Concept Collection 1

I'm testing out a new format for concept posts. It features a standardized look for all submissions as well and limited commentary from me. Some posts will still have a particular theme, but from now on, most will just be a hodge-podge of whatever's in the Icethetics inbox. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

I know I said the last Connecticut Whale concepts would be the last. But Ross' attempt was too good not to share. We always talk about logo simplicity. This is one of those great designs that you can see a kid drawing on his notebook.

Unfortunately, this new format doesn't yet include ratings but I'm sure the artists will appreciate your feedback in the comments. Just added ratings. Enjoy!

Fixing the Whale Fail, Part 2

The Connecticut Whale concepts continue pouring in at a slow but steady pace. I'm starting a new post tonight to share them with you.

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Caleb Fuller We'll begin this set with the only one that's actually made me laugh out loud as I perused my inbox. Caleb took his inspiration of the infamous Twitter fail whale. And the execution is an absolute riot. As if the crest alone weren't enough, he's created the sweater from a combination of elements from some of the worst NHL uniforms in recent history — namely the Sabres and Senators. This may have been a joke and doesn't "fix" anything, but it wins for the laugh factor as far as I'm concerned.

Brendan Klein Next, Brendan has gone in a new direction while still keeping the spirit of the old Hartford Whalers. I don't think it needs an explanation as the logo pretty much speaks for itself. But I'm not sure I'm a fan of the white jersey's complete lack of blue. But maybe I'm alone there.

Christopher Lewis Finally, Christopher came up with a fix that simplifies the idea of a logo built around a C for Connecticut. He shows you don't have to draw a cartoon to do it. And I like that. Still, I can't help but feel like the logo is more of a fusion of the Whalers and New Jersey Devils. The pointy tail just looks a little demonic.

Later this week I'll have new concepts, including some All-Star designs. I think we've put the Whale subject to bed at this point.

Update on 2011-01-16 21:09 by Chris

I know I said the last set of Whale concepts would be the last set. But you guys kept emailing in your work. And it would be terrible of me to ignore it. So here's some other artwork that came in this week.

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Jonathan Sparks Jonathan put in a great effort with newly designed logos. I particularly like the new primary mark on the dark sweater. It's a great play on the New York Rangers' old Lady Liberty logo. It's the perfect mix between the Whale and their NHL affiliate. Regarding the secondary mark on the green jersey, I'll let Jonathan explain: "I was just looking online for inspiration and came across the Hylian shield from the Legend of Zelda and came up with the secondary logo." He also created a white sweater which is the inverse of the blue one. It's nice to see the Hartford Whalers colors and striping intact on this effort. One of my favorites.

Craig Mazuchowski Craig may not have the logo design chops of some of our other designers, but it's hard not to like where he's going — simplicity. Often when we talk about a team with a good history, we like to see them in something isn't too complicated. And this fits the bill. Though if it were me, I'd make the establishment date 1972. I know the Connecticut name is new, but why not go all the way back to the WHA and celebrate the spirit of the Whale?

Dallas Hicks Dallas has also gone with a simpler approach, but for me to describe his work wouldn't do it justice. So here's what he says about the jerseys: "It’s one thing for me to say that the Connecticut Whale jerseys are craptacular, but I figured I’d put my money where my mouth is and try to do better. This is close enough to classic Whalers while still different enough to establish a new identity. The green is more of a “sea green” but it’s different and clean. The third jersey uses the navy blue as a primary with the gray taking a bigger role." And regarding the logo, Dallas explains: "The front of the whale forms the C while the tail creates a negative space T. The spout of water is (roughly) in the shape of the state.

Anthony Colson And lastly, Anthony has used good old Pucky and the classic Whalers "W" to create a "C" in the negative space for his logo. I lauded previous designers for simplified work but I think this one is a bit oversimplified. While something like this may have worked in the 1970s, we are now a decade into the 21st century and the kids just don't respond to this. (Nor should they respond to mad, toothy whales carrying hockey sticks.)

That should wrap things up for real. We'll find a new topic for the next set of concepts.

Fixing the Whale Fail

In a recent blog post about the miserable failure that is the branding of the AHL's Connecticut Whale, I put out the call for Icethetics concept artists to improve it. Here's what they came up with.

