UCONN prevailed over BUTLER in a real “dog fight” this evening in the NCAA National Basketball Championship Game in Houston.
Just for fun, since this is a design blog, let’s analyze the game’s logos:
They have virtually the same colors, so there’s no distinction, no advantage, there. And they both have dogs as mascots. But BUTLER’s is a crude slobbering Bulldog while UCONN’s is a sweet fluffy Husky with his tongue peeking out. Real Huskies actually look quite intimidating. But not this logo. It’s completely tame. Is “tame” appropriate for a team logo design in a competitive sport? Does that inspire a competitive spirit?
BUTLER’s Bulldog is also an unrefined drawing which looks a bit unprofessional while UCONN’s Husky is a streamlined drawing which looks professionally drawn, if a bit sterile. The Bulldog is staring straight at the viewer, while the Husky wistfully gazes off to the right, no eye contact.
The Husky looks sweet and nurturing but the Bulldog looks aggressive.
In short, BUTLER’s Bulldog looks like it’s got some testosterone, while UCONN’s Husky looks neutered. Here’s the matchup:
Therefore it seems between the two designs, the MOST APPROPRIATE logo for a team mascot in a COMPETITIVE sport is clearly Butler. Crude and mean trump a sweet and refined logo design in a competitive scenario. It does not guarantee a win, but it can definitely add fuel to fan frenzy. And fan frenzy can propel an organization a long way beyond it’s actual capability. For example, during the season, who expected Butler to be in this final game?
Tags: brand identity, Branding, company symbol, Logo Design, sports branding, sports logo design
Very interesting blog. I never thought about team logo design. Thanks!
Well, that is certainly an interesting analysis, I guess logo design has a subliminal influence. Thanks a bunch!
It’s the smalest details that make the biggest difference. Nice post!
Wow this is smart and revealing comparison of logo design. Never realized!
Thanks for a great article. You broke down your logo comparison in a very clear way, and I really appreciate that. An experienced designer provides a really a valuable service for businesses and organisations. Navigating all the choices and opportunities and making the right one is really important, but can also be overwhelming.
This is a excellent site. I mean really. You guys are talented, and smart. I never noticed these things about school logos. Very interesting.
Really impressed! Everything is very, very clear. I like ur open description of the the team’s logo issue. This is all very new to me and this article really opened my eyes. Thanks!
When going through logo design ideas, you need to remember that knowing what features your logo should have is not enough, you should also make sure that you know what mistakes you need to avoid. By knowing what things your logo can do without, you should be able to make sure that it would be able to give you the results that you are looking for.
If you want to get a well designed logo, it is still best to spend for professional logo design services. Since you would want your logo to be able to properly and effectively represent and promote your business, paying a logo design company or professional to design one would definitely be a good investment for your company.
I agree, as a symbol, a logo COULD, if designed well, allow for, and fuel “fan frenzy,” which can propel an organization beyond its actual capability, nice post.
Logo design can’t guarantee a winning sports program, but it can add fuel to fan frenzy which can propel a team a long way beyond it’s actual capability.
While creating an image for your organization you must think of a logo that represents it appropriately. The logo design must create an image through which your organization can be identified immediately. In the sports industry, logos can make your brand world-famous. Just like famous sportswear logos, your team can have a logo that is recognized and admired throughout the world. But most teams settle for mediocrity.