GFB Exclusive: Unused Lightning Marks

Earlier this month, I posted Matt's new Tampa Bay Lightning logos as part of his Rebranding The NHL series. They were met with much admiration. But there is a logo you haven't seen yet.

It was left out of the final design but as part of my partnership with Matt (aka GhettoFarmBoy), he's made some of his unused work available for your viewing pleasure.



I'm not sure what to make of it myself, so I'm looking forward to your comments. Post them below!

Don't forget, there's a Freak Out Friday coming at the end of the week. Get your wacky artwork in by tomorrow night if you want it included! Email me at nhllogos@gmail.com.

Poll: Guide GFB's New Rebrand

By about a 100 votes, you guys chose the Buffalo Sabres as the subject of Matt's concept series, Rebranding The NHL. The point of my partnership with him is to allow you guys to guide the direction of his work since, after all, this is for the fans anyway. You guys know what you want and Matt knows how to make it look great.

So as he gets started on creating a new look for the Sabres, let him know what color scheme he should go with. Do you want the royal blue, yellow and white of the '70s? Should it be the new navy, yellow, silver and white of the Buffaslug era? Would you want to see something more along the lines of what John Slabyk introduced with navy, gold and white? Or did you love the "goathead" era of blue, red, silver and white?

Place your vote and then feel free to leave a comment about your decision. Get your friends to drop in and vote too! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!

This poll will close at 6 PM a week from today on Tuesday, May 20. So get your votes in now.

If you're thinking Matt should go with an entirely new color scheme or you have other suggestions regarding logos, uniforms, or the general direction of this new design, you can even email him directly at gfb_designs@yahoo.com.

Happy voting!

Get GFB Jerseys For NHL 08

When I first announced the partnership with Matt (aka GhettoFarmBoy), I told you you'd be able to download his designs to incorporate into your PC version of NHL 08. Below are the step-by-step instructions from Dave (who transferred the illustrations to be used in the video game).

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First of all, this is only for the PC version of the game. Xbox and Playstation, or any other system cannot be edited. You need a few things first. I will try to make this as simple as possible, but for first time game modders, it might be a little complicated.

To download anything from hockeydownloads.com, you must first be a registered member. You can view anything without registering, but again, to download, you must register.

Things Needed:
1. EA Sport’s “NHL 07” or “NHL 08” for PC.
2. NHLView - This is available here.
3. Tools for NHL08 - This is available here.
4. Any of my GhettoFarmBoy released jerseys - These are available here:
Devils | Islanders | Thrashers | Ducks

Now, what to do with what you have?

First, NHLView:
Once downloaded, just open up the nhlview.exe program.
- An “Open NHL Database” window pops up.
- Check “Static Database” and load “C:\program files\ea sports\NHL 08\db\db.viv”
(For NHL 07, use “C:\program files\ea sports\NHL 07\db\db.viv”)
- Check “Exibition Rosters Database” and load “my documents\NHL 08\exhibition.exh”
(For NHL 07, use “my documents\NHL 07\exhibition.exh”)
- Now click “Open”
- Once open, you have to change the jersey count as per my jersey installation instructions available on each jersey’s download page.
- To do this, click the “Teams” tab.
- Select your team you are editing
- Where it says “Number of Jerseys”, change as instructed on the installation page.
- Now, click somewhere else, anywhere else (important step or you cannot save it), then hit “Save”.

Now for the Tools for NHL08:
- Download this pack and unzip it to your “C:\program files\ea sports\NHL 08” folder.
(For NHL 07, it’s C:\program files\ea sports\NHL 07” folder.)
** Note** - These instructions are for Windows XP. Vista users need special steps as described on the Tools for NHL08 page.

- Now download any of my jersey files and unzip to your” “C:\program files\ea sports\NHL 08” folder.
(For NHL 07, it’s C:\program files\ea sports\NHL 07” folder.)
- Run the “.bat” file included with the jersey file as per instructed in the jersey’s installation instruction.
- Run the “Bimport08” file.

