Overview
Coog Esports, an esports club based in the city of Houston, Texas, was on a mission to reinvent its visual identity through the creation of a new logo that embodies the very soul of the club. They wanted a logo that not only captured the essence of Coog Esports but also stood out as a compelling and distinctive representation of their spirit. However, there was a an existing challenge - the club's current logo bears striking similarities to the official logo of the University of Houston's Athletics, raising concerns of potential copyright infringement.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this case study was to revamp Coog Esports' visual identity by conceiving a new logo that reflected the club's essence and ethos. While crafting the logo, the case study aimed to navigate the complexities of copyright issues to ensure the final design remained both original and compliant with legal requirements.
CHALLENGES
Capturing Coog Esports' Essence
The main challenge was to create a logo that symbolized the spirit and values of Coog Esports, conveying their passion for esports and fostering a sense of unity among their members.
Copyright Considerations
The club was currently utilizing a logo reminiscent of the University of Houston's Athletics, which raised potential copyright infringement concerns. The new logo had to be entirely unique, avoiding any elements that could lead to legal complications.
Process
research
The esports club placed great importance on a logo that centered around their university mascot, Sasha, the mountain lion, and aimed to exude a cool and fierce vibe. Highlighting the cat's cheeks in the design was specifically requested because it's a very defining feature of mountain lions. Additionally, they wanted the logo to feature the main colors of the university's branding, ensuring a seamless integration with the institution's overall visual identity.
Design
FEEDBACK
The esports club expressed great enthusiasm for the logo, yet they had specific feedback regarding the lineart around the ears. They requested the lineart to continue over the ears instead of hiding behind them, adding a dynamic touch. Furthermore, the club felt that making the logo thinner would enhance its overall appearance. To achieve this, I decided to reduce the size of the cat's cheeks, resulting in a sleeker and more refined design. The final changes perfectly aligned with the club's vision and created an even more impressive representation of their brand.
FINALIZATION
conclusion
In addition to the insights gained on intellectual property and copyright licenses, this project allowed me to apply my creative thinking to craft a dynamic esports logo. Working on a design that represented the university's mascot, Sasha, in a cool and fierce manner was both challenging and rewarding.
Giving back to my collegiate club and contributing to their visual identity brought a deep sense of satisfaction. Witnessing the logo's enduring use years after its creation reaffirmed the lasting impact of my work. Collaborating closely with the club members and stakeholders throughout the process cultivated effective communication skills and ensured that the final logo truly resonated with the club's values and aspirations.
Overall, this project served as a valuable learning experience, combining design expertise, legal considerations, and a sense of community. The experience has further fueled my passion for visual design, and I look forward to undertaking more projects that make a meaningful difference in the future.
RESULTS
The redesigned logo has yielded impressive results for the esports club:
Longevity: The logo has been continuously used for three years since its creation and remains in active use. Its enduring appeal reflects its success in resonating with the club's identity and audience.
Merchandise Branding: The logo has been utilized to create various merchandise, including jerseys, shirts, and pins. Its versatile design allows for seamless integration across a range of products, reinforcing the club's branding in tangible ways.
Social Media Presence: The logo's adoption extends to the club's social media platforms. As the face of their digital identity, it contributes to a consistent and impactful brand image, engaging their online community effectively.
The logo's success in driving brand recognition, merchandise sales, and a strong social media presence highlights its effectiveness in representing the esports club and contributing to their overall growth and popularity.
