Sports Logos Pt 1

It’s quite a feat to combine mascot + city + team name + history + future + athleticism (+ other considerations) all into one emblem that can represent so much in such a direct, recognizable manner. Often times, they are done with only two colors. Sports logos have always interested me for this reason, in addition to the fact it simply combines two of my favorite things: art and sports.

The evolution of these sports logos, for me, is exceptionally compelling, too. Looking at some “successful” team logo designs from the 70s and 80s fascinates me because they look so juvenile and sloppy today (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Nuggets), while others have aged quite well (Chicago White Sox, Miami Hurricanes).

Tricks of the trade: study sports logos for a leg up on commercial art, no matter if the design is for sports, business, or other. I’ve designed logos for about fifteen years for everything from schools and churches to businesses and e-stores. After doing countless logos, I still get stumped from time to time on where to beging or what to come up with for a first draft. Sports logos can serve as great models for what to consider in layout, even when it’s not for a sports-related project. Aside from the attractive illustration, sports logos have to be flexible for different uses. A team logo is going to be used on everything to promote - jerseys, uniforms, signage, websites, t-shirts, billboards, koozies, foam fingers, paper plates, balloons, boxers, mouse pads, and umbrellas. So it must work on many different media, which should always apply to a good logo creation.

With this in mind, these are some of my favorite team logos. This includes MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, minor league teams and college teams. This is just part 1, so don’t get irate if your team isn’t on here. And, no, just because the logo is listed or shown here does not make me a fan of the team......

Toronto FC

N Y Yankees

Houston Astros

Chicago Cubs

Baltimore Orioles

Montreal Expos

Denver Broncos

Atlanta Falcons

Detroit Redwings

Philadelphia Flyers

Houston Rockets

Corpus Christi Hooks

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

UNC Greensboro Spartans

Penn State Nittany Lions

The displayed brands/logos are in no way, shape, or form associated with blogspot.Admanarticles.com or LaRue. The logos are cited as examples under Fair Use, out of respect and for commentary purposes.

You don’t have to be a sports fan to get inspired from a few college team or pro team logos for inspiration. Usually they are anchored by a large main shape to serve as a foundation (like a circle or triangle or a large football in the background) that holds all the elements together. Teams tend to have two logos – a mascot illustration with the team name and a word mark or text symbol. Keep these in mind when planning out a new logo design and see how things come together.

-Lance LaRue, Advertising & Creative Manager at Americom Marketing Ad Agency in Beaumont, Texas 2011