National Football League Collaborates with the Fashion Institute of Technology to Introduce New Visual Branding Inspired by NFL Teams

NEW YORK, April 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Football League (NFL) and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) today unveiled the top two contenders in the NFLxFIT Visual System Design Contest. The finalists – "Team Quicksnap" and "Team Sundrae" – will be evaluated to ultimately reveal new graphic elements and branding treatments, which will be made available on NFL merchandise. The winning designs will be announced during a special event at FIT on April 18 that coincides with an exhibition of the students' work and NFL memorabilia, including the Vince Lombardi Trophy.  New York Giants' wide receiver Sterling Shepard will be in attendance wearing clothing and accessories featuring the winning design.

Through this unique collaboration, FIT students minoring in Creative Technology were challenged to reimagine visual interpretations that represent all 32 NFL teams' identities, including artwork and graphics inspired by the teams' existing logos and fan cultures. FIT students in the program come from 11 majors - including Advertising Design, Communication Design, Illustration, and Graphic Design - and their diverse backgrounds resulted in dynamic collaborations among the six creative teams. The challenge provided the 25 participating students with an important educational opportunity to learn from top industry professionals and apply their skills to real-world design projects.

"We entered this project with FIT with the hopes of exploring new ways to reach and engage with the NFL's growing fan base by incorporating a fresh look into the products they already love," said Rhiannon E. Madden, NFL's Vice President of Consumer Products. "The passion and dedication from the students far exceeded our expectations and the work resulted in exceptional, inspired, and innovative approaches to compliment the NFL marks. We are so excited to see what our licensees do with the students' designs this upcoming football season."

The NFL judging panel, comprised of executives from several NFL departments,  selected the two finalists - "Team Quicksnap" and "Team Sundrae" - based on four categories applicable to the design of all NFL teams' visual identities: innovation and creativity; adaptability; brand authenticity; and cohesiveness. One additional prize will be awarded to the "People's Choice" winning team – a recognition that was voted by the public at NFLxFIT.info from April 3 – 10. An added incentive for the competition will be a monetary prize in the following amounts: Grand Prize, $15,000; Second Place, $5,000; and People's Choice, $5,000.

"At FIT, we are always looking for the best opportunities to help prepare our students for the future. This partnership with the NFL presented a set of very unique and interesting design challenges, which leads to engaging learning experiences that will result in long-lasting skills that our students can leverage in their careers," said C.J. Yeh, professor and assistant chair, Communication Design, who led the project, along with Christie Shin, assistant professor, Communication Design.

Interdisciplinary collaboration, guided experiential learning, and the iterative design process were at the core pedagogy for this design contest. Through a series of weekly lectures, workshops, and meetings, students learned design principles, research methodologies, executions, and presentation techniques. Students received guidance needed to help elevate their command and understanding of cutting-edge design concepts and technologies to perfect the execution of their creative visions.

The students' work, including the winning designs, will be on display in The Museum at FIT's Gallery FIT located on Seventh Avenue and 27th Street in New York City, from April 14 - 29. Admission is free. Museum hours: Tuesday–Friday, noon–8 pm; Saturday, 10 am–5 pm. Closed Sunday, Monday, and legal holidays.

ABOUT FIT
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a State University of New York (SUNY) college of art, design, business, and technology, has been at the crossroads of commerce and creativity for over 70 years. With programs that blend hands-on practice, a strong grounding in theory, and a broad-based liberal arts foundation, FIT offers career education in nearly 50 areas, and grants associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. FIT provides students with a complete college experience at an affordable cost, a vibrant campus life in New York City, and industry-relevant preparation for rewarding careers. Visit fitnyc.edu.

The Creative Technology minor at FIT provides a flexible, interdisciplinary learning opportunity for students interested in expanding and exploring their technological knowledge and experience. This minor equips students with an in-depth understanding of media design, digital culture and cutting edge technologies, as well as the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration. The CT minor is available to both Art and Design and Business and Technology students.

Media Contact: Catherine Chen, [email protected], 714-932-7752.

SOURCE Fashion Institute of Technology; The National Football League

Related Links

http://fitnyc.edu