Logo Review: ASU

So as you can see, there are some obvious changes going on at the ole blog.  The layout had been around for nearly 2 years so it was time for an update.  Things aren't completely done yet as I'm still perfecting some of the fonts and backgrounds, but you get the basic idea.

Things have been busy around Wag Graphics.  I have several projects in the chute, including my annual redesign of the IceRays marketing pieces (website, schedule, tickets, etc.).  Not to mention I'm also working on several personal projects for my wedding coming up in November.  One thing I have learned...it is VERY difficult to design for yourself.

This brings up to today's logo review of Arizonia State's new logo.  Somehow this slid in under my radar.  I'm pretty good about keeping up with new logos coming, but this one escaped my grasp.



When I first heard about the new logo, I'll admit, I was a little disappointed and quite shocked.  Sparky has become an ASU institution, loved by students and alumni alike.  Most colleges go by the rule 'if it's not broke, don't fix it.'  If a logo well liked, then why change it?  Well according a representative of the Athletics Department, the change was made because "there was a lack or real consistency" between all the sports teams.

This I completely get.  In fact, it is a huge pet peeve.  Having worked in the sports marketing world, I think it's an annoyance when the Art Director doesn't follow a general theme when designing their items.  Or for with collegiate sports, when none of the team's uniforms or logos look the same. 

With branding (especially sports teams) it's always a sticky situation to change logos.  As someone who works with branding and marketing, your job is to keep things fresh and updated, but fans like tradition. They want the same logos, same uniforms.  They want constant stability.  So it's tough to find a balance between the two.  This is one reason why recently you've seen an increase in what I call 'slight re-branding.' For example, the Detroit Lions going from this lion to a slightly more detailed one.

I come from the school of thought, that there are some logos that can never be changed (or have major changes anyway).  They are legends in themselves...these are traditions and have to stay the same.

I think Sparky is pretty borderline.  Nationwide, he might not be as well known as some, but in Arizona (love 'em or hate 'em) he's a house name.  I mean he has been around since 1980.

I guess my beef doesn't lie with with the logo, but the rebranding. 

As for the new logo, it's slick.  It's simple, fresh, modern and menacing.  It's got detail, but is basic enough that you know what it is from a distance.  The font is a good addition.  This is a custom designed font that Nike created for the project.  Overall it's a good look.  I'm not sure if it will become a 'legendary' brand or not, but it's good work in the least.

One thing I did like is that Sparky's logo still makes appearances on the back of the football helmet.  I wouldn't be shocked to see him appear in more places and used more as an alternate. 

Overall, I think it's a solid 'B' job by ASU.  It will be interesting to see how the alumni react in the coming months. 

I'll keep you posted on some new projects...have a good weekend!

Strike A Pose

My most recent project had me working with the awesome ladies at the newly created Dulce & Bellezza Photography, Liana Gonzales and Kateri Reyes.  These two ladies originally each had their own separate photography businesses, but have now combined forces into one powerhouse of a studio

This one was a different project than I'm used to working on since it is a bit more feminine than my own personal design style, but it was a great challenge and came out awesome! 

If anyone is looking for a photographer, I highly recommend that you give their website a visit:

http://dulcebellezza.com/

Enjoy!

Coming to a College Near You

Soon high school seniors all over the country will be flocking to college campus'...why you ask?  It's all because of a little something called orientation.  Last week, I designed the new postcard for TAMUCC's New Student Orientation.

This is the first of many pieces that will be debuting for this year's Orientation that I am self-entitling the 'So Fresh' campaign.  It'll make make more sense once you see everything else....

 

This project was a lot of fun.  I finally got to something on my Design 'To-Do' list, and that was to design a postcard with a non-traditional size.  Ironically, this one actually started as a generic 4x6 inch postcard.  After starring at it for a few hours, I was just unhappy with it...there was no pop.  So after playing with the dimensions I came up with this.  Needless to say, very excited the way it turned out. 

Also, keep your eyes peeled....a new logo will be debuting later this week...quite possibly tomorrow and is one of my biggest clients to date, so keep you eyes peeled! 

All Shiny & New

So I fully realize it's been a while since my last blogging.  Things have been pretty busy in the ole' graphics shop as well as life in general.  I've been working on several including the launching of a new website in which I am completely excited about.

You better believe, when it's ready to go, I will make the official unveiling here. 

But It seems like 2011 has been the year of the logo.    Most recently the IceRays had another neat project they threw my way.  For those that don't follow or are familiar with Junior-level hockey, each team recruits heavily throughout the year, including the regular season.  Teams are always looking to keep their teams solid on the ice, but are always looking towards the future as well.  It's very much like recruiting for a college-level sports team, but here players can be traded from team to team.

Well in the off-season it is very common for teams to hold try-outs, camps or combines all over the country to look under every rock for new talent.  This logo was used just a few weeks ago during a combine here in Corpus Christi which brought players in from all over the US.

 

Compared to my other logos in my portfolio, I think it's easy to see that I've been playing around with some new techniques and looks when it comes to designs.  This is something I want to do more of in the future.  Eventually, I would even like to even experiment a bit in re-branding professional sports' logos just for fun and practice....guess I'll have to save that for a rainy day. 

Grease is the Word

Though you haven't seen many postings, I've been doing a LOT of t-shirt designs recently.  This one I was approached with a few weeks ago and it was one of those projects I couldn't wait to work on.

Every year, TAMUCC does a Relay for Life event.  This year, the Student Nurses Association approached me about doing a t-shirt for them to coincide with their theme.  The theme for the overall event this year is 'Rocking Through the Ages.'  So the officers of the SNA decided to slick their hair back and go with a Grease theme. 

After a bit of playing around and sketching I came up with this tee.  Of the organizations I have designed for in the past, this is probably one of my favorite t-shirt designs.  Needless to say, I will defiantly be adding this one to my closet. 

Can't Win Them All

Recently, I worked with the Corpus Christi IceRays on a pitch to bring the Robertson to the Coastal Bend.  For those of you who don't know, the Robertson Cup is to the NAHL as the Stanley Cup is to the NHL.  Each year, there is host city selected....sort of like how the Final Four in NCAA Basketball.  

My part was to design the logo for the tournament (if it came to Corpus Christi).  This was the first logo of its kind that I've ever has the chance to design.  The biggest difficulty was attempting to match the style of the logo to match the rest of league.

Each graphic design has it's own niches and style, just like a chef cooks a certain type of food or an author writes in a particular way.  In an odd way, I had a lot of fun working on this logo.  Though it kept me up to late, it was a big challenge that I enjoyed taking on.

The other challenge with this one was incorporating a wide variety of elements into one cohesive logo.  I had to include the name of the event, the cup itself, dates, plus, a touch of Corpus Christi.

Unfortunately, the IceRays didn't win the bid, so the only place you'll be seeing this logo is right here, but it definitely one of those projects I had fun doing.

Better The Second Time Around

Part of my undertakings sometimes consist of revisions of previous work.  For example (like the one below) taking a logo and making it better, changing the color or just cleaning it up.  I've even done things like replicating baby shower invites...but that's a whole other story.

In the Fall of 2010, the Student Nursing Association at TAMUCC approached me about designing some t-shirts as well as tweaking their current logo.  You can see some of those t-shirts right here.

As for the logo, originally, it was pretty bulky and just needed an updated touch.  They didn't want anything drastic, just something fresh.  You can see the finished product below.  Though it's not a dramatic update or 'earth' shattering design, it's easy to see the improvement.

The new logos I've been working on are well on their way and will be making their debut very soon!