Posted on February 29, 2008 by zjgray
SDSU fans and alumni have a reason to celebrate: their new look, developed by graphic designer Tony Horning has everything going for it: a fresh color scheme, near-perfect illustration, and a great attitude. This is an example of the right way to redesign a school mascot and team colors. There’s no love lost for those who want fondly remember the previous, cartoony, bi-pedal “bugs” character, as this new bunny is plenty kid-friendly and funny. But for all those looking for a much more sporty and sleek look, Horning has done a small miracle by making a Jackrabbit mascot “hip”. Here’s the SDSU Page introducing the new look.
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Posted on February 11, 2008 by zjgray
Informative article from TheDay.com about the rebranding of downtown New London, CT as “The District”. The results are expressive, carefully considered, and stimulating rebranding to boost a resurgence in an historic neighborhood with a mixed past.
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Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Brand identity, logo design, marketing | Leave a Comment »
Posted on February 11, 2008 by zjgray
Fans of the sports teams using native imagery in their mascots and names want continuity and a preservation of their teams’ identities. Native tribes want fair and honorable representation of their heritage in the sporting world. Unfortunately, the two interests have been at odds for some time now. Their have been dozens of petitions, protests, and much litigation over these matters, but the situation is not without hope.
From a graphic design perspective it is desirable to see powerful imagery and names used in popular culture, and to see them used responsibly. The worst outcome of these conflicts would be the abolition of native imagery and names from sports as would result from unbridled litigation and malcontent on both sides. The absence of these cultural influences would surely diminish the regalia and beauty of sport in the US.
So much controversy and litigation could be avoided if both sides would make concessions.
Defenders of established mascots and names would consult the tribes referenced and be open to creative suggestion and request license for use of their names, customs, and images for use in identity and trade dress. Respect would be earned by demonstrating an understanding that sensitivities exist in Native American traditions that do not exist in Northern European traditions. If no specific tribes are referenced, local tribes would be consulted for acceptable representation. Defenders of school and franchise heritage would respectfully consider the deeper heritage to which they are indebted.
Accusers of established mascots and names would avoid petition, protest, and litigation as primary means of moving issued into the limelight, understanding that these actions are effective in some respects, but divisive in others. Respect would be earned through respectable methods of reclaiming their rich heritage, and willfully sharing the immeasurable wealth of imagery and culture understanding its intended metaphorical and not literal use.
These decisions would put an end to the tiresome and divisive battle over creative and cultural license, and would produce edifying and powerful imagery and names for teams and fans, and edifying and powerful representation for the native peoples.
Nashua Telegraph article. MSNBC article.
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Posted on February 9, 2008 by zjgray
