Sunday
Oct172010

IceHL Logo Submissions

Tonight was the deadline to submit your IceHL logos. Unfortunately, it seems I may have been right about the project being over as we only received four eligible submissions in two weeks. And not to offend any of the entrants, but only two are actually up to par with the quality of the team logos we have.

This is disappointing and I'm a little surprised. Still, I said I'd post the entries, and so I will. You can rate each thumbs-up or thumbs-down. The artwork receiving the best feedback will become the new league logo for the IceHL.





I'll take a look at the ratings next weekend and wherever we stand by then will determine the winner.

Monday
Oct042010

The IceHL: Rebirth

The sputtering engine that was the IceHL project is revving into high gear again!

It's been nearly a year since the last update, so for those unfamiliar with it, the IceHL (or Icethetics Hockey League) was created from the ground up by Icethetics readers, who made hundreds of nominations and cast thousands of votes along the way. You picked the cities, you named the teams, and you designed the logos. You're pretty awesome, actually.

This week, the long-dormant project is taking on a life of its own as a true fantasy league. Over 100 of you wanted to join, but 20 lucky readers were awarded IceHL teams to manage throughout the 2010-11 season. Because the IceHL has so many fans who will want to follow along, this fantasy league is not being kept private.

For raw stats and standings, check out the IceHL League Office at ESPN.com. For in-depth analysis from the perspective of the IceHL GMs, look no further than the Fantasy tab right here at Icethetics.info.

Design Contest

The return of the IceHL project means it's time for another design contest. But we're going to ease back into things as we're all a little rusty at this. So what do we need?

The IceHL needs a league identity. The NHL has its shield, the AHL has the red and blue skater and the ECHL has the speeding puck. Now the IceHL needs its own branding. And once again, we look to the awesome designers that hang out here at Icethetics.

If you have an idea and would like to submit an IceHL logo, here's what you need:

  • A primary logo for the IceHL (note the uppercase "I" and "HL" and lowercase "ce")
  • If your primary logo is complex, include a simplified secondary logo (optional)
  • A wordmark that can work as a banner across the top of the IceHL page here at Icethetics.info
  • Colors: Try to stick to the Icethetics color scheme of orange, blue and navy. But if that doesn't work for you, it's not a dealbreaker. Just be creative!

That's it. Just two or three logos and we'll call it a brand. I'll accept submissions for the next two weeks.

Submission deadline: Sunday, October 17 at 6:00 PM

Then voting will begin that Monday. Readers will be able to rate the 15 best entries will for one week. (If there are more than 15 submissions, I'll narrow it down.) Then the three highest-rated logos go head to head to determine the final winner. That winner will have the opportunity to own a team in the next IceHL fantasy league, plus another small prize if I can scrounge something up.

But before you submit your work, you should read the submission guidelines. They're important. Your work will not be considered if you violate them:

  • DO NOT STEAL ARTWORK! I'm not messing around. Artwork copied or adapted from trademarked logos will disqualify you from any future Icethetics contest. Don't do it!
  • Do not use a white background for your artwork. But make sure your logos include a white outline as needed.
  • Submit vector art if possible. I prefer PDF files. Otherwise, your must provide high resolution JPEG or PNG files.
  • Credit yourself! Include your name/pseudonym within the actual graphic itself as well as in your email. Very important. Can't use artwork that isn't attributed.
  • By submitting your own original artwork to any Icethetics email address, you grant permission of its use both online and in print by Icethetics.info and myself. Your work will not be taken advantage of in any way but I have to be able to promote the project.
  • Your work is your own, but if you use a watermark, it will be disqualified.
  • Email your submission(s) to icethetics@gmail.com.

Remember, this is for an IceHL league logo only. Assuming this all goes well, upcoming logo design contest will include divisional logos and possibly the design of an Icethetics championship trophy!

I'm also going to start accepting jersey designs for IceHL teams (with more relaxed rules and regs) so start formulating ideas. I'll post more details in the next week or two.

Wednesday
Oct282009

On Hold

Interest in the IceHL project has clearly diminished to almost nothing. I'm not saying the project is over, but for now, this page will simply serve as an archive of Icethetics' most ambitions project yet. When it makes sense in the future to revitalize it, I'll be here.

Monday
Oct052009

No New Division This Week

I'm holding off on releasing a new division this week because I'm concerned not enough of you are interested in designing jerseys for the IceHL project. With less than a week remaining to submit uniforms for the Southeast Division, I've received only one eligible entry.

This is troubling and it makes me question whether we should bring the IceHL project to an early end and start on something fresh. I'm eager to hear your feedback on this, but not in a poll. Leave a thought-out comment below and let me know how you feel.

End the IceHL and start something new? Or be patient and extend the deadline on the Southeast Division uniform submissions? Your call.

Monday
Sep282009

Uniforms: Southeast Division

First, read about how the Uniform Design Process will work. 

Download the Southeast Division Package (download no longer available)

If you would like to design and submit a jersey for any Southeast Division team, download the package above. You'll find the primary and secondary (and tertiary, if applicable) logos for all five teams (.png with alpha) as well as the uniform templates (.psd) which you must use to submit your work.

There are two versions of the IceHL Uniform Template, one with the standard V neck, one with a laced collar. You may use either or both when submitting your artwork.

IceHL Uniform Template by Jason Usher. Logos provided for exclusive use in IceHL project. All other uses without the direct consent of the designer or Icethetics are strictly and expressly prohibited. 

GUIDELINES

All eligible entries will abide by the following guidelines.

  • Submit your artwork using the provided IceHL Uniform Template created by Jason Usher (sample seen to the right).
  • Design both a home and road uniform and submit them as two separate files. (Third/alternate jerseys will not be accepted at this time.) You may submit your artwork in one of the following formats: .pdf (preferred), .psd, .ai, .png, or .jpg.
  • Your home uniform must be a dark color while your road uniform must be white or a very light color. Use only colors found within either of the team's logos. (Sample for best results.)
  • You must design all parts of the uniform on the template, including the front, back and side of the jersey, socks, pants, all nameplate lettering and jersey numbering, and the full 3D figure.
  • Nameplate letters: Include the full alphabet. Jersey & shoulder numbers: Include all digits 0-9 as well as C and A for (captains).
  • You are restricted to using only the primary and secondary logos provided. However, you may create your own text-based crest/design if you wish.
  • Include a name and number (1-99) of your choice to be used on the back and shoulders of the jersey.
  • Be sure to include your name (how you wish to be credited) and email address within the image itself.

Failure to follow all of the above guidelines will result in disqualification. Icethetics reserves the right to disqualify any submission for any reason and change the above guidelines at any time.

The bottom layer of the provided Photoshop files will give you an idea of what the final product should look like. Email your submissions for any or all Southeast Division teams to icethetics@gmail.com no later than Sunday, October 11 for the following teams:

  • Atlanta Arsenal
  • Baltimore Blue Crabs
  • North Carolina Nighthawks
  • Tampa Bay Barracudas
  • Washington Sentinels

You may submit artwork for as few or as many teams as you'd like.

Email me if you have any questions about the submission process. Good luck to all!