If you like American sports, I’m sure you’ve noticed that little competition known as the World Series. While the Phillies sit waiting (sopping wet) for game 5 to restart, we have the perfect 6th inning stretch to take a closer look at the two championship contenders. There are some significant difference between the two ball clubs without even going into the players, strategy, or bank roll.

The Philadelphia Phillies are a staple in the Major League Baseball community. They hold the record as the oldest team in American sports that have not changed their name or city. This history is an important part of who the team is, and what they stand for. Before they became the Phillies however, Philadelphia was actually home to the Philadelphia Blue Jays.

1944-1945 Philadelphia Blue Jays

These were simpler times with simpler logos. No flashy text, dynamic shapes, or controversial insignia. When you looked at the Philadelphia Blue Jays logo, you knew what you got. Maybe this is why the team only remained for one year.

1970-1983 Logo

And then came the 70’s. Oh the 70’s. This logo was an addition to the previously simple Phillies logo which only incorporated text similar to that below the cartoons above. Can you guess by the logo above which city prides itself on its colonial contributions? You have to give the designers credit, you know this team is about baseball, and their history.

Current Phillies Logo

Now that’s a little better. I admire how the Phillies have over the years incorporated almost all of the landmarks within the city. I believe they have found their way to the best logo thus far. While the Liberty Bell is also a historic landmark, the overall look is much cleaner and less cliché. I was hoping you wouldn’t notice the exterior of the logo is in the shape of a baseball field, but hopefully you’ll let that slide.

Now the Rays are a completely different story. Literally almost the opposite, no history. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays took the mound in 1998. They have struggled in their early years but now, have began writing their own impressive history book.

1998-2001

This original Devil Rays logo was the first go at a brand new team’s branding solution. With all the brand it is understandable how they may have struggled out of the gate. The color scheme is a little interesting. I’m not sure if its just me but I’m pretty sure the top right is almost a mustard/dirty brown. Not a fan.

2002-2007

The weather is getting a little fairer and I’m about ready to jump on board. I like the logo. The Devil Ray is smaller, the text eliminated the team name and emphasized the city, and that awful shading scheme is gone. I don’t know if its quite there yet however.

Current Rays Logo

Here we go Rays! Here we go! Now this is a logo. The team made an executive decision to eliminate the Devil in the Devil Rays. Now, the Tampa Bay Rays are a much cleaner, happier team. I like the implementation of the star, baseball diamond, and long R. The tail end of that R reminds me of the long extended tail of the devil ray, and I think that might have been on purpose.

Both teams in this World Series experienced numerous losing series. The Phillies more than any other team in history just a few years back. Both with new logos, both are in the World Series. As I’ve said before, I am beginning to think that logos have a lot more to do with the world around us than we may have originally thought. So keep searching for great logos

While revamping of marketing structures has always been a popular business decision in the interest of growth, we are beginning to see more and more companies change their logos in these uncertain economic times. Different eras have different styles, and trends reflect mood of the times One of the most recent trends of 2008 is rebuilding a company’s image with concise, colorful, and modern graphics.

This trend is included in some of the world’s largest companies. I guess with global stock markets striking uncertainty into the hearts of even the world’s most successful businesses, change is imminent.

Best Buy, the American electronic superstore is currently running a trial marketing campaign featuring a new logo and store “feel.” This is taking place in the Mall of America store location. Notice the European simplicity, and understated color.

I am personally a fan of the current Best Buy color scheme and logo, but the new look and feel seems to follow some of the other 2008 trends that we have been seeing.

Best Buy New Logo

Best Buy Old Logo

Again, this logo is certainly cleaner. The color scheme is a little less in your face, which may not necessarily be a bad thing. I always try to think of all the possible color schemes and logo options that companies can choose from, and what things would be like if they had gone a different route. I truly like both logos, but the newer option is growing on me. It less tacky, and in my face. It isn’t shouting at me. Maybe it reflects the somber economic times? I wonder if I would have spent all those thousands of dollars at Best Buy over the years if they had always branded this way.

Apparently there is a push by Pepsi Co. to change its branding image in a slight way that makes a big change.

Possible New Pepsi Logo?

Pepsi Logo

This new Pepsi Logo shifts some lines around and dulls out the colors a little bit. The change is all in the smile. Notice how the new logo appears to create a smile. This design seems to regress into an older style of logo, so we’ll see how this pans out. It looks like an old ABA basketball, which I guess is a good look albeit dated. All rumors right now anyway.

The Essar Group however has officially made a change.

Old Essar Logo

New Essar Logo

The logo is the new style that Essar has been looking for. Notice the cleaner text and new image. I personally like how the image in the top left incorporates two colors, a hidden arrow, a dynamic cross, and even possibly a flying feel all into one. It is important that a company of this scale with its hand in so many markets maintain a unique but interesting logo.

Are there any new companies that you have seen changing lately? Send in some links and I would love to look at them.

