Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Project: Branding The IHA

IHA. Get used to that acronym. It'll be sticking around Icethetics for quite some time. No, it's not the Icethetics Hockey Association (I wish), it's the International Hockey Association.

WHAT IS IT?
The IHA is a fantasy hockey league that exists only in cyberspace created by an Icethetics reader named Nicolas. I'm collaborating with him to get logos designed by you guys for his league. We'll get into more details of what's involved with this league at some point in the future. But right now, what you need to know is that it has 30 teams, each with a name and color scheme chosen by its "hometown fans" — but no logo.

The assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to design logos for these teams — if for no other reason than as an exercise in graphic design. This will be a cool project, something to have fun with. Challenge yourself! Do something different!

The IHA is structured like the NHL with two conferences made up of three divisions each. And each division includes five teams. Over the next several weeks, I'll be unveiling the team names one division at a time along with their colors. I'd do it all at once but I don't want to overwhelm anybody.

YOUR JOB!
Today I'm unveiling the first five teams — the Atlantic Division. You can pick one team and focus all of your creative energy on it — or you can try your hand at all five! But it's not as simple as one logo per team. You're creating an identity from scratch!

You need to design a primary logo (usually the jersey crest), a secondary logo (usually the shoulder patches), and a wordmark for use in promotional materials. You may design additional logos to be included in the package but you must have at least these three: primary, secondary and wordmark.

There really aren't any restrictions on you aside from team name and colors as far as the designs go. The "fans" chose those and you need to stick with them. But you do need to give them a unique identity. I'm not going to list ideas because I don't want to taint anyone's creativity.

Without further ado, let the games begin...

IHA: ATLANTIC DIVISION


ATLANTA FIRE / Atlanta, Georgia
orange (E68700), red (A81212) and charcoal (202020)


NEW YORK AMERICANS / New York, New York
red (C80231), blue (131B87) and white (F0F0F0)


PHILADELPHIA TITANS / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
gold (CF9B1F), teal (27577B) and white (F0F0F0)


PITTSBURGH MINERS / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
steel (999999), yellow (D9BB13) and black (202020)


WASHINGTON STARS / Washington, D.C.
blue (30316C), red (980404) and white (F0F0F0)

I've supplied colors in hexadecimal format. Should you need RGB conversion, here's a decent resource. By the way, you aren't tied to the exact colors here. Feel free to alter them a little if need be. But please shy away from the standard colors like total black or total white or total red. Remember, be different! As similar as it is to the NHL, it's not the NHL!

GUIDELINES
To sum up, follow these guidelines when submitting IHA artwork:
  • Submit three (3) logos: primary, secondary and wordmark. Use a white background. If your logo requires a white outline (think Lightning or Capitals), then use a gray background with the white outline included.

  • Submit vector art if possible. I will accept .ai, .psd and .pdf files. If you cannot submit vector art, you must be able to provide high quality raster art in .jpg or .png files. No .bmp files, please.

  • Try to stick to the assigned colors. Change them only if you deem it necessary and then explain why you made the change. Remember, the "fans" chose these colors and they're who you're working for in the end.

  • Email them to nhllogos@gmail.com with IHA in the subject line. Please include your first and last name (it will not be posted). Please also submit your nickname which will be public if you don't want your real first name used.

  • By submitting your own original artwork to the email address above, you agree to grant permission of its use for online or print publication by Icethetics. Do not watermark your logos or they will not be considered.

  • And finally, be prepared to accept feedback and criticism of all kinds!

It may seem like I'm asking a lot and while I am looking for highly-talented artists here, don't be discouraged if you feel you don't fit that category. If you have a good idea that you can't translate into a good graphic on your own, submit it anyway as best you can and it's possible someone more skilled might be able to give it a boost.

I'm sure a lot of you still have questions as well. Post them in the comments area. I'll be monitoring that so I can get all your questions answered. One question I know will be when will I announce the next division? It depends on the response I get for this one. If a lot of folks submit art, it'll be sooner rather than later.

Having said that, get to work and be creative! Put some real effort in! Start designing your logos getting them submitted. I can't wait to see them and show them off!

83 comments:

Unknown said...

Do we need to do uniforms?

Michael said...

omg this is amazing, im sooooo doing all of the teams

Chris said...

Do we need to do uniforms?

Not necessary, but it'll probably be something I'll seek out in the future. If you want to do it at the same time you make the logo, go for it!

blakebormet said...

The colors schemes aren't very original (e.g. ATL Flames, NYR, WSH, PIT), and the division alignments seem incredibly odd, but I really like the whole concept.