That’s it! As long as the person is using a legitimate copy of NHL 07 or NHL 08, everything should work, and the jerseys available when the jersey selection screen appears in game.

To see my thread on hockeydownloads.com, visit here.
For any other questions regarding add-ons, visit the forums.

I hope this all makes sense and is clear enough for everyone.

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If you have any problems with these instructions, unfortunately I would be completely unable to help you. Just visit Dave's page at Hockey Downloads and with any luck he'll be able to help you out. Enjoy!

Matt's Next NHL Rebrand

I know you've barely had enough time to digest Matt's latest NHL rebranding, but he's already looking for your input on his next project. There's a new poll in the sidebar and he wants your voice to be heard! Vote for the Sabres, Blues or Stars to be the next victim of the Rebranding the NHL series.

NHLToL & GhettoFarmBoy Joining Forces!

The big changes here at NHLToL are beginning. Today I'm announcing that this blog is partnering up with popular NHL concept artist GhettoFarmBoy (whose real name is Matt) to bring you some of the highest quality fan artwork around.

A lot of you have been big fans of his work for a long time and as of today, this blog is your official source for all of his work. I'm also using this post to unveil his most recent NHL rebranding set, featuring my team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.

But first, a message from Matt himself.

First off, I want to thank all the loyal readers who have for followed Chris's blog as well as my concept series. And of course, I would also like to thank Chris for running such a great site. I'm really going to enjoy being his partner in crime...

The reason I started the Rebranding the NHL series was to give the fans of NHL teams the logos and uniforms they deserve. I remember starting RtNHL shortly after the Buffalo Sabres introduced the "buffaslug", even though almost the entire fan base wanted a return (or something similar) to the retro identity. I wanted to see if I could do better job than the people doing the rebranding, and well, the rest is history...

By making this series an interactive fan experience, it allows RtNHL to fulfill it's purpose: give the fans what they want. Now, fans can guide the rebranding to what they would like see. You (the fans) will be able to choose which team to rebrand, the colors, the logos, almost anything!

But it doesn't stop there. Through all of Dave's hard work, you will soon be able to use my rebranding series in EA Sports NHL series. So not only will you be able to dictate your team's rebranding, but you can also play as you team with your logos and uniforms! You become, in a way, the owner of your team, which is actually true in som regards, because without you, there wouldn't be an NHL to begin with...

So be sure to stop by, participate, and voice your opinion!

Matt

Now check out the logos.



And the jerseys are killer.



I wish the Bolts could look this good. I especially like the blue third jersey.


What else is on the horizon?

In his note, Matt mentioned that our friend Dave will be making these designs available to use in video games. Here are some samples of what that will look like.



I'll have more to come on this.

Also, I'm working on some other stuff as well. The blog is going to undergo a facelift. But before that, it's going to get a completely new identity. "NHL Tournament of Logos" just doesn't accurately describe this blog anymore. We've become so much more than that. In fact, there isn't even a logo tournament going on right now. Plus, the site's becoming well known for the concept art you guys send in. We need a title that's more appropriate and you guys are going to decide on it. If you have ideas, hold onto them. I'll be asking for submissions soon.

Plus, I'm going to start incorporating a new logo set that's vastly different from what is used now. You can see a sample below. I hope you guys like it.



Post your thoughts below and stay tuned over the next few days as I make more announcements.

New Rebrand On The Way

Thought I'd let you guys know our friend Matt is hard at work on his next rebrand. His series has impressed a lot of people and shown us in a dramatic way what many teams are missing in terms of good logo and uniform design.

Back to the point, though. His next team is... (drum roll)... the Tampa Bay Lightning. Yes, my team! Expect to see the design posted here some time in the next few weeks. In the meantime, feel free to check out his previous work.

Rebranding The Devils

Continuing his rebranding of the NHL, our friend Matt has taken a shot at the look of the New Jersey Devils. He emailed me these images to share with the rest of you.



