New Culture in Colorado - Time for new uniforms

Hello readers everywhere! WOW. It sure feels good to be writing here again and feels fantastic to actually complete another concept. Over the past months there have been so many concept ideas and incompleted designs but work, school, and everything else just got in the way. But I am back, and even though it's been a while, I never left! In fact, I continue to check HJC, Icethetics, CCSL and your blogs every few days. So thank you for coming to check in and here's my next concept!

Colorado Avalanche

 

Now you all probably know, the I'm a proud Colorad-an and I was born and raised here. So naturally you can assume I'm more than excited about the Avs current performance on the ice. There's a new culture with the Colorado Avalanche, and it's time for a new era. Our young group of guys is finally coming together, we have an exciting coach behind the bench, as well as some front office additions. It's all coming together. Next all we need, is a new look. The Avalanche probably have the worst uniforms in the league, which is such a shame considering we have such great logos and colors and used to have some of the best uniforms. So here are my main goals with the redesign.

- Get rid of the Reebok cookie cutter look.

- Bring back the mountain design in a new way.

- Eliminate black equipment, and use the color minimally.

- Create a unique identity for the Avalanche

- Tie in Colorado somehow. (captains patch, hanger effect, and mountains.)

So what do you think of this possible look for the Avalanche?

Thanks for checking in and I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Colorado Pride

Colorado Avalanche

Happy Friday everyone! As most of you may know I'm a huge Avalanche fan and was born and raised here in beautiful Colorado. We here in Colorado have a lot of pride in our state! It's almost impossible to walk down a busy street without finding someone with apparel on that has our red and yellow Colorado 'C.' In fact, some of this apparel, translated onto Avs logos, is some of the top selling merchandise. I myself have two or three items. Even our pro soccer team debuted a new third jersey showing our state pride. Why not have the Avs do something similar? I wanted it to not only represent our great state but also past hockey here and within the franchise. The baby blue is obviously taken from the Quebec Nordiques and the jersey design is a very slight nod to these WHA jerseys. Then the Colorado 'C' emblems are obviously taken from the state flag as well as the jerseys of the old Colorado Rockies. I just kind of ran with the rest of the design and really like how it turned out. This wouldn't be a bad upgrade for their current alternates. What do you think?

Bringing the Mountains back to Colorado

Good evening everyone! It hardly seems like it with the new time change. As you all know, I'm a huge Avalanche fan. I was born and still live in Colorado, attend games regularly, and I'll always be an Avalanche fan at heart. In fact, just the other night I was in attendance to witness the Avs break the Blackhawks winning streak. It was such an awesome game to be at and such a great win for my boys in burgandy! But that burgandy uniform... it needs a change ASAP... that's where today's concept comes in!

Colorado Avalanche

Over time (although not in a long while) I've created tons of Avalanche concepts. The most popular one most people create, is a modern version of their old 'mountain' design. I had a few goals here:

• Bring back the mountains a new, more subtle way.
• Eliminate black completely - (Except for the puck in the logo)
• Create a design unique only to the Avalanche.

Overall I think it completes my main goals and would be a solid set for the Avs. What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your Sunday evening! -Justin 

Concepts, Updates and a Contest!

Hello everyone, I hope you are having a fantastic Friday! Sorry for the lack of updates recently, I've been really busy.  Today I have the normal concepts, a TOHD update, and I'm announcing a contest!
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NHL EXPANSION DESIGN CONTEST

I'm always trying to find ways to keep readers interested and a part of the blog. I thought maybe I could start doing contests that we could all participate in. So I present... the NHL Expansion Design Contest! I narrowed the competition down to four expansion cities.... (US) Seattle, Hartford, (Canada) Quebec, and Hamilton. Concept artists can create up to four entries (one for each city) and can revive an old team or create a new identity! Once all concepts are in we will vote for the best concept from each team, then each country (US, Canada) then the best concept overall! All entries must include at least a home and away jersey and have name/ID on it. All entries are due August 5. More info can be found on the contest page. Spread the word so we can get as many participants as possible!

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As I said I've been really busy and haven't been able to keep up with the design votes but here's the first winners.

To no ones surprise the Blackhawks were voted best uniforms. However, to my surprise, the Blues and Hawks tied for best primary logo. Since I didn't vote in the first place I broke the tie and chose my favorite logo, the St. Louis Blues. Two new votes have been posted on the side of the page.

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Dallas Stars

This is an update to my original Stars design. I switched the logos and created a gold third jersey. I wanted everything to be really unique and I think the colors and design do so.

 Colorado Avalanche (by Steven G.)

I like this a lot! It brings the mountain design back but doesn't overuse it like the old jerseys! I really like the design on blue and wouldn't mind if the Avs used a design like this. The blue is pretty bright but I like that it ties the Nordiques into the design. Excellent work, Steven! Sorry it took so long to post this. I was going to post it with some Avs concepts of mine but I never finished them. 

