In their defense I have no extensive knowledge of why exactly Craftsman will no longer sponsor the series, and I’m sure it has to do with far more complicated economic reasoning than I could ever comprehend. But in my little design, it’s because of a snore of an outdated logo. Take a look at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series logo below. I have also included the Craftsman logo below it.

I’m honestly not sure how this logo has remained afloat as long as it has. I use Craftsman tools, and they have quite the impressive line of wrenches, drills, and bolts, but design isn’t exactly included in their tool box. As you know I always root for the more creative of the two companies, so I have to give my official endorsement of Camping World becoming the new official sponsor.

Now look at these logos. Camping World’s logo is miles ahead of Craftsman. Simple, clean, colorful, and smooth. The color scheme alone completely changes the feel of the NASCAR Truck Series logo and adds a more dynamic feel. Even just the italicized look of the old circular logo makes me feel faster. My only wish, is that some of the graphic in Camping World’s logo was involved. I know Camping World will have more advertising than they can dream of with all of the races and TV coverage, but it can never hurt to have your brand image on all of it too. Overall however, I see progress.

If you take a look at the Sprint Cup Series logo you’ll see what I mean. It may be difficult because of the additional text in Camping World, but I want to see those mountains. I think the graphic in Sprint’s logo makes the image more exciting and memorable.

Same with the Nationwide Series. Come on NASCAR, let Camping World get their logo onto their series logo.

Like most college football fans, I have little idea of how the participants in the bowl games are decided. Since even Obama called for change of the system, it must be flawed. But, thankfully, there are logos to save us. To be honest, who cares which team wins it all, as long as the patch logo on their jersey isn’t an abomination.

Here’s the logo that started it all, the beacon symbol of all that is not a college playoff. To be completely honest, I’m not a fan. I understand that this symbol is not supposed to have any affiliation to any team, so some boring contrast of colors can be expected. I cannot help but draw a connection however to the BCS bowl regulars that are Ohio State. The only unique portion of the entire logo is the image of the actual championship trophy in the top center. Other than that, I see clip art.

Maybe officially the worst bowl logo of all comes straight from the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Especially after my previous praise of the AT&T logo, it pains me that they would put their image on such a troubled design. I see little to no substance in this brand and can’t help but notice the word art focal point.

Now here’s a logo that I really just cannot make my mind up about. I love the design above Tostitos. It reminds me of a mix between pop art and tissue paper. I think it gives off a really cool effect. The Tostitos logo I can let go because 1.The chips are delicious, and 2. Because they pay for the contest, they may as well reap the benefits of the advertising.

I am a huge proponent of bringing inanimate objects to life, so right off the bat the FedEx Orange bowl has an edge. To me however it seems that the oranges in the design don’t match the FedEx logo. It may be picky but if you’re willing to make the colors that close, you might as well match them. Overall however, the logo is clean, simple, and fun, what college football should be.

There she is. When I think college football championships, I think the Rose Bowl. Played in Pasadena, the Rose Bowl has always been a staple of college football. A game with so much history and prestige deserves a matching logo. They’ve got one. Maybe it’s the symbolism of the rose itself, or the confidence to not require a sponsor presence or even spell out the name of the bowl, but the Rose Bowl logo has something the rest don’t. If it were up to logo itself the Rose Bowl patch would be worn by every collegiate football champion. The rest of the bowls fail to compare.

Rock the Vote has been a common theme in elections since 1990. By hosting concert events Rock the Vote works hard to bring the youth of America to the polls through music. These concerts and events stress the importance of political activism. Their logo is downright awesome. Well one of them. The above image is complex and busy, but for some reason I just love it. I like the intricate designs mixed with the old fashioned microphone and sound symbolism.

The second logo is not quite as interesting. Sure the check mark looks like a V and also represents selecting a candidate but…snore… excuse me. Nothing at all is interesting about this logo. No matter how hard I try I can’t stop reading it as Rock The OTE.

The controversial Vote or Die, as best remember from P.Diddy’s involvement in the 2004 election, also has a simple to the point logo. I think it may even be more boring than the second Rock the Vote design. Don’t get me wrong, I want the youth to vote, but I don’t get why they’re drawn to the polls with logos like these.

Vote or Die

Now here is a logo that would motivate me to go to the polls. While the graphic is small, you can see the clear difference between this creative image and the previous text dominated attempts at creativity. This logo actually identifies with the cutting edge, creative age group that it is attempting.