If you want my opinion, the logos look fantastic, but I think the current primary works too well to throw out altogether. So my suggestion (which I feel like I've made before) would be to swap the primary and secondary marks. I think the secondary here is a great update of the classic Devils logo. I'm also a fan of the wordmark.



These jerseys are another great update, but I couldn't be more impressed by the alternate uniform. That one really grabbed me first. While overall not as impressive as some of his previous work, these are some very sharp designs.

By the way, Matt went ahead and painted his home jersey onto Martin Brodeur. And while I normally wouldn't post a photo of Brodeur on my blog without a puck in the goal net behind him, I'll make an exception here.



Like I said, great logo, but it seems like it belongs more to a minor league team on the front of the jersey. Those black jerseys are my favorite.

By the way, Matt wanted me to let everyone know that if you'd like to contact him directly about his work, feel free to email him at gfb_designs@yahoo.com. Otherwise, leave your comments below for all of us to read.

UPDATE (6:34 PM): Hey guys, due to popular demand, I'm introducing a small new feature. You can now access all of the rebranding concepts by Matt (aka GhettoFarmBoy) by clicking on the link under NHLToL Series in the sidebar. Or by clicking here. I'm considering creating an album solely for his work in the Concepts Gallery.

Devils Sneak Peek

I almost went all day without a new post, didn't I? My apologies for that. I was out of town all day and therefore away from my computer. I've been driving for most of the night so I don't have the wherewithal to write a lot right now. What I can offer is a sneak peek at Matt's rebranding of the New Jersey Devils. He emailed me a simple square to share with you all.



Apparently that's all we get for now. Expect to see his full designs some time soon.

Rebranding The Capitals

I got an email yesterday from the graphic artist we know as GhettoFarmBoy, responsible for the San Jose Sharks redesign I recently posted. His real name is Matt, by the way, and he's got a new rebranding concept that's been out for a little while. As I mentioned in that Sharks post, he said his next venture would be the Washington Capitals.

Prepare yourself.



The primary logo is awesome, but my favorite is the secondary. That is the best logo representation of the Capitol dome that I have ever seen. There's just so much about that logo that's right on the money. He just keeps outdoing himself, doesn't he?

And I couldn't be a bigger fan of the jerseys.



One of my favorite things is the gold accent color in the logo. But at the same time I think it's right that only red, white and blue were used in the uniforms. It's knowing when to stop that can make or break a design. I'll continue to say that any team would be lucky to wear a uniform or logo that looked this good.

And by the way, since it was brought up a while back, yes I would put these designs right on par with the likes of the Blues and Canadiens. Talk about making hockey look good.

I'm continually impressed. As it happens, Matt has informed me that his next project is the New Jersey Devils. He says he's nearly finished so I'm looking forward to being able to post that here very soon. I thought I'd finish off this post with something he wrote in his email to me.

I want to thank you for posting my concepts on your site. I sincerely appreciate all of your hard work putting together the site/blog. It's been a great resource for me and I will continue to visit it.

I'm so glad people are enjoying my concepts. As a young graphic designer (I just turned 18 a few months ago) it means so much that my designs are appreciated. I have never taken any design clases or anything of the sort, so when I hear a compliment like "fire reebok and hire this guy" it makes my day....

Rebranding The Sharks

Yesterday we got a look at some first class concept art. And afterward I promised some more from a designer we've all come to think very highly of. He's been on a mission to rebrand the NHL and teams he's already seen to include the Islanders, Thrashers, Senators and Bruins. Most recently, his work on the Panthers and Ducks has been stunning.

Now, he's taken on a new challenge. Witness the rebranding of the San Jose Sharks.



The logo set is unbelievable. It's different yet recognizable in that it's mainly an upgrade of the old logo — essentially what the Sharks did over the summer, anyway.

My personal favorite is the secondary mark. That by itself, should be the primary. The wordmark is notably nice as well, but it's the fin logo that I think is spot on. That's why the alternate jersey here is the one that gets my vote.



