Claude Bernard of Studio Pistolet Bleu, a full-service design studio in Bordeaux, France, that specializes in creative design for the wine industry, recently contacted me by email about doing an illustration to be used on a new wine label for Chateau Clos des Jacobins, located near the medieval town of Saint-Emilion.

Note: I have worked with Claude since 2005. We have been able to work together because he speaks and writes English very well—I, in contrast, have almost no skills in the French language. Even though Claude's English is very good, there are times when communication is challenging. I have copied his following emails verbatim to give you an accurate since of our communication.

Dear Michael, ...for a Saint-Emilion wine, I send you my rough with its last drawing with some picture to let you doing it. You have a free possibility to do it, it will be as you think the best. For this client there are two projects (very soon), one for the first wine and the other for the second wine. I also suggest the price of ???? usd so ???? usd for both. Is that correct for you ? (a simple drawing should be enough) Michael I hope being understood and again I apologize for my poor English (remember I'm French :) The client will pay you without any commission from me. If I do it, it's because I appreciate your work in general because of your creativity. All the best and hope to hear from you soon. Claude Bernard Studio Pistolet Bleu Hangar G2 - Bassin à Flot 33300 Bordeaux

Claude attached several photos of the Chateau to this email along with a copy of the current label. The current label was sent so I could get a sense of what had been done before, and the chateau photos were sent to be used as reference for the new drawing.

The old label uses a straight on view of the chateau, surrounded by just a hint of landscape. The new illustration will have a more three dimensional feel for the chateau and more emphasis will be placed on the landscape surrounding the building.

Proceed to step 2 to see how the illustration was done.