I don’t understand how organizations focused solely on targeting youth voters for the presidential election could possibly use such boring brands. They must be doing something else right, because the youth vote in this election helped make American history. Congrats to all, however you did it. Way to vote U.S.A. Just for fun, found a pretty cool poll voting graphic for this momentous event.

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

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.

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 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:

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?

I cant even remember the last day that went by when I didn’t use Google even once. The one company in America who probably needs the least pats on the back gets another one again this year. The big one “o”, Google has reached double digits and not just in stock pricing.

Google’s revolutionary success has come with their interesting company culture. With rumors of game rooms, and play breaks, most in the public have often wondered what exactly goes on behind those doors.

What we do know however is what Google shows us every day on their homepage. Each birthday, holiday, and sometimes seemingly random day, Google revises its logo for the day. Most recently, another birthday celebration.

Here are some of the older birthday logos.

I am a huge fan of Google logos, but its early years didn’t do it for me. It could have been that Google was young and inexperienced in birthdays, but it seems as they approached their preteen years, they truly matured. My two favorite logos, the ninth and tenth birthdays.

On Google’s ninth birthday they released the logo above. While color is no surprise to this logo, the creativity of incorporating the g, 9, and piñata all in one design is a treat to look at. If you watch the progression from year to year, 2007 was definitely their coming out party.

Here it is, the new Google logo. Happy birthday, you deserve it. Unlike their first birthday logo, this cake is accompanied by a party. By adding hats, bows, and an exclamation point, Google really put the pop in this birthday celebration.

What doesn’t get better with time with Google? Can’t wait to see what they come up with next year. I can only hope they don’t start to resent their birthdays as much as I do my own.

Which logo is your favorite? Do you know any other interesting birthday celebration logos? Share Them

A Raja, India’s Minister of Communications and IT has recently announced plans for a revamped postal service public. With changes in regards to service, technology, design, and structure, the India Post is implementing drastic changes. These changes can be clearly seen in the new logo design.

As an important part of any organization’s image, the new logo reflects the ideals in which the India Post aims to follow.

Take a look at the new logo, what do you see? First thing that comes to mind for me, an envelope. Whoa, surprising right? I like it. I believe that logos which depict the companies’ purpose in their design are on the right track. I also like how the design incorporates a more abstract approach to a courier service.

The three golden lines could also simultaneously represent a bird in flight. Furthering the idea of increased service, technology, and improvement, this soaring bird seems to fit. Either way, this new logo is leaps and bounds better than the older, rigid design.

Similar symbolism can be found in several other national postal services.

The United States Postal Service(United States) has changed quite a bit over the years. Starting in 1782 the US Postal Service was branded by the Roman god Mercury. This eventually changed into the image of a running pony(pony express) as seen below:

It wasn’t until 1970 that this image of an eagle was used.

Finally in the 1990’s the eagle of the 70’s lost its body, and the eagle head that is used today was the new face of the United States Postal Service. This recent logo incorporates many of the same themes as the new India Post logo. Both are rectangular shaped like an envelope. Both incorporate a bird in flight. Finally both give off the feeling of movement, which we all hope is exactly what our mail is doing.

There is also another interesting postal service who’s logo has undergone some changes for different reasons.

Royal Mail (Great Britain) is one of the more fascinating logos we find in the postage sector. The logo, rich in history, includes the Crown of Scotland first worn by King James the V in 1540. While there is no bird or envelope like the above examples, the essence of a “Royal” Mail alludes to only the highest of level of service. As with many pieces of British culture this logo is strongly intertwined with the history of its nobility.

This of course explains the shock when in 2002 Royal Mail spent over 2 million pounds in an effort to change the name and logo to Consignia.

This logo change was made in an attempt to complement the increasing international aims of Royal Mail, but was an unfortunate failure. This offered another prime example of the dangers of focusing solely on capitol in branding, and forfeiting meaningful design.

Here are some other Honorable Mentions for national post logo designs:

Canada Post

La Poste (France)

Like any industry, international postage demands a high quality logo. As seen in the above examples, this quality can either come from accurate symbolism, or a rich historical perspective. Personally, I’ll take symbolism any day. Which logo is your favorite, and more importatnly is there any room for an exciting Postal Service