With all of the branding trends that are currently rotating around the design world, probably one of the most hit or miss styles is branding the classics. The idea of designing in a similar style to what was being used 50 to 100 years ago can be a very unique and timeless concept for your brand. With designers like
Aaron Draplin, the vintage trend has grown substantially.
The NHL has utilized this trend back in 2008 when they released their NHL Winter Classic, an iconic January 1st event that gives fans the historical outdoor, pond hockey experience. When the NHL's Internal Design Agency designed the Winter Classic, they
wanted to reflect this idea with the style of the Original Six teams when the NHL started in 1942. This is what they came up with.
As you can see here, the NHL thought of everything when they were developing this branding identity. From the vintage uniforms to the logos, the tickets to the web and social media images, this one unified design can help to fully communicate the style and history of the NHL, while providing the fans and players with a visually appealing and in my opinion awesome branding strategy.
What do you guys think of the Winter Classic branding? Does it work or should they have stayed with their normal, modernism NHL style?
Care to read more? HOW Design provided an in-depth look into this branding effort.
I find this blog very interesting as I know the founder of the winter classic, Jon Miller. It is hard to believe that this tradition only started in 2008 but through the use of branding, the NHL made it look like the augural event had been going around for a while
ReplyDeleteThe NHL and their creative agency have allowed for the deception of time, to put yourself into old-timer hockey, the good ol' days. Thanks for reading.
DeleteI really like the idea of using the original style to brand the Winter Classic. It really shows the history well. Great post!
ReplyDeleteYou are right on. It really helps to connect traditional hockey with what we have today. This is why it is one of the top watched games during the season.
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