Check out the new Logo concepts by Gridiron Labs

[GLABS]

Check out Fighting Hawks logo and uniforms concepts from sports brand designers Gridiron Labs that deliver a true transition brand for backers of the Fighting Sioux nickname.  The full package along with logo stories can be checked out here:  bit.ly/1R1qTuP 

[InHeavenThereIsNoBeer]

While I like your concepts, I don't understand the reason behind doing them.  Is it just for fun or are you working in conjunction with SME, Inc?

[Fetch]

Not bad - Does it make me want to buy one ......no

But I doubt any will

[stoneySIOUX]

36 minutes ago, InHeavenThereIsNoBeer said:

While I like your concepts, I don't understand the reason behind doing them.  Is it just for fun or are you working in conjunction with SME, Inc?

Yeah, that was my question, too. So, doing this independently means what? UND already signed the contract with SME, right?

[Emerald joker]

It actually looks pretty cool but I don't think they could get away with the feathers looking to Native American

[scpa0305]

1 hour ago, GLABS said:

Check out Fighting Hawks logo and uniforms concepts from sports brand designers Gridiron Labs that deliver a true transition brand for backers of the Fighting Sioux nickname.  The full package along with logo stories can be checked out here:  bit.ly/1R1qTuP 

Sioux forever guy here....however I do like those.  Best I've seen yet.

If I was to constructively criticize, I would add some color.  And think about changing something with that circle (I'm guessing the item which would hold the feathers). 

[Hayduke]

A hawk is a bird.  A bird has feathers.  I doubt the NCAA would take any action. 

I like this logo design.  Get 'er done!

[homer]

9 minutes ago, Emerald joker said:

It actually looks pretty cool but I don't think they could get away with the feathers looking to Native American

I used to think UND may have to try and avoid this but after thinking about it, how does the NCAA come back and say the feathers for a bird mascot look too much like feathers from a bird?  Would they have traction with that?

[siouxstudent]

There should be absolutely zero issue with a feather on a logo of a bird, and if there is then WOW is all I can say.

[The Sicatoka]

Dear GLABS, 

1. You're late to the game.
Thanks for coming out, but you've wasted your time and resources (unless you're SME flying a trial balloon). 

2. You've failed when you arrived: 
"They all are incorporating some element of the old Fighting Sioux logo onto the Fighting Hawks," Schafer said. "And we're not going there."
 

[The Sicatoka]

The issue isn't a bird with feathers.

The issue is a bird wearing a native head dress. That circle feature at the intersection of those feathers is clearly trying to give the feel of a head dress. Pull that circle feature out and it would probably pass as a hawk on a bad hair day. 

[ericpnelson]

All irrelevancy aside, that's the favorite I've seen for hawks to this point. I'd even allow someone to buy an article of clothing with it for me.

[The Sicatoka]

Here's the rest of the GLABS stuff:
https://www.behance.net/gallery/32002813/North-Dakota-Fighting-Hawks-Brand-Concepts

 

[Emerald joker]

1 hour ago, homer said:

I used to think UND may have to try and avoid this but after thinking about it, how does the NCAA come back and say the feathers for a bird mascot look too much like feathers from a bird?  Would they have traction with that?

 

1 hour ago, siouxstudent said:

There should be absolutely zero issue with a feather on a logo of a bird, and if there is then WOW is all I can say.

In this day in age I wouldn't put it past them, cuz everyone has the right to be offeneded or some sh*t like that. I like it, I might actually think about buying a jersey with that on

[Emerald joker]

5 minutes ago, The Sicatoka said:

Here's the rest of the GLABS stuff:
https://www.behance.net/gallery/32002813/North-Dakota-Fighting-Hawks-Brand-Concepts

 

I like the first concept. Second one looks too....something, not sure, reminds me of a totem pole

[petey23]

1 hour ago, siouxstudent said:

There should be absolutely zero issue with a feather on a logo of a bird, and if there is then WOW is all I can say.

Correct.

This seems to get brought up all the time and people point to William and Mary.

The difference is they kept their name and removed Native American Imagery.

A bird has feathers a Tribe does not.....especially when the definition of Tribe used by William and Mary is not to define a Native American group.

[scpa0305]

56 minutes ago, The Sicatoka said:

Dear GLABS, 

1. You're late to the game.
Thanks for coming out, but you've wasted your time and resources (unless you're SME flying a trial balloon). 

2. You've failed when you arrived: 
"They all are incorporating some element of the old Fighting Sioux logo onto the Fighting Hawks," Schafer said. "And we're not going there."
 

Be nice.

[dagies]

1 hour ago, Hayduke said:

A hawk is a bird.  A bird has feathers.  I doubt the NCAA would take any action. 

I like this logo design.  Get 'er done!

I think it all depends on how those feathers are depicted and arranged.   the sicatoka already pointed out one modification needed to make these look more natural and less "headdress".   That's the key

[petey23]

25 minutes ago, The Sicatoka said:

Here's the rest of the GLABS stuff:
https://www.behance.net/gallery/32002813/North-Dakota-Fighting-Hawks-Brand-Concepts

 

The Thunderbird logo is similar to the logo that United Tribes Technical College is in the process of discarding.

[darell1976]

I like the logo on the helmet. I hope SME creates a good logo.

[dagies]

I appear to be in the minority but I like the thunderbird related logo because I like the symmetry.

[NoiseInsideMyHead]

2 hours ago, InHeavenThereIsNoBeer said:

While I like your concepts, I don't understand the reason behind doing them.  Is it just for fun or are you working in conjunction with SME, Inc?

I suspect that if these guys overhear you mention that you're hungry, they'll cater your dinner without being asked or paid.  Just don't say anything about feeling frisky.  

[GLABS]

Thanks for checking out the designs and the whole presentation is available at UND REBRAND PRESENTATION. 

More back story: We worked independently on this major re-brand all last Summer and Fall as part of a project to come up with concepts and strategies for transitioning teams around America with Native American nicknames.  In the sports design world this is a huge issue, made even harder by the battle lines that are drawn by both sides. Another such battle we were following was also occurring at Watertown High in (MA) last June.

The designs that we released today are totally free of design by committee compromises that would water down a true "transition brand" direction, which is needed to appeal to the most number of fans in the UND Community, create a wide adoption and set the brand up for a successful future.  To that end, we purposely nuanced the back feathers of the revered Native American hawk symbol to create an identity that would serve as a source of pride for those on all sides of the issue.  Our 2nd "Thunderbird" design does this in a  slightly different way.  We were also keenly aware that the only way to break through the deep passion for the Fighting Sioux nickname, is a with a powerful brand identity that respects the past with elements that tie the new brand to the old.

For those wondering, definitely, we have no affiliation with other designers.  Just wanted to put solid design concepts out there and let fans weigh in.

 

[GLABS]

[darell1976]

3 minutes ago, GLABS said:

That looks pretty sharp.