The Bucks' logo from 1968-93 |
There’s nothing wrong with the idea, but the basketball
appears to be an uninspired throw-in in too many logos.
Equipment is also a common feature of MLB logos, but is less popular with NFL and NHL logos.
Basketballs are a tempting element to include given how they
can easily fit a logo. A basketball is simple and recognizable, works big or small
and is easy to interact with for mascots in the logo. Baseballs are similar.
Just because a basketball's easy to include doesn’t mean it should be
included. It has to add something.
The argument that a basketball in the logo makes it clear
the team plays basketball seems like a poor excuse.
There are instances of a basketball doing more than letting
the uninitiated know what sport the team plays. Here are some examples of a
basketball benefitting a logo.
Milwaukee Bucks,
1968-93
The pose and expression of the buck, the sweater and the
spin marks surrounding the ball are all top-notch. The buck’s carefree
confidence is uncommon among mascots on NBA logos nowadays.
Seattle SuperSonics,
1975-95
An example of a basketball working as a logo outline. The
semi-circle shape and colours help a lot, as does Seattle having something to
make its skyline distinctive.
Utah Jazz, 1979-96
The word mark is fantastic, and UTAH fits nicely above JAZZ.
The colours also work well. But the centrepiece and strongest element is the
basketball note: it’s relevant, simple and appealing.
Washington Wizards,
2011-present
The wizard isn’t just holding the ball. It looks as though
he’s got it hovering over his finger, or he’s just released a finger roll. The
colours and the W formed by his beard are other highlights. The second
basketball, the crescent-shaped one, is unnecessary.
Anaheim Amigos,
1967/68 (ABA)
It’s not a great logo given the word mark is just ok and
the colours are bland. But the hat on a basketball is likeable, even if the
ball itself looks poor.
No comments:
Post a Comment