A brand developed by its talented fans
The day before the draft, many (most) fans are spent on the topic of who to take over the extended draft weekend. For those who aren’t, there’s plenty still to read on Hogs Haven. For those who are, I’m going to go in a different direction this afternoon.
Since Washington’s football team announced that it was going to re-brand several years ago, a number of fans – particularly those with graphic design backgrounds – have taken cracks at offering up their own visions. Almost without exception, the serious proposals offered were better than what the “Commanders” ended up with.
In my mind though, two particular designers, “Gonzo” and “Bryan Flynn” stood out with their design acumen, and the thoughtfulness with which they approached the exercise.
These are fans who have volunteered – at least – hundreds of hours of their free time to put together a re-branding package that would do the franchise, fans, and the DMV proud. I love the work that each of them have done, and if pressed, I couldn’t offer a favorite, but I did want to highlight part of Bryan’s work effort here, in part because he produced it as a “simple” favor from me.
Last year, I asked Bryan on “X” to pursue a Wolves/Redwolves re-design, thinking he’d mock up a few graphics and call it a day. As I’ve spent more time following him, I should have known better. This is a guy who throws himself completely into his design efforts, whether it’s re-designing state flags, college unis, or pro kits. He’s a consummate professional, and an incredibly gifted designer, as you’ll see below.
The slides include: logo, wordmark, helmets, uniform combo builder, and even some field ideas and tee designs that are only avail at @cottonbureau. For the combo builder, you can mix/match helmets, jersey and pant colors. @GridironUniform was a constant resource site. 2/x pic.twitter.com/7uUE6IFpkH
— Bryan Flynn (@brydfly) April 24, 2024
My take: removing the Redskins name and old logo doesn’t/didn’t also require a total severing from the team’s iconography; WSH has a deep bench. Pivoting the NA spear to simple golden arrows creates a bridge to team history; the wolf is part of that bridge. 3/x pic.twitter.com/X7PeMx31xg
— Bryan Flynn (@brydfly) April 24, 2024
“Why not put the wolf on the helmet?” I subscribe to the thinking that the logo doesn’t HAVE to be on the helmet (e.g. Eagles, Rams, new Texans horns). I did consider it and like the idea, but I opted for helmet graphics that were an easier read. 4/x pic.twitter.com/wQTVaJIsT7
— Bryan Flynn (@brydfly) April 24, 2024
“WTH were you thinking here?” I really like: the hidden arrow point in my concept logo; the idea of using the entire helmet; 1930s/40s leather helmets when teams asked “what if?” So played w/ a Wolverine approach putting the W on crown. This would need to be painted IMO. 5/x pic.twitter.com/DGLqtKDgUr
— Bryan Flynn (@brydfly) April 24, 2024
The above is just a sampling of what Bryan has created. The full, interactive, visual journey through this new branding can be found here.
We’re told the new ownership knows that fans – largely – dislike the current brand, and that they may consider an alternative. When you see the genius of individuals like Bryan and Gonzo up close, you recognize how much better things could be on that front.
I sincerely hope that Josh Harris, Mitch Rales, Magic Johnson, and the other owners will prioritize re-branding this franchise, moving on from one of the last of Dan Snyder’s mistakes, and when they do, that they’ll give both of these talented designers a call.
Celebrating #NFLDraft Eve by posting a personal #HTTC concept: https://t.co/HCHXVeV5fF
Started in 2023 when @Smith4Gm asked how I’d do a Wolves/Redwolves concept. to @GonzoDidThis and @Dean_J6 for letting me bounce thoughts off them. 1/x pic.twitter.com/9T5yTO5D3Q
— Bryan Flynn (@brydfly) April 24, 2024
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