Chris said...

The colors schemes aren't very original (e.g. ATL Flames, NYR, WSH, PIT)

Feel free to adapt the colors as you like. It's not written in stone, merely a jumping off point.

Atownjacket said...

So....this is a fantasy league? I don't understand how it will work. Does one person control each team or what? and are u using NHL players...

Chris said...

So....this is a fantasy league? I don't understand how it will work. Does one person control each team or what? and are u using NHL players...

Those are details that will be addressed later and, quite frankly, are irrelevant to this project. For now, we're just designing team logos.

Anonymous said...

This is gonna be SO cool!!!

Unknown said...

I'm no graphic designer or anything, but it's still going to be cool to see what people come up with. The Titans and Fire are going to be the coolest to see what will happen.

Unknown said...

If it's the INTERNATIONAL Hockey Association, is there going to be teams from different countries?

Jason New Era said...

This is a great idea Chris.

I'll participate as much as I can!

Jerm Deeks said...

Any particular reason the New York, Pittsburgh, and Washington teams have colours just like their real life teams, but Philly and Atlanta don't?

(and of course, props on the great idea)

Matt said...

Please, for the love of God, give Connecticut a team.

If the Whalers can't exist in real life, at least they can exist in a fictional, online ice hockey league.

Anonymous said...

soo the new york americans is one of the worst names every created.

Anonymous said...

*ever

Mike Phoenix said...

Wow somthing so new and diffrent. and i can have fun. Only this for me is that im not so good at word marks. can i still make somthing but miss the word mark to be part?

Mike Phoenix said...

Im so glad i joind this site when i did!

Anonymous said...

bruinbxr5791 said: If it's the INTERNATIONAL Hockey Association, is there going to be teams from different countries?

ya...there's probably gonna be a team from CANADA!!!

Anonymous said...

So, um.... You do realize that the New York Americans existed before, right!?!?! They were actually the first NHL team in New York, and played in Madison Square Garden, a year before the Rangers even existed! They folded in 1942, giving birth to the "Original Six" era, lasting for the next 25 years...

I've always been a bit partial to the name Empire for a New York team, especially with a black and silver scheme.

AJ said...

So this will just be different names for NHL teams. Kind of dissapoints me being from Alaska

ben said...

ive already got rough drafts for the fire and titans

Mattlund said...

Fun idea.

Anonymous said...

soo the new york americans is one of the worst names ever created.

haha so are the Montreal Canadians and the Vancouver Canucks.

Anonymous said...

what we're doing is cool, but the names are all wrong... why are we just making new teams for cities that already have NHL teams, and like others have said, this isn't an International hockey league if it only has American, and maybe some Canadian teams in it. for the love of all that is good, expand your geographical outlook.

Andrew Harkins said...

Let's stop complaining about the league. This is about design and identity and it's an awesome idea.

Andrew Harkins said...

PS. someday we should try rebranding the KHL in russia...THAT would be fun.

The Daily Jew said...

Being a Thrashers' fan... I'm kind of disappointed on the Atlanta name. It's terribly WNBA.

TJ said...

To CRYOREX:

It's so reminiscent of the Atlanta Flames. Would you rather it be Atlanta Fires?

The Kyle said...

Someone was complaining about the colour schemes. Of course teams named the New York Americans and the Washingotn Stars are going to have blue and red. And a Pittsburgh team would be a disgrace to the city if they didn't have black and yellow.

Chris said...

Lot of complaints overnight. Some of you make me laugh sometimes. Think of it like this: You work for a design firm hired by the team. The "fans" chose the name and colors! So what if they're "unoriginal" in your mind? That part's not your decision. (Imagine how they must've felt about the name Blue Jackets! Only problem was they came up with was a bug!)

To borrow an old, perhaps annoying, adage, you're saddled with lemons. You can either squirt them in your eye (ouch) or make a delicious drink. Or you could just ignore this project altogether if you don't like it.

You guys need a challenge here. I'm all for redesigning NHL logos, but at some point, everybody's artwork starts looking the same. This project is meant as a way of coming up with an original idea and following through on it.

And as far as the word "international" goes, it's still a North American league — but so was the International Hockey League back in the day. (Go Solar Bears!)

So, whine about it if you want to, but that won't get your creative juices flowing. Be different!

Anonymous said...

Actually, Chris... I think this is a great idea. I just didn't like the Americans name because an NHL team existed by that name. I've been looking at the artwork on this site for quite awhile, and thoroughly enjoy it. I must admit that I have no artistic talents to speak of, but I do have a bunch of ideas for NHL stuff and other fictional hockey teams of my own creation.