Planet Express (Futurama) 

Has anyone seen the animated show on comedy central, Futurama? Well I'm starting to become a big fan of it and I always thought that their delivery company's logo would look great on a hockey jersey! I made some color modifications and created an alternate logo and voila! RinkGear makes jerseys like this (movies, shows, etc.) and I posted this on their Facebook wall to see if anyone liked it. 

HJC Open Champion! Tournament Recap

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If you haven't seen yet, I just recently won the HJC Open! First off, I would like to thank everyone who supported and voted me through any of the four rounds. I would also like to congratulate all of the other participants and thank them for putting up a good fight! One more than others... Stephane Sinotte! I didn't think I had a chance to win against Stephane but I got through the last round! Congrats Stephane and thanks for making me sweat this one out! I know the 3rd time will be a charm for you!

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With the closing of the Open I also wanted to take a look back at my concepts throughout the tournament. Since I've already shared most of these concepts I'll keep the descriptions short.

Quebec Nordiques

This was my first round entry... A Quebec Nordiques (third jersey) concept. Already in the first round I had a tough test against Kevin D. but ended up prevailing.

Colorado Avalanche 

 In the second round I had to go up against Dylan Alexander who always has top notch concepts. Luckily these Avs concepts pushed me into the third round.

Philadelphia Flyers

 I was really nervous when I saw that I would have to face off against Tex next. He always has beautiful concepts and submitted an awesome Jets concept for the third round. However my Flyers fauxback earned me a spot in the finals!

2013 Winter Classic

The final round I was facing... Stephane... Stephane the great! At the time I was just finishing up these Winter Classic jerseys and logos so I decided to use it. Stephane was the toughest competitor but I somehow prevailed and earned the titele... HJC Open Champion! I'll be posting a Winter Classic package soon with some changes and additions!

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Thanks for stopping by! Expect another post tomorrow or Wednesday for a few Pacific Division rebrands!

Canucks Collab & Concepts from Others

Hello and happy Monday to all of my readers! Today I've got a Canucks concept collaboration, concepts from others, and we're talking about the Tournament of Design. Now let's get to the Art and Hockey!
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Canucks Collaboration (By Colin May and Myself)

Colin May is a huge Canucks fan and runs a blog, shirtofacanuck.blogspot.ca, devoted to redesigning Vancouver's identity. I myself am a big Canucks fan and ever since their 40th Anniversary Jersey was released, I have thought a similar version would be a cool look for the Vancouver. Colin had the same idea and beat me to the punch when he created some near perfect concepts! Of course there is always room for improvement. Colin had also taken a liking to my Canucks third jersey concept so I contacted him about doing a collab together between the three jerseys. We both loved the idea because not only could we combine our designs, but we were able to improve eachothers! So here is a breakdown of the concepts:

Home and Away: 

The away jersey design is almost identical to the 40th Anniversary jersey and a model of the original 1970 home jersey. The biggest change is obviously using the updated Stick in Rink logo and Johnny Canuck logo on the shoulders. Since Colin's mock up was practically perfect, I didn't want to change too much. The biggest change I made was the collar as well as a few small fixes. The home jersey was a little different. The striping on the original 1970 jersey was different than the home jersey and much worse. However on Colins concept he got it perfect! The striping is almost identical to the away version (besides colors and cuffs) and it came out great. My biggest contributions to these were collars, small additions and fixes, and the transfer to my template. On a side not, this project really showed me how something as simple as a "V" on the armstripes could take so much work. 5 revisions to be exact. However after looking at all of the versions, it really makes a difference. That just goes to show how the little details really make a difference.

Third:

My original design had a very modern and unique look to it. But after some discussion, Colin and I threw around a lot of revision ideas for this but we ultimately decided to take it in a more retro direction. We removed all silver and changed the striping to a similar look of the Canucks current third jersey. Lastly we changed the font to the Canucks 40th Anniversary font and it really topped off the jersey. The retro jersey looks so much better in this set in my opinion. 

In the end I think the whole set came out great and I had a great time working with Colin. I hope to do it again! You can check out more of his designs at shirtofacanuck.blogspot.ca.

We would both love to hear any feedback you have!

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Concepts from Others

Dallas Stars (by Alan)

I've liked this concept since it was first posted on HJC! I really like all of the striping, colors and font. Good choice putting the Texas logo on the arm stripes. The primary logo is kind of strange but it still is a cool and unique look. I would love to see a version with the regular logo or maybe even an away jersey to go with this one? Regardless, really great work Alan! You can check out his blog at ajhhjaftw.blogspot.com/.

