High school logo package

[Sterling84]

Hi guys,

Since I haven't landed any projects since the Moose, I am trying to keep the juices flowing and offered to revamp my old high schools athletic identity. (Wild Rose High, Wild Rose Wisconsin. Nickname: Wildcats, for the last 30 yrs anyway, before that the "Rosies").

So I threw around some ideas, some concepts and began to really like one. But I need to address the forum for two main reasons.

1) Any close follower of the board will remember Nitro's bobcat concept from a few months back. I looked at mine and, since I attempted to help Nitro and was very familiar with it, began to see some similarities. Now, I am not a plagiarist so I wanted to check with you guys and make sure similar didn't leek into rip off. I think the differences are abundant and substantial. Thoughts?

2) I really like where this concept is going. I think it has potential. I have hit a stumbling block though. In an effort to really "sell" the idea of the logo being a bobcat, lynx etc...and to pay homage to WRHS current logo, I have caught myself shifting the 3/4 view toward a front view. Kind of a 7/8 view if you will. Some of this, I feel I've pulled off pretty slickly. The far eye"brow" in particular. But now I've gotten so I feel I have to show the far cheek tuft as well. I think I am treading on dangerous ground on challenging the viewer to look past the teeth (forground) and into the background to see this cheek. And I've tried two ways around this...#1 was my orginal way, and almost out of desperation I put grey into #2. Since I used grey in one spot I felt it necessary to use it throughout and made the whole thing shadowy...which almost works.

So? Am I trying to do too much with this? Is it at all effective? Or have I let detail get the best of me again? I get out of control sometimes. Even the moose sports like 8 colors and got kind of hectic. Thats why I really admire something simple, like 'Seeds Lycans........functions perfectly with only two tones plus white. Boom!

Any help greatly appreciated. I am not getting paid for this gig, stricly volunteer....but you might say it could be your work somehow on a real team.

*********Courtesy Edit*******

[Phil]

Great design, but the white (or in the second case, gray) in between the fangs looks like he's biting on something that's actually the other side of his face.

I think it's plenty different from the Bobcats' design, and think that the number of colours in the gray one does not keep it from being a great logo.

Otherwise... wow... very impressive.

[Sterling84]

Oh yeah, one more thing.

When comparing mine to Nitros...even I can't deny the teeth are the most similar aspect.  Well, what can I say?  They are very close to the same, but so are Jacksonville's which predate both our concepts.  I think sometimes, some artist just figures out a need, simpler solution to a complex problem that is SO effective, it will be used over and over.

Thats my .02 on that anyway.

[Reaper98]

Sterling, I really liked your Moose logo because it had great depth.  So, keeping that in mind I would have to say that while both Bobcats logos look great I definitely prefer version #2 as it seems to have great depth with the addition of the grey.  Keep up the good work, man.

[rozilla74]

I see the dilemma with the field of depth at that angle. I think you are taking the right approach with the second version. You have done a masterful job of capturing the angle. For shadow depth, I would first take the gray out from the top teeth and leave that strictly white. Kepp the other areas of gray as is but make the far cheek tuft next to the gray orange to give the illusion that it is in shadow.

I love the angle. It's very aggressive, has that collegiate or high school feel to it. My HS was also Wildcats. Green Bay West Wildcats, colors were purple and white. I like the fact that you can take the logo to B&W or purple and white and not lose a thing. The mark of a truly effective logo. Great work, Sterling.

[STL FANATIC]

I must admit my first thought just looking at the image was Nitros bobcat, AND THEN I read...so, I noticed it right away. However, it's not that bad.

Also, I find that seem piece SyPhi referred to to be the most glaring weakness in the logo...that piece is just hard to tell what it is, and where in terms of depth it is.

[Cuss16]

the one with the grey is definitely better, it looks great.

[Sterling84]

Sterling, I really liked your Moose logo because it had great depth. So, keeping that in mind I would have to say that while both Bobcats logos look great I definitely prefer version #2 as it seems to have great depth with the addition of the grey.

Thanks man.

You know that makes me think. Cause no matter what level of designer any of us is, I'd wager we all would love to have the skills of someone else on this board...if nothing but added to our own. Sometimes I am in awe of Nitro, and JS, and Rozilla and Greg....and well, lots of people on this board. Some are so good at wordmarks while I am not, some are so good at conceptualizing, some are brilliant at keeping things simple and clear.

While striving to be more like those you admire is healthy and a positive thing, I think sometimes you have to stick to what makes you , well you. Know? Maybe I'll do hundreds more logos before I die, maybe the Moose will be one shining moment I look back on fondly. But maybe I'm supposed to be the designer who can't leave painting completely behind and adds depth at the expense of simplicity. Be orginal,  otherwise why bother right? I'd love to think I could "do" a concept like the Lycans one, but if I did, I'd be the designing equivalent of a cover band. Again, whats the point?