In addition, I've also dealt with fictional leagues. I have a sickening habit of taking out all of the teams in the NFL and creating my own league with each new addition of Madden... (Again, my only outlet as I have no real disernable artistic talent.)

Oh, and Atlanta has always seemed to me to be a hard place for nicknames as does L.A. (Oddly enough!)h

ben said...

"I have a sickening habit of taking out all of the teams in the NFL and creating my own league with each new addition of Madden..."

wow i do exactly the same thing! in madden and NHL 08. i love coming up with team names and uniforms and stuff in both of those games.

asnowballschance said...

Washington Stars? Really? If this is not the NHL, is it that difficult not to use NHL nicknames?

vince said...

hey chris do you know a site where i can make a logo for free

asnowballschance said...

here's my idea of cities for a fictional league:

East Conference:
Ottawa
Quebec
Montreal
Toronto
Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Buffalo
Boston
Hartford
New York
Pittsburgh
Philadelphia
Detroit
Washington
Chicago
Hamilton, Ont.

West Conference:
St. Paul
Winnipeg
Calgary
Edmonton
Vancouver
Seattle
Los Angeles
Las Vegas
Denver
St. Louis
Saskatoon
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Dallas
San Jose

Mike Phoenix said...

OMG what is wrong with half of you people. Do you all not have a fictional Bone in your body? Who cares the some of the names are the same as a NHL Team. THIS IS NOT THE DAM NHL. Get it through you heads! If you don’t like it you don’t have to be a part of it. As for me and people that like to design stuff this is a welcome project. Even thought I like what I was doing to NHL Teams I know that none of it will ever be used on any of there teams. With the IHA here there is a chance that they may use the design and that’s what makes this more enjoyable.

asnowballschance said...

@ Mike Phoenix,

Again, if it's "not the dam nhl" as you put it, then why use their nicknames? Just a thought.

kevin4peace said...

I COMPLETELY agree with Resist the machine. Except for there being 6 Canadian teams in the East, and 5 in the West. It should be 6 and 6 eh? (By the looks of lots of Canadian teams... are you Canadian, Resist?)

Thehurricane said...

to all the people complaining about the names and colours when a new league is established are all the names unique for all other hockey leagues no and neither are the colours.theres a thought for you.
I cant draw so i wont be participating but this will still be an exciting challenge for those participating look forward to seeing

asnowballschance said...

No, I'm American with some hockey sense. Notice how I completely elimnated nearly all of the SE teams except for DC. I was having a difficult time of finding a sixth acceptable Canadian city for the West. Maybe either the Forts (McMurray/Nelson) or Whitehorse could be considered as longshots, but that's about it.

Mike Phoenix said...

Interesting Resist. where do you see the same Nickname for any of the city there in the NHL. all but the Americans and that was Before Orginal 6 times.

asnowballschance said...

Don't forget Stars.
Fire could be a reference to the Flames.

Darrell Sharpe said...

Would be cool if there was a poll or something for teams/team names. Would also be excellent if there was a St. John's, Newfoundland team lol, even though we lost our Fog Devils. I may just give this a go yet, if i have time between work and freelancing.

asnowballschance said...

The more Canadian teams the merrier, just as long as Chris doesn't put them all in one or two divisions.

Thehurricane said...

the only other city in the west that could support a team maybe be victoria if thats hard to the fact its on an island i dont think whitehorse has enough people

Thehurricane said...

or enen regina could be in the west

Mike Phoenix said...

LOL Really There is a Washington Stars in the NHL? Show me! the fire may be the closest you get. but not the same name. Give it up man. I understansd your all about being orginal but to just grasp at straws? If it was your idea i would not care. Just like i don't care now and its Chris's idea.

Hockey Week said...

hmmm...
i'm guessing that after the submissions are made, there's going to be a competition between the concepts? perhaps do the same for jerseys? the winners go into one single concept gallery?

i love the idea, it's almost as though i've mentioned it before...

seriously though, i'm glad to see you're going through with it, even taking it a step farther and branding a new league instead of rebranding the nhl

Guilherme Calciolari said...

What's the problme with same names of NHL?

At least we won't have two teams with the same name (lookin' at you, AHL)

Guilherme

Matt said...

I don't like this one bit. Let me tell you why...

This guy is getting at least 90 logos (without including multiple selections per team) for FREE. A design job like this should cost at least $1000 (just over $10 per logo).

Things like this are what drive down the graphic design industry. Because people are willing to do stuff like this for absolutely no charge, the job of being a graphic designer suddenly becomes a hobby...