And that's not to say I don't love the other two jerseys. Even the lettering and numbering is pitch perfect if you ask me. This design shows that while it makes a nice accent, the orange isn't necessary at all. You can achieve an amazing look with just the teal, black and silver. We can only hope that one day any team looks as good as this.

Finally, there was a slight change the designer made before unveiling his design. Take a look.



The logo on the left is the one he ultimately went with but I certainly see the validity of the other one. It adds more color to the shark, yes, but it's not entirely necessary since the triangle behind the shark is teal (as opposed to white).

I'm very interested in seeing what you guys have to say about this latest design by GhettoFarmBoy, as he is known. He says his next rebrand will focus on the Washington Capitals. No word yet on when we should expect to see it. I, for one, am looking forward to it.

Rebranding The Panthers

We've seen some great work from this guy in the past. He's redesigned images for the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins as well as the New York Islanders, Atlanta Thrashers, and Anaheim Ducks.

GhettoFarmBoy has now posted his Florida Panthers redesign. In this instance, however, his concept isn't so much a complete overhaul, as a rethinking of that which we already know.



He simply reworked the current primary logo a bit. Sharp work if not familiar. He basically simplified it in areas and added more curved lines to replace straight ones.



He kept the secondary logo, essentially, the way it was. Overall, though, the biggest issue I had with the logo was that the panther itself seemed a little cross-eyed compared with the old one. Others on the SportsLogos.net message board felt the same, so he reworked the eyes a bit.



A great improvement. The new eyes make the animal feel more cat-like.

The jersey designs are also pretty nice. Again, they still feel more familiar to me than anything else. Certainly an improvement, but not to the point that they're downright amazing the way his earlier Ducks redesign was.

I commend the work being done by this artist though. I think he has a real talent and it's a shame the NHL doesn't hire peole like him to handle uniform and logo designs. I think it would be a much better looking league if they did.

I should also point out that he's said his next "rebranding" will be the San Jose Sharks and that we should expect the New Jersey Devils soon as well.

Personally, I'm pulling for the Lightning, just to see what he comes up with.

Now the floor's open to you all. What do you guys think of this work?

Amazing Ducks Concept Art

Earlier in the week I posted some awesome concept art that went over a storm with you guys. We saw designs for the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins as well as the New York Islanders and Atlanta Thrashers.

Today we're treated to some work on the Anaheim Ducks. These designs were based on concepts that "leaked" prior to the unveiling of the new Ducks logo last summer. Have a look and be impressed.



If you ask me, that's what the Anaheim Ducks should look like. And it couldn't be further away from the old Mighty Duck look. However, while the green is sharp, tan doesn't make for a vivid secondary color. So what about orange?

Our favorite designer upgraded his original logo with much more vivid colors. Can anyone deny this would be one killer logo package?



If the logos weren't enough for you, check out the uniform designs. Any NHL team would be lucky to look that good. How come this guy doesn't already work for the league?

Are there any Anaheim fans reading that would be repulsed by something like this? Would that even be possible?

Anyway, it's artwork like this that gets me so excited to do a blog like this. So what do you think? Am I going a little over the top with my glowing praise? Or are these designs really that good?

Cool Sens Concept, Bruins Too!

A lot of people responded well to the Islanders concept art I posted yesterday. It came from the artist who also designed the Thrashers concept art from Friday. (NOTE: I updated that post with higher-resolution graphics if anyone's interested.)

Anyway, I have some more work from that same artist who posted his work on Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Community. As a disclaimer, I need to point out that none of this is official team artwork, but I thought it was fun to look at just the same.



This logo set appears to be merely a revision of the current look of the Ottawa Senators. Personally, I prefer leaning more toward the yellow-gold over the beige color seen here. That's not to say that this color scheme doesn't work well, though.

Do you guys like this designs, the current one, or the one rumored to be taking over in the fall?

Next, we have a look at some logos that are irrelevant when you consider the Boston Bruins just changed their logos back in June. But have a gander anyway, if you're inclined.



