Sunday, July 13, 2008

Bolts Go Photoshopping

First, yes Vinny signed an 11-year contract with my Tampa Bay Lightning and I couldn't be happier. But it's actually Steven Stamkos that has me writing this evening. It appears even official team web sites aren't above Photoshopping jerseys onto players who haven't actually worn them yet.

This ad is currently appearing on the Bolts' home page.



At first you may think nothing of it. But look at the guy on the right. Is that Stamkos? In a Lightning jersey? When would he have had occasion to don a Bolts jersey in game action? Any graphic artist worth his salt should be able to tell in a second that it's not a real photo based on the lighting and shadows alone.

If you're not sold, consider this: Even when training camp rolls around, they don't wear full-on game sweaters. They have practice jerseys for that. So I'm led to the conclusion that his head has been pasted on someone else's body. And, of course, the numbers have been added because no player to my knowledge wore #91 for the Lightning last year.

Wow! Maybe I'm the only one intrigued by this, but I figure if I'm not alone, you guys would be the only other ones who care. So speaking of which, if anybody happens to run across a free agent signee already in his new team's uniform on an official web site, shoot me an email.

I'll leave you with this question: Who was that originally a picture of and how do you think he feels about having his head chopped off and his number changed?

Pens, Leafs Fan Art

One new artist I've been receiving concept designs from signs his work Ivall. His first submission was a Blackhawks logo that was met with a lot of praise. His followup was a Sabres logo that landed in a Freak Out Friday post.

In the last few days he's been hard at work on new logos for the Penguins and Maple Leafs. We'll start in Pittsburgh.



You know, of all the Pens artwork I've been sent, I think this is the first time I've seen a forward-facing penguin. Despite its intricacies, it's a pretty well-drawn logo. Check it out on a jersey.



He also made five attempts at a new Leafs logo.



It's hard to say which is my favorite but I think I'd have to go with either the one on top or middle-right. Thoughts?

By the way, we've got new sweater designs from Paul (aka capn89). He's made Philly, Columbus, Washington and one other team — got to leave something to the imagination. Check back tomorrow for that!

Coyotes Logo Evolution

I've been going though my computer to clear off a bunch of old files when I came across an interesting video clip. It was posted on the Phoenix Coyotes web site a few years ago when they unveiled their new (current) logo. As a person who comes from the video/animation world, I was fascinated by it and I thought I'd share it on this Sunday morning.



Now, just to be clear this video is property of the Coyotes hockey club and I have nothing to do with it. I'm just a fan and I wanted to share it with you guys. Someone obviously put a lot of effort into it.

But what sort of person would I be if I didn't also have concept art for you?



These two logo sets come from the same designer and I think they're equally cool.



This one I felt was confused. You're either using the moon as a C or not — you can't have it both ways without it being weird.

And to finish... this is something I don't really like to do, but I'm making an exception. Occasionally when I post a concept logo, I'll get emails from people with adjustments to that design. And I tend to not post them because I feel like it takes away from the original artist's work. Here, I believe it helps it.

Back on NHLToL, I posted this Coyotes logo set by designer Sigma Kappa. But one reader made some tweaks to the second logo.



I like this one just as much as the original. Both have their pros and cons but I figured I'd post it so you guys could decide which you thought was better.