Boyd Erickson's profile

Gem City Bison Identity

SUMMER COLLEGE BASEBALL
Brand Identity
"Operation AWESOME, underway!" 
Together with the team owners, we launched this project with boundless enthusiasm, ready to turn imagination into reality. 

PROJECT GOALS
Craft an authentic team brand for a Laramie, Wyoming college summer baseball squad that:
Embodies the local essence
Gains community love
Ignites fan passion
Draws valuable partnerships
Radiates the playful flair of the Savannah Bananas.

BRANDING SCOPE:
Mascot Magic, Core Logo, Unique Wordmark, Standout Monogram





THE PROCESS
Crafting a brand full of fun
Starting with an electric brand session, we delved into their project. In a dynamic session, we mapped goals, audience, desired voice, and brand attributes. 

APPROACHABLE: FRIENDLY & WELCOMING
No shying away from bison here! The brand and mascot will shine with an irresistible charm, beckoning all to partake in the festivities. Drawing inspiration from the American Plains Bison, we will distill the essence of the iconic West. Picture the bison's shaggy summer coat—a perfect fit for our baseball spirit. Typography will hark back to Victorian architecture and an All-American script, echoing local flair. And yes, thanks to Laramie's Hollywood connections, our bison will boast a dash of cinematic stardom.

CREATING AN IMPACT
The Bison brand was to embody strength and influence, mirroring the organization's potential community impact and the Rocky Mountains' grandeur. Through bold typography, vibrant illustrations, and striking color interplays, we wanted to amplify its authoritative and impactful presence.

SOME RIDICULOUS FUN
This branding odyssey began with a daring concept: an unbelievably cool bison flaunting a head-turning mullet that electrifies the summer vibes. We wanted this bison character rocking a flowing mane and stylish Hollywood shades, The Bison brand was intended to burst with untamed energy, exuding vibrancy from the mascot character to the core identity.




BRINGING TO LIFE
Illustrating the Bison
Our journey into illustrating the bison character was a plunge into the essence of the American Plains Bison and the region's history. We aimed to craft a narrative around this newfound Hollywood bison, endearing it to all. The bison's persona was the heart of it all—sporting a mullet and Hollywood shades, this baseball standout was a fusion of Jose Canseco's flair and the Fonz's charm.

Once the vision was approved by the client, we were fortunate to collaborate with the world-renowned illustrator, Rob Rath, a creative we've had the privilege of working with in the past. Our partnership brought to life the bison's attributes and the brand's dynamic energy. Here's a glimpse into the directions we explored:

Uniting the Elements
With goals set, brand attributes defined, the backdrop painted, and a vibrant mascot vision in hand, the moment has come to seamlessly blend these components and forge the identity of the Gem City Bison Baseball Club.





Breathing Life into Gem City Bison marked the commencement of an exhilarating adventure. The collaborative synergy with our client and the privilege of collaborating alongside remarkably talented artists and creatives were beyond remarkable. The robust, playful, and delightfully outrageous brand opened a realm of opportunities for both our studio and our community.

Explore further into our enthralling journey with the Bison Baseball Club and Independence League to uncover more of our story with the links below.

THE STORY CONTINUES

PROJECT CREDITS
Illustration: Rob Rath Illustration
Lettering: Ryan Foose
Product photography:  Dana Gibbons Photography
Gameday photography:  Kyle Spradly Photography


Gem City Bison Identity
Published:

Gem City Bison Identity

Experience the Gem City Bison Baseball Club Branding Identity in Laramie, Wyoming. Our Sports Design Crafts a Playful & Bold Identity, Rooted in Read More

Published: