Project IceHL: Uniform Designs
/The time has finally come. All 30 IceHL logos have been determined and now we move on to the next phase, the one you've all been waiting for: jersey design!
HOW IT WORKS
Jersey design submissions will be accepted one division at a time, in a predetermined, random order. We'll begin with the Southeast Division, followed by the North, Central, South, Northeast and Pacific. For each division, entries will be accepted over a period of two weeks.
FAINT OF HEART NEED NOT APPLY
Unlike the logo design phase, a higher standard of quality will be required for the uniform designs. Basically, if you're still using Microsoft Paint, it's time to upgrade. Designers will be required to submit their jersey designs on a Photoshop template provided by Icethetics.
If you're stuck in the stone ages but have a great idea, my advice would to try and hook up with someone who can put your ideas into an acceptable digital format. Otherwise, you're going to have to sit this round out. Later on you'll understand why I'm being so strict for this part of the project. I have a very good reason.
HOME/ROAD/THIRD?
Only home and road jerseys will be accepted during this part of the process. Third jerseys may come later after we establish each team's identity. Just like in the NHL, road jerseys will be light and home jerseys will be dark. Further guidelines will be outlined in each division's submission post.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Each week, there will be a post announcing the beginning of the submission period for each division. It will detail the entry guidelines as well as provide artwork. You will be able to download a ZIP file containing two versions of the IceHL uniform template (standard and laced collars) and the primary and secondary logos for each of the five teams in that division.
CHOOSING THE LOOK
At the end of the submission period, all qualifying designs will be posted on their individual team pages. Icethetics users will then rate each design on scale of 1 to 5 stars over another two-week period. The highest rated uniform set will be the winning design.
ADVANTAGE
The winning logo designers will have a special advantage in the uniform design rating process since they obviously have a unique perspective, having created the initial look for the team. For example, since Joey Light designed the winning Arsenal logo, if he submits a jersey design for the Arsenal, it will be placed at the top of the page. That's the extent of the advantage — prime placement on the rating page.
That's basically how this will work. Email or comment with any questions. Check back for the Southeast Division post today at 3 PM.
ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS
Some very good questions have come up in the comments area so here are my responses.
What about Illustrator and gimp?
You may use any image manipulation you choose so long as you use the provided template (which is a Photoshop document) — not something similar, but that exact template. I know I am being strict on this, but trust me when I tell you there is a good reason.
So away is white and home is colored. Is it also possible to do light blue and dark blue jerseys?
I don't want to stunt your creativity but all I can say is it better be the lightest blue you've ever seen. If there's not enough contrast between the two sweaters (and I'll be the judge of that), the entry will be disqualified. And keep in mind that you're limited to the colors in the team's logos. Remember, white is always the safest bet.
Keep asking questions. I'll keep adding answers.