Sports & Play
Is this an even better Toronto Blue Jays logo?
When the new Toronto Blue Jays logo and uniforms were released yesterday, there was quite the discussion in our comment thread about a critique we shared from a local designer who pointed out what in his estimation were some pretty glaring errors. Naturally someone finally suggested that Rob, the designer in question, put together a design that addressed the faults that had been identified — and wouldn't you know it, he did.
I like that. Although his own criticism became the subject of much criticism, here's someone who know how to put his money where his mouth is. So, now the question is which one is better? For my money, I like the revised one. Not only is it cleaner, but by not using two different fonts, the logo is more unified. Also noteworthy is how the stem of the maple leaf seamlessly turns into the outline of the ball — very slick. The entire design is also less angular (e.g. fonts, the blue jay's eye), which gives it a more contemporary look to my eyes.
What do you think?
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Discussion
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I do like how the leaf runs into the ball in the critique, but it's also worth remembering that the (secondary) logo on the hat/uniform doesn't include the ball (as per MLB rules), but does include the leaf. How does the critique look if you take the ball out? I think the leaf would stick out too far on its own.
the lettering w/ the white through the middle is key to making the word marks recognizable when they are used outside the logo (as on the front and back of the jerseys).
I dislike the differing fonts in the new-official logo (and can look past that, but really prefer the sleekness of the bird.
http://on.fb.me/UNIFORMSANDLOGOS
But, when I look at it, I don't feel like 'ahh, this is much better because the imperfections in the official logo have been corrected.' It just looks like a cool variation to me.
I think people attacked you a bit because your criticisms were about pretty small, seemingly insignificant things (to the non-design person, anyway). Meanwhile, the Jays had thrown away a totally crap logo, gone back to blue and white, and given us a pretty cool new logo. It was hard to feel too nitpicky at the time.
But I will say, I think you did a great job. I think either version would be great.
As I believe you said, I think you've got to go with the split lettering. I believe the Jays are the only team to have used that kind of lettering, so it's kind of iconic to the team.
http://s287.photobucket.com/albums/ll155/vkungs/?action=view&;current=bjs.jpg
Don't quit your day job. Unless your day job is as a designer.
Remember, this isn't a corporate logo, it's a team logo for its fans' consumption, and one who's whole point is to pay homage to the past, which the majority of fans want.
Thus, updating the split font is fine, but getting rid of it because maybe the idea is not generally fashionable anymore, is missing the whole point.
Also, what I said above could also be said for having the baseball in the background. It's an homage to the original logo, and is simply a representation of what the team is. It's not there to explain what sport the Jays play in the even people were unaware.
Proportions on the redesign are much better. Much nicer shape. The letting is a little plain.
People complaining that the bird doesn't look mean enough need to get a life. As for the official design, it's hideous.
only thing is the baseball's stiching may not be accurate... unless i am looking wrong?
Also, that Gotham typeface in the Rob version is soooooooo overused.
Just think about it this way:
- new logo = baby jays
- original logo = junior jays
- Late 90's logo with the "T" and bird with bat = teen jays
- last logo with bold look = adult old and slow jays.
It's a new era guys. Expect a title soon.
New logo or not, I still wouldn't watch a Jays game unless I was watching it on tv while doing something else. And there is always something better on tv than baseball.
At a glance, Rob's logo feels like a Junior Jay's softball team logo.
bad on rob for coming back with that pathetic version of the logo.