A couple weeks from now we’ll be looking at the next President of the United States of America. After all of the debates, slander, and billions of dollars in campaign contributions, we will finally see who will be the next leader of the free world. Mounting tensions have made many Americans uncertain if either candidate is the best fit for these trying times in history.

Both candidates are of course products of America’s two party system, either Republican or Democrat. American voters, really only have two choices when trying to pick a viable party. However lets not forget that plenty of third parties are formed all the time, and often offer voters a better ideological fit and challenge the political scene from time to time.

Below are some of the third parties that never seem to get the chance to really compete. Design wise though, I say they might just have the big dogs covered. Keep in mind that I am not endorsing these parties, simply commenting on their branding decisions. I like to keep my personal politics personal.

American Party Logo

Libertarian Party Logo

Communist Party USA

Green Party USA

Socialist Party USA Logo

Each one of these logos brings a unique feel to political logos. If you will notice none of them are cliché or bland. This embodies the spirit behind these political groups. If only this uniqueness could be applied to a party that has a legitimate shot at producing a president. It’s a true shame that the two political top dogs are so boring and mundane. I for one am of the opinion that although the Communist Party may have lost the cold war, the clearly have won the war of cool political design.

Here they are, the endless snore that is Democrat/Republican branding (conveniently positioned head to head.)

Sure when you see these logos you think America. Sure they’re clean cut and to the point. But man are they boring. I know that this is a serious insult in the logo design community, but I’m willing to even go so far as to draw similarities to clip-art.

I want something new, fresh, and different out of these two parties. Come on guys, you can be as bureaucratic as you want all day long, do you have to keep it up in your image too?

If the electoral college were to vote strictly based on design, which party do you think should produce the next president?

The Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) announced Wednesday that it will change its new logo which was widely criticized for not depicting Mount Ararat in what is currently eastern Turkey.

The FFA’s previous logo, which contained Mount Ararat was quickly abandoned before last month’s match in Yerevan, between Armenia’s and Turkey’s national soccer teams that was watched by the presidents of the two states.

The move prompted strong criticism from domestic political groups, notably the pro-government Armenian Revolutionary Federation which suggested that it was designed to placate Turkey.

The original logo which depicted Mount Ararat, which is located in Turkey, but faces Armenia is considered by many to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark, and a symbol of national pride for the primarily Christian Armenia. Turkey, claims both ownership of the Mountain and reaps the benefits of the tourism and national pride of being the home to the Ark.

The historically strained relationship between the two nations has been further exacerbated by the current logo crisis. Due to outrage, the logo has been shown the door, and a contest will be announced soon to design its replacement.

Take a look at both logos and let me know your thoughts. Which is the superior logo? Is Armenia overreacting to the situation? Or was a vital emblem of a nation removed for political concerns?

Old Logo:

Armenia football logo

New Logo:

As many of you saw on the presidential debate last night, there are some clear difference between the candidates. Economics, foreign policy, and energy aside, there are new battles differentiating the presidential hopefuls, their marketing strategies.

Here is the original Obama logo. I have never touched on the design itself, but I have to admit I like it. Red, white and blue, a little cliché, but I can understand why. The design is incredibly simple but maintains a certain appealing feel. With the movement formed stripes and multiple shading gradients, the overall image gives off a dynamic feel.

Even though the design is great, anything you endorse can and will be used against you in the world of politics. With such as simple design containing such a large amount of white space, Obama has left himself open to many anti-Obama enthusiasts. These amateur creatives who have taken this opportunity to insult the presidential hopeful.

The “O” shape of the logo offers an open space in the middle of the design that provides for images to be inserted. This was embraced by http://www.logobama.com which offers the public the ability to customize the candidate’s brand. While the intentions of this website may have been to raise awareness and capital for Obama, they have led to some “interesting” designs.

While I don’t necessarily agree with the views of the following Obama logos, I do support amateur designers expressing themselves. Kudos to logobama.com for offering the logo community such a fun and useful tool. Looks like the Joe Six Packs have demonstrated their cleverness again, with these designs. I guess they have the same amount of design experience, as Obama and Palin have foreign policy experience.

In this age of mash ups, memes, and remixes and viral marketing we have come a far way the simple lapel pin. Anyone and everyone can alter a candidates image. What effect does this have ultimately on design and politics. Now with this technology, amateurs have the ability to turn one candidates marketing into their own. Take the McCain logo below for example.

In addition to the Obama circular logo, there have been several other renditions. Of anti-Obama logos and slogans. Here are a couple more controversial examples, including Rosie the Riveter adding her two cents.

Now if only the average voter spent the same time reading about the issues, as they do remixing and mashing up logos, there might be a better informed electorate. Do you think substance is sacrificed for novelty? Would we be better off without all of these transparent attempts to make a Presidential election “fun” “interesting” and more palatable to the youth vote?