If you ask me, that's a pretty sweet Bruins logo, setting aside the fact that a drastic change like this would likely send the Boston faithful into a frenzy. I'm not sure how I feel about the re-imagining of the spoked "B" though. It isn't sitting well with me.

I'm loving the bear, though no one's asking me, and wondering whether I like it more than the new one that was unveiled a couple months ago.

And then for those of you longing for the days of the yellow and brown, our talented designer leaves us with this other alternate uniform design.

An Abundance Of Islanders Art

Every so often I find myself with just so many images for one team I feel like getting them all posted in one shot. Today that team is the New York Islanders. Remember that Atlanta Thrashers artwork I posted on Friday? Well, I've got more from that same artist (who's apparently been posting his awesome work over at the SportsLogos.net message board.



If you ask me, that's a pretty nice set of logos. Isles fans?

This is the uniform set that goes with those logos and they're just as cool. I really like the lighthouse as a primary element. I don't think you can lose the "NY" altogether because that's just one of those things that's always been there and it really does look good.

The Islanders tried out a lighthouse logo back in the mid-'90s when they switched to the fisherman logo. But nobody liked the fisherman, so they reverted back. I don't know why they didn't keep some version of the lighthouse, though.

In fact, this next design makes use of that lighthouse. Before you look, though, just know that it is a design based off the dreaded all-star jersey template.



I like that its a Mike Bossy jersey. Good stuff. The only problem is, those logos don't really go well together. The waviness of this lighthouse logo just went better with those mid-'90s jerseys. I'm curious to know what Islanders fans thought of those — and this jersey design. Though I think the designer is trying to subliminally mess with your sense of nostalgia by placing Bossy's name on the back.

I'm just about done here. This is another example of a lighthouse-based logo. It doesn't necessarily have to be the primary mark, but I think it would make a good secondary logo. Put it on the shoulder patch or something. This one isn't extremely well-balanced for a sports logo, but I had it so I thought I'd post it.

One last thing and then I'll leave you and the Islanders alone for a while.

Sorry I don't have a larger size, but a reader emailed this logo to me. It's got some neat elements but I'm not sure what it would be for. Perhaps a seal logo for hats and t-shirts and the like.

To sum up, it's a lot of cool fan artwork and absolutely nothing official from the team. Sorry to disappoint, but nobody has been saying anything official these days and I still want to keep posting new stuff on the blog. So the only way is to post fan designs in the interim while we wait. As always, I'll be sure to let you know when something official is announced. Until then, enjoy the fan artwork, and feel free to submit any of your own.

Thrashers Fan Artwork

Get excited, Thrashers fans! You asked for it yesterday and some among you responded. I reader linked me to the following designs for a new Atlanta Thrashers jersey. Keep in mind they are only concepts and as far as I know, no change in logo is being contemplated at this time by the team.




How about them apples? It's certainly a unique take on branding for the Thrash. The designer certainly took "Blueland" and ran with it. He dropped the maroon altogether. They're sharp designs but I don't think there's really anything wrong with the current uniforms.

But if that wasn't enough for you, he also came up with an alternate jersey design, as seen below.



I really just think the color combination and jersey design of the current home uniforms work so much better. These are cool, but more like something I'd expect to see on the backs of a minor league club — that's certainly no offense at all. Still, Thrashers fans, we finally have something new for you to look at. What do you think? Go? No go?

UPDATE (8/6 5:30 PM): Good news for those of you who liked these Thrasher designs. I found better quality images. You can click on the images to enlarge them. These are the same jerseys posted above.

I also found graphics with a better look at the logo designs. If anyone else is seeing the Baltimore Ravens resemblance, I'm with you. It's a great set of logos, though. And any team would be lucky to wear them.

The second graphic features logos the designer created but ultimately did not use for this concept. They're all very sharp though with a very nice and clean color scheme. Thrashers fans, do you like these? Or do you prefer what your team wears right now?