Chris said...

This guy is getting at least 90 logos (without including multiple selections per team) for FREE. A design job like this should cost at least $1000 (just over $10 per logo).

This I feel the need to respond to. No one's making any money off of this project so why should any be spent? It's meant for people who do graphic design as a hobby — in no way does it take anything from what professionals do. As a professional graphic designer myself, I'm bothered by your suggestion that it does.

Gotta lighten up. This is all meant to be fun. You don't have to participate if you don't want to.

asnowballschance said...

@ Mike Phoenix

As a fan of the Washington CAPITALS, I'm embarrassed and ashamed that Chris' fantasy nickname for D.C. is the Stars. It seems so underwhelming and underachieving. You seem to miss the point when I believe that NHL NICKNAMES should NOT be used in a fantasy league, i.e. Dallas STARS.

Chris said...

As a fan of the Washington CAPITALS, I'm embarrassed and ashamed that Chris' fantasy nickname for D.C. is the Stars. It seems so underwhelming and underachieving. You seem to miss the point when I believe that NHL NICKNAMES should NOT be used in a fantasy league, i.e. Dallas STARS.

Maybe it's my mistake for assuming people read what I write, but I did not come up with the names for the teams and I think you're missing the point, actually. This is about a challenge to design logos based on given parameters, not about who has the nickname you are least embarrassed or ashamed by. Some of these are meant to be more challenging than others.

And when you say NHL nicknames shouldn't be used, I completely disagree. Put the NHL out of your mind when thinking about this project.

Mike Phoenix said...

Oh ok maybe the Washington Democrats? Yeah with a big ass on it and lots of stars. LOL see the word Fantasy you used? that is what this is all about. Fantasy means not real! You need to think that way. The only shame here is that you dont know how to enjoy this and have fun! so maybe you should go and make your own blog and get people to make one for your Fantasy teams. and if you do and tell me ill make some for you to. And by the sounds of it i dont think chris alone made up the names of the teams. so maybe you should lay off the guy.

asnowballschance said...

So if future names like the Vancouver Orcas, Denver Blizzard, Los Angeles Royalty surface, I shouldn't think about the NHL either? It can't be a coincidence that 3 out of the 5 teams already made up (well 4 if you include colors) ARE eerily similar to the NHL teams, past and present. Overall, this probably isn't the best thought process when attempting to brand a fantasy hockey league. I'm sure Nicolas put time into this, but not implementing any voting measures for cities/colors/nickname to the other readers of your blog makes the whole concept quite frivolous and downright preposterous.

Chris said...

Overall, this probably isn't the best thought process when attempting to brand a fantasy hockey league. I'm sure Nicolas put time into this, but not implementing any voting measures for cities/colors/nickname to the other readers of your blog makes the whole concept quite frivolous and downright preposterous.

Are you kidding? Man, this blog is nothing but frivolity — and proud of it! Welcome to the party. Regardless, once again I feel the need to point out that this project is NOT about creating a fantasy league from the ground up.

It's about designing logos for teams that their "fans" have given names and colors to. It's like "rebranding the NHL" only there's no "re-" because these teams never had logos to begin with. As far as the NHL comparisons, I'm not saying there aren't similarities, I'm saying just put them out of your mind for this.

It's really a simple concept. Try not to overthink things.

Darrell Sharpe said...

In regard to cost and design prices. 10 dollars a logo? In the real industry (and depending on the business) you could pay thousands for one logo alone. I understand the hesitancy as a designer myself, however, if one felt that way about it, they could always not participate, even provide non vector files, won't stop copying but it will at least protect what you've created somewhat.

asnowballschance said...

Duly Noted.

I believe that this whole approach could have induced a lot more involvement from others who visit your blog instead of the thought process of one individual.

Kevin Y said...

How much time can we expect to pass before the designs start being posted?

Bryan said...

this is a great idea and i really wanna participate, but I have little artistic talent, more than some people though, jsut not enough to make a good logo. However, i think im pretty good at wordmarks. I can try, ive got free time, and this is a great idea, which i believe we could do again for another fantasy league afterwords. My designs wont be good, but hey, it will be fun, even if the names arent too original.

Dennis Pavlina said...

what kinds of programs are best for creating the logos...for example what does ghettofarmboy use??

Pens and Bombs said...

Hey! Please put in a Rochester team!!!

Like the Storm, or something cool! :]

Anonymous said...

BRING BACK THE GUITARS

Leafers LP said...