Colorado Avalanche (Ricky)

When I first saw these they struck me as a better/updated version of the Avs edge uniforms. It must be the side panels? I really like the home jersey and I think if a couple of changes were made these could be really great jersey!  My biggest problem with the away jersey is the large amount of burgundy on the arms and sides but then blue yokes are used. It just doesn't seem balanced. I think if some black and silver trim was added as an outline to the numbers and between the colors it would take this concept to the next level. I also think the foot logo would look good on those yokes. Like I told Ricky, it seems like a lot of changes but it's just these small details that will improve his concepts! Regardless of change or no change these are good concepts and would love to see him work at them a little more! To see some more of Ricky's work check out his blog at rmconcepts.blogspot.com. He definitely has the biggest variety of concepts I've seen. It's great! 

 2013 Winter Classic (NB14)

This is what NB14's idea for this years Winter Classic. I like the Detroit jersey a lot and wouldn't mind seeing it worn! My only suggestion would be to add a thicker, more noticeable outline the the back number. The Toronto jersey is okay but it seems to me like it's just an updated version of their old third jersey.

 Florida Panthers Third Jersey (NB14)

This would be a great third jersey for the Panthers! It goes great with their current jerseys and I think their template looks great in blue! My only concern is that the logo, tv numbers and name need to be a little bigger. To see more of NB14's concepts you can go to nb14jerseyconcepts.blogspot.com. 

If you want to send your concepts in, feel free to email me at jncox9@gmail.com and I'll be more than happy to post them!

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Tournament of Hockey Design

Sounds similar to icethetics' tournament of logos doesn't it? Well that's where I got the idea for it. It will be a tournament for the best and worsts of the Art of Hockey. From primary logos to all of the jerseys! There is currently a vote up in the top right corner of the page for Best NHL logo and uniforms. For more information, check out the original post or the TOHD page. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts!

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Islanders + Revamped Concepts

Sorry there hasn't been a post for a while. I've got one new concept today as well as some revamped ones.

I've used illustrator for a little while but never had a template I liked. I finally got one! So that is the main reason I am uploading these old concepts. Honestly, I think the template alone improves all of them.

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New York Islanders

I think we can all agree that the Isles current third jersey is awful. I wanted to base this off of their four stripe pattern that represents their cup victories. I'm not that great of a logo designer but I put together one that really ties is an "island" or "nautical" theme. I couldn't create a decent light house logo so I brrowed one from King Creative Design. For the shoulder patches I used a simplified "NY" mark.
Version 2

I didn't think my logo came out too great so I also made one with the regular primary logo and anchor shoulder patches. Which version do you like better?

Philadelphia Flyers Fauxback

I made a few small changes but I think the template really improves this one.

Quebec Nordiques

  

Washington Capitals

Colorado Avalanche

You may have seen this but I really want to know what people think. Is this a good fix for the Avs?

Vancouver Canucks

I changed the striping up to create a more unique look.

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I'm considering entering some of these in the HJC Open (depending on how far I make it). I was wondering which ones you like best, or which ones I could possibly use? 

Thanks for reading!

Welcome to the Art of Hockey

Hello, my name is Justin. I'm a huge hockey fan and hockey concept artist. This blog will feature mainly hockey jersey concepts, logo concepts, and sometimes, hockey related art and topics. Some of my other work is featured and often posted on HockeyJerseyConcepts.com, Icethetics.com, and PuckDrawn.com.  I will not be posting daily, but once a week or so, I will be updating the site and posting new designs! For now this a place where I can share my work. I would love to hear everyone's feedback and critique! I hope you enjoy the site!

     I live in Colorado and am a huge Avs fan. Even though I bleed burgundy and blue, I am all in favor of them getting new uniforms. They have great colors and logos but the edge jerseys just ruined them!I typically don't like using just 'stripes' for Avs concepts but I think it kind of works here. What do you think?

This is a Washington Capitals third jersey concept using their unused 'Capital Building' logo. I would love to see the Caps use this logo and I think they definitely need a blue third. I have included a description on the concept and a player model to view. This concept was also recognized as "Concept of the Week" and Concept of the Month of May at HockeyJerseyConcepts.com.

A very similar design has been featured on Icethetics. I wanted to create a retro-ish third jersey for the Flyers 45th Anniversary without using their primary logo. There is further description on the concept. Could you see the Flyers wearing something similar to these?

I've always loved the old Vancouver Millionaires jerseys and was excited when the Canucks bought the rights to their logos. I was thinking maybe the Canucks could honor the 100th Anniversary of their Cup win in 2015. 

    New Jersey Devils third jersey. I came across this concept logo designed by Matt Kauzlarich and Fraser Davidson and thought it would look great on a black jersey. I replaced white with grey to create a "dark jersey."

         Seattle Metropolitans concepts created for HJC's Islanders relocation competition. Further description and backstory on concept.

     Johnny Canuck is a huge part of the Canucks history and he needs to be on a jersey! I also made it Vancouvers first green jersey! How do you think this looks?

Well that is all I have for you now. I would love to hear some feedback! -Justin