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Jayde Garrow In a concept first posted back in September after we learned what the team's new name would be, Jayde Garrow took the best if not most obvious route with his design. Quite simply, bring back the classic Hartford Whalers logo but with a unique spin.

Christian Ryder Working on the same theme as Jayde, Christian Ryder elaborated with new style for the tale and a pair of uniforms. Thought the use of the Canucks font for the wordmark was an interesting choice, but I guess the teams do share the same color scheme.

Cale Putnam Do you see a pattern forming here? The clearest solution seems to be play on the old Whalers logo. And it's not as though it's never been done. The Binghamton Whalers merely turned the Hartford logo on its side back in the day. But I digress. Cale Putnam brings us a full uniform set with his concept. Perhaps the best part is the Whalers-inspired striping on the green alternate sweater. And overall, I have absolutely nothing to complain about here.

Joshua Heckman It appears Joshua Heckman was on the same track as most everyone else. But I can't help but feel like he took a wrong turn in getting there. I understand the use of the Whalers' W, but I'm not sure about the protrusion beneath it. Don't know what that's supposed to be.

Peter Debay And finally, for something entirely different, Peter has gone with an entirely new approach that is a little ironic. His symbol for a team called the Whale is a harpoon — the very item used to kill whales. Hmm. Still, it's clear he's taking his inspiration from the old New England team from the WHA, as he points out himself. I'm just not sure it would be received any better than what the team actually used. But I'm often wrong.

What do the rest of you think? Are any of these the way to go or is the Whale better off with what they have? Weigh in, and if you have a concept of your own, email it in and I'll add it to this post.

Update on 2011-01-10 09:04 by Chris

Still taking Connecticut Whale concept art if you've got any improvements.

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Benoit Lacaille Benoit sent in his own fix. It's got originality and bright colors. How can hockey fans not like it? He's brought a unique look with an homage to the past, a description that might also apply to the real Whale logo, but the difference is his actually looks good. And the two-tone green jersey? Yes, please!

Ryan Haslett Ryan took the Hartford Whalers concept and customized it a big for Connecticut. Then he went a step further by fusing it with the logo of the Whale's NHL affiliate, the New York Rangers. The result is actually pretty cool. Added Jan. 10 at 1:01 AM

Again, keep the concepts coming. I'll have more posted soon.

Predicting the Future

Hey, looks like it's time again for our monthly concept post. Really sorry about that, but as I've said, the blog and logo tournaments come first because that's what most people seem to be interested in — though I recognize there's a core group here that just can't get enough concept art. This one's for you.

Today's theme deals with the future — our designers taking a stab in the dark at what could be. Bookmark this page. We'll see how close they get.

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Brian Brideau	First up, Brian sent in this concept based on a description I wrote of the Anaheim Ducks' new third jersey. Based on what I saw, it's pretty darn close. There are some minor dissimilarities, but for the most part, he's got it. This image I put together (right) is a better example of what I think the shoulder patch looks like. It was small in the image I saw so it's difficult to be sure. But it's the best we have to go on at the moment. The Ducks will sport their new alternate sweater for the first time on Nov. 26 against the Blackhawks. That's probably the first time we'll get to see it legitimately.
Jayde Garrow	The other day, the Hartford Wolf Pack announced Howard Baldwin is taking over business operations and his first act will be changing the team's name to the Connecticut Whale at midseason. So Jayde took a stab at a possible logo. Very nice tribute to the classic Hartford Whalers mark and very simple.
Stephen Griesmer	Yesterday, it was announced the newest ECHL team will be named the Chicago Express. Logos were unveiled but jerseys are still under wraps. Here's one idea from Stephen for home, road and alternate sweaters. The team doesn't begin play until the 2011-12 season.
Mike Wytrykus	The next two aren't really future jerseys — but I suppose they could be, right? Mike's rendition of a throwback-inspired Red Wings jersey is, well, inspired. This is one example of a jersey that in no way takes away from the team's long history. In fact, it plays it up. Count me a fan.
Sean Ryan Cooley	And lastly, Sean tried his hand a rebrand for the Panthers. As I told him, I feel like the colors don't work together that well, but I like the direction and the logo designs are solid. I think the Panthers have one of the best logos in hockey, but they're certainly working toward something simpler as evidence by last year's third jersey.

Until next time... (which I do hope to be sooner than a month from now.)