meet Chris Nixon

If you've picked up a can of Eagle Bay beer in recent years, you've already experienced Chris Nixon's work.

From our core range can artwork to our ever-evolving Single Series releases and merchandise, Chris has helped visually tell the story of Eagle Bay Brewing Co. through bold illustration, thoughtful design and a deep connection to place.

His work has become synonymous with our brand, but the relationship actually started long before the first can rolled off the packaging line.

A Longstanding Connection

Chris and Eagle Bay Brewing Co. go back many years.

"I think the history between me and Eagle Bay goes right back to getting married there. We were actually one of the first weddings."

After years of visiting the brewery and building relationships with the team, Chris was first commissioned to create artwork for tote bags before being invited to reimagine the brewery's visual identity as Eagle Bay prepared to launch its beers into cans.

"It was an opportunity to level up the brand while staying true to everything people already loved about Eagle Bay."

Designing the Core Range

Creating artwork for an entire beer range meant every design needed to feel unique while belonging to one cohesive family.

For Chris, colour became the foundation of the project.

"The colours for each beer were incredibly important. Every one reflects the beer itself while still feeling connected as a complete range."

Drawing inspiration from both the coastline and surrounding farmland, Chris created artwork that captures the landscape surrounding the brewery.

Flowing lines reference the ocean swells of Eagle Bay.

Subtle illustrations of an eagle catching a fish acknowledge the bay itself.

The rolling farmland reflects the working property the brewery calls home.

Every detail was designed to quietly tell the Eagle Bay story.

Bringing the Landscape to Life

Rather than relying on traditional beer branding, Chris wanted each label to feel unmistakably local.

The artwork celebrates the meeting of coast and country, blending natural textures with a contemporary colour palette that feels both timeless and distinctly South West.

Together, the collection creates a recognisable identity whether it's sitting on a bottle shop shelf or being enjoyed around a table with friends.

Exploring the Single Series

Once the core range was complete, the collaboration naturally evolved.

The more experimental Single Series beers gave Chris an opportunity to push his creative style even further.

"It let us explore a much more expressive version of the original concept."

With every limited release comes a new visual identity inspired by the character of the beer itself.

Bright citrus notes become bold bursts of colour.

Textural patterns reflect flavour profiles.

Each label becomes its own piece of artwork while still feeling unmistakably Eagle Bay.

Art Inspired by Beer

One of Chris' favourite designs is the TDH New England IPA.

Describing it as "a big juice bomb", the artwork reflects the beer's bright citrus aromas and tropical flavours through vibrant composition and energetic movement.

Alongside the Grapefruit Hazy IPA, it's another example of how art and brewing continue to inspire one another.

More Than Beer Labels

While many people know Chris through his Eagle Bay collaborations, his creative practice extends far beyond beer.

Based in Fremantle, Chris works across graphic design, illustration and large-scale public art projects throughout Western Australia.

His ability to blend storytelling, landscape and bold visual design has made him one of the state's most recognisable contemporary artists.

Celebrating Local Good Friends

At Eagle Bay Brewing Co., every beer tells a story.

Chris Nixon has helped us tell ours through thoughtful design that celebrates the landscape, community and creativity of the South West.

We're proud to call him one of our Local Good Friends.

Be sure to explore more stories in the series as we continue celebrating the people behind our region.