Anyways, I'm not saying the Wildcat is  done and perfect based just on your one response. I need to take a break and revisit it's weaknesses. But I appreciate the vote of confidence. I think I will maybe just "let the big dog eat" once in a while. convention be damned.

[See Red]

Awesome, man.  It's amazing.  like most, I prefer the one with gray.

[rozilla74]

Don't worry Sterling. You got the chops. It's guys like you and Nitro and others that keep me going on the sports logo kick. I don't get the chance to design stuff like that at my current job. And its hard to find time to design in my freetime with a newborn.

That Moose logo was wonderful and I'm sure you enjoyed the experience. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, even if it only happens once or a few times.

I had the privilege to co-design a logo and wordmark for St. Francis College, NY with a buddy of mine. It was great to see them use it. Got a ton of merchandise and even saw it on ESPN during Championship week on 2 different occaisions. It's even used on the ESPN website. That's been my only taste of success, while my buddy has designed for the NHL, MLB, and now is with Nike.

Keep striving. This is a great folio piece and I'm sure the HS will go nuts when they have the finished logo. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to seeing your tweaks.

[Ez Street]

i love #2. Don't worry sterling, i think you do an awesome job at designing. We have so much talent on this board, it just amazes me. This board is awesome because we pool our thoughts and come up with some concepts that are better than a lot of professionals. If there were only a way to get leagues to see the work done here.

[JQK]

Wow.. i have zero talent....

Thanks for the ego-bruising sterling (in other words, kick ass job)

[rtrich11]

Dave,

I dig it a lot. It shows action and motion. One of the better Wildcat/Bobcat designs I've seen. Beats the new NBA one, hands down.

I like the gray version and I don't know if I'd worry about the space between the teeth. I might not have even looked there as a "problem". I don't think it is.

Later on...

[Brian in Boston]

Phenomenal work, Sterling!

I like #2 better. I'd keep the gray most everywhere, except on the upper teeth and the cheek/tuft hidden in shadow. Obviously, you're probably going to want to try figuring out a way to give that far cheek/tuft the illusion of being in a shadow. I'd try going with rozilla's suggestion of a shade of orange for that particular area.

Once again, outstanding work.

Brian in Boston

[paynomind]

OK, sterling, I realize that my opinion doesn't hold much water, but I wanted to give it.

1. First and foremost, your logo is sweet. Very very good work. Incredible. I am in awe, and hope to learn form your posts.

2. The input - I can totally understand the need to honor the old logo, and can appreciate your challenge in making it more 7/8.

However - I don't really think it "worked" The dark in the back of his mouth and gums is correct, but in theory, the side of his mouth should be the same color. Leaving it white looks like you can see through the inside of his cheek, the grey looks as if it is miscollored. I think to stay true to form, you'd have to color it black. This would not do the design any favors, I don't beleive. Now, taking the grey out of his mouth, then eliminating the far cheek entirely.. this leaves the teeth exposed, leaves the mouth colored correctly, but turns the face more to a profile. I think this is the less risky proposition.

Again, just my opinion.

Great logo, man

[CDunn]

great logo.  Personally, I prefer the one with the gray shading.  Adds nice depth.  The only thing I'm confused by is the big gray part in the mouth.  I can see why you shaded it gray, but for some reason it looks wierd to me.  The eyes and teeth are fantastic.

I go to a school with the name Wildcats, too.  Our logo is terrible.  it's kind of a profile of a Wildcat in the same 'encylopedia' style as the one your alma mater has.  I've been designing a logo, but our colors are just Forest Green and White, so I'm running into some trouble.  Forest Green and Black are too close for shading and Silver doesn't look right.  It looks like kindergarten stuff next to yours.  

Great work.

[zer0dotcom]

wow...ok, thats all i got, go with the grey shading, looks cooler (not that it doesn't look cool already)

[sc49erfan15]

Wow. I only wish I could design something like that. That's great, especially the one with the gray.

[Steve-O]

Hey Sterling, let me start by saying that I love the logo. It looks amazing and I also love your moose. I've been lurking here a while! I definitely like the one with grey better. I was looking at the logo and I kind of thought of what might make it look a little less awkward on that far cheek. Here's what I came up with.

http://www.sportslogos.freehomepage.com/images/wildcatslogo.jpg

It was just a quick paint job but hey. I just made the mouth a little larger and come up with the teeth a little closer to the front. I left the far cheek white because it looks awkward with the grey. It doesn't really look shaded but mroe like it is a different part than it should be. I think I made it look a little better but I might just be crazy. Let me know what you think.

Tenderly I remain in awe and amazement -Steve-O

[Sterling84]

Thanks guys.  I actually have been experimenting with a variety of suggestions...including using a darker gold/orange on the far one and making the mouth slightly larger.

Thanks mucho for the feedback.

I'll post at the next stage.