Resist the Machine, shut up. Chris is trying to entertain us because that's what this blog is all about. He does it for us. And idiots like you have to go and ruin it for everyone. I'm sure Chris isn't feeling the same way now as when he first posted this challenge.

So, go get a life and learn how to READ. He's clearly stated multiple times that this is not a real league, not for any professional use. It's just a fun challenge. If he's asking you to take this merely as fun, then why on earth would you complain about it not being serious?

And WHY DOES IT MATTER that Nicolas has used similar names and colour schemes? Does it effect the whole point of this? Sorry, you don't get the whole point. First, go learn how to read and get some common sense while you're at it. After that, come back and read the instructions again, well, for the first time. Then you can go eat a bowl of Get-Realios.

Yeah, that last part was cheezy, but at least I can understand what Chris is trying to get into your non-existent brain.

Anonymous said...

im completely new to designing logos, so if anyone has any links u could post or tips to help me get started, i would really appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

Hmm... my list with teams from cities around the entire world is way better, more creative, and has no nhl duplication or hints at teams in other/same cities. The league I made when I was 10 even had more creative names than this (this one was only in north america).
It may be just me (or lots of other people by looking at the posts), but wouldn't it be more fun and creative to have the artists design teams with original names so they can make original designs other than different colors and a slightly modified logo to their nhl (or any other sports leagues) counterparts. Plus IHA is a cheesy name.

Billy test said...

@ Pav
You can use Adobe Illustrator! It's the best and it's sure that Ghetto Farm Boy use this!

Darrell Sharpe said...

Yeah, adobe illustrator or freehand are the most common ones. There's also CoreDraw, but you dont want to use coreldraw, believe me. lol.

Mike Phoenix said...

I would say Pav for you if its your first time, Use Photoshop Illustrator takes a little getting use to. but once you figure it out you will love it.

Dennis Pavlina said...

Great, I will definately try to get Adobe Illustrator...I have some great ideas for logos...thanx for the help..

FlyingV4Life said...

I didnt have time to follow all the guidelines,create secondary logos,etc...but I colored a jersey and came up with a logo crest...

gladiator shield with swords

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/692/titansrf4.jpg

Anonymous said...

I'd do something with the white inside the helmet on yours FlyingV4Life, like change it to a lighter black or put a head inside of it. I like it otherwise, but I can't see the secondary logo very well.

asnowballschance said...

Leafers LP,

Your rant was rather comical. Obviously you don't understand the points I was trying to make about the fantasy hockey league. This "design a new league" approach could have been better involving the masses instead of a hand-me down from another casual reader. Just my 2 cents worth. Also, you might as well consider this project as it'll be a long winter for your Leafs again.

GBM said...

Gah, no Boston?

Anonymous said...

When are you going to give us a new division? I already finished my logos and jerseys for the atlantic

Leafers LP said...

Hey, Machine. It's pretty sad that you have to bash my team just to make an excuse.

You spazzed out like a tard, and now in the west division post you're trying to act like you're all caring and crap. You obviously don't understand anyone's point of why Chris is even doing this. It's not supposed to be friggin professionally thought out or anything. And I'd say they're doing a pretty good job because we haven't seen any Chops.

Oh, and by the way, I'm kind of hoping for a long winter, tard. Have you ever heard of Tavares? Sorry, you only pretend to give a crap about hockey. You wouldn't have heard of him since it's another Canadian superstar.

Just my 2 cents to put in the machine.

Thehurricane said...

HAHAHA the leafs will never get tavares

Leafers LP said...

So you're saying the Leafs are actually good? Wow, what an insult. Thank you.

Unknown said...

WTF with the Washington Stars??? Why not call the other team the Dallas Capitals...also the Edmonton Seahawks???? Edmonton is nowhere near the sea...who came up with these names???

Unknown said...

And when you say NHL nicknames shouldn't be used, I completely disagree. Put the NHL out of your mind when thinking about this project.

Chris, I am having a hard time with this,,you say put the nhl out of your mind when doing this, but you have kept Pitts, NY and Wash NHL colors..who came up with these names and colors anyways..I still cant stand the names of the Washington Stars and Edmonton Seahawks

Unknown said...

If you do decide to make this into a fantasy league with fictional player. I can easily help out in that department. I've been working on my own hockey league for about fifteen years (64 seasons completed) and i use about 65% made up players then i filled out my rosters with 5-9 rounders from the draft. I also have a 40 team league.

fraser said...

sounds cool

Unknown said...

There is only 1 logo out of all that you can tell is a hockey team's logo...??????????????????????????????

Post a Comment