The Unveiling of the Jets Brand Identity

So, we got the new Jets logo that I've been wondering about since May. It's quite...middling in quality. Take a look.

Now don't get me wrong; I don't hate this at all, I just expected more, especially with the primary and alternate wordmarks. I just find them a tad stoic. That's usually the coolest part for me. I'm not saying it should look all bouncy and puffy, but it should look lively. It's kinda cold.

• What I do like about it: The use of Avenir (that is Avenir, right?) and the RCAF/RCAF Flyers connection.
• The People That Could've Handled This Better
  Locally - Stu Reid: Stu has been holding it down graphic design-wise for years, and he created the Winnipeg Goldeyes logo. He would've been the natural go-to for me.
  Americans - Aaron Draplin or Von Glitschka: I know either of these men could've kicked ass at this.
  Aaron is the master of subtle cool-yet-functional design, as far as I'm concerned, and I have no doubt that he'd sum the Jets up in a way that would make everyone proud.
  Von is a meticulous pusher of pixels (buy his books!) and an avid lettering guy. Not only would've the primary mark looked amazing in his hands, the wordmarks would've also been world class. Do I have to mention that he worked for Upper Deck? He knows what's up.

This, of course, is merely my opinion. Apparently, there was a line-up around the corner for the new merch at the Jets Gear store, and it might still be there as I type this, so the people dig it. That's all that matters.

Man, I really hope Armin Vit has something to say about the new look. I enjoy his identity dissections. I'm pretty sure folks have pointed it out to him.

Random Thoughts: July 15th, 2011

Surreal, yet terrific.

• Black, White, and Read All Over. Yes, I was in the Free Press about two weeks ago. And yes, it felt pretty cool! Also, just in time for the article, I revamped allanlorde.com via Behance ProSite. I finally have a site that I'm proud of.
• Fringe Time! Yup, it's that time of the year! Due to the awesomeness of parenthood, Sarah and I are planning on seeing two shows instead of the usual 20 or so. Four hours ago, we saw our pals CRUMBS tear up The King's Head, and we've got our tickets for Lucky 9 by superstar T.J. Dawe. If you're going to the Thursday afternoon show next week, give us a shout!
• Mike Holmes' True Story. If you pick up only one comic this year, make sure it's True Story. Mike Holmes (not the house dude) is an illustrator and cartoonist of undeniable skill, and he's responsible for bringing the real stories of average people to life in The Coast, a Halifax alternative newspaper. I don't know who put me onto this man's work (I suspect it was Exclaim), but I'm eternally thankful. There are over 100 of these slice-of-life moments in this book that are touching, cringe-worthy, and downright hilarious. Hey, you haven't laughed in a while. Pick this book up, frowny!