Let us keep our traditions; let us keep our logo
As a Florida State fan for all 21 years of my life, and a recent student of graphic design, Florida State’s new logo design has put me in a state of confusion. In an accidental release of the new logo, Wal-Mart began selling shirts with the new logo almost ten days before the planned release, which was originally meant for April 11th, the day before the Garnet and Gold Spring Game.
Immediately following the surprise reveal, Florida State fans were in an uproar of disapproval, creating and signing petitions, garnering nearly 14,000 signatures in protest of the new logo.
I, along with several thousand other fans, have already made the choice to boycott the new logo and will refuse to buy any products that present the new Seminole as I see it as a ploy to sell more products. I will only buy products that represent the 38 years of athletic and academic success that has been represented all under the same logo.
3 National Football Championships
4 Rhodes Scholars
9 straight women’s soccer top 10 rankings
12 March Madness Appearances
15 College World Series Appearances
146 Conference Championships
The list goes on.
Florida State has strived under this face. And now they want to change it.
The logo, which has been with the Seminoles since 1976, is what every fan who is a part of the ‘Nole Nation thinks of when we think of Florida State University.
Consider changing the UNC logo, taking away the old well or changing the style of the NC. Or even look at the University of Miami’s U. These are visuals that we know represent those universities. So why, all of the sudden, is it ok to do a complete overhaul of Florida State’s logo?
The University issued an official statement following the backlash to attempt to explain their choices to a growing group of angered fans.
Their explanation blabbered about trying to find a central symbol that could represent the entire university. What about the old logo?
Their explanation talked of issues with reproduction in multiple mediums. What was wrong with the old logo?
Their explanation spoke of a new logo to take Florida State into the future, without ‘diminishing the identity of the iconic image’. What about the tradition of the old logo?
They overlooked our central symbol.
It is completely idiotic to, following such a successful sports year, to change the logo that represents the school and its programs. What happens if the teams don’t do as well? What if, god forbid, Jameis Winston gets injured. The entire Seminole nation will know who messed up. It will be their fault.
They changed it when it could’ve been simplified.
It is such a joke that the reasoning behind the redesign was to take care of the embroidery issues that the school has been having. The change to the logo doesn’t make any steps to ease that problem. Much more minimal changes could have been made to make the logo easier to use rather than changing it completely.
They took away the tradition for a modern view.
A school, based in tradition and excellence, worked under a symbol, a logo that silently bragged about the university. So why all of the sudden does the school need to break from tradition. The school can become modern while upholding its traditions and values. The school can become modern without adopting a new symbol.
All things considered, Florida State royally screwed up.
After working for two years on this project, they had a chance to show their dedication to those that make this university go ‘round. They had a chance to give back and stay true.
I know, I keep referring to they. The ominous body that made the decision to change everything. As an ominous body, much like politicians, they make the decisions and do not consult the true opinions of the students, fans and alumni. They do not consult those truly involved.
Yes.
Research was done.
Yes.
They think they found evidence to prove a need for a redesign.
No.
They were wrong.
Had they truly found out what the Seminole Nation thought, they would not be getting the backlash that they are now.
They should’ve done what every first-year design student is taught. Less is always more. And the proof is in the pudding. Fellow designer Jodi Slade, of Florida State University, recreated her own version of what the new logo could look like, and I urge them, they and those rulers of the university to consider this logo over your own.
I urge you to recognize that, in this instance, Nike is incorrect in its choices. I urge you to reveal the old logo on April 11th. I can guarantee Seminole gear sales have already spiked in the last ten days.
You got what you wanted; now move on and let us keep our traditions. Let us keep our logo.
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This article was written in compliance with the instructions of my creative sportswriting class.