University of Pittsburgh Athletics
The Panther Head
4/8/2019 10:56:00 AM | General
THE PANTHER HEAD LOGO
The Panther Head logo is a culmination of the beloved panther statues spread across the campus. That sculptural aesthetic and aggressiveness has been captured in this new mark. However, there are design cues that visually connect to the arched motif from the Cathedral of Learning. The forward-facing angle is a nod to the panther fountain at the front entrance of that building.
MASCOT HISTORY
The adoption of the panther mascot dates back to 1909, during a meeting of student and alumni leaders. According to alumnus George M.P. Baird, who first suggested the idea, Felis Concolor was chosen as the University's mascot for the following reasons: (1) it was the most formidable creature once indigenous to the Pittsburgh region; (2) it had ancient, heraldic standing as a noble animal; (3) the happy accident of alliteration; (4) the close approximation of its hue to the gold of Pitt's colors, blue and old gold; and (5) no other college or university then employed it as a symbol.
BRAND EVOLUTION
Pitt's brand evolution was intended to create a flexible system of elements that are visually consistent, provide a strong brand identity. The goal in doing so, is to capture new audiences in an authentic and meaningful way. Composed of core elements including logo, color and typography, as well as extended expressions including treatments and textures, this wide range of tools is designed to be flexible and expandable—so you can use your creativity to innovate across all media.
DESIGN APPROACH
Although the Pitt Script is as iconic as it gets in the athletic world, it was important to build a supporting identity that is inspired by the most iconic structure on the University's campus, and perhaps in all of North American campuses. The Cathedral of Learning is unanimously pointed to by both alumni and students as the heart of the school. The Neo Gothic-style pointed arch motif fills every aspect of the building. It became a natural extension to embed that aesthetic into the new elements of the identity.
CATHEDRAL OF LEARNING HISTORY
The Cathedral of Learning owes its existence to the vision and persistence of John Gabbert Bowman, Pitt's chancellor from 1921 to 1945. The Cathedral of Learning was constructed of Indiana limestone and built with the pennies, nickel and dimes of area school children. A structure expanding upward, though unorthodox, would solve the growing University's problems of space and distance. More important, a tower would be a visible inspiration to all who approached the city. It would carry the message that education was the result of aspiring to great heights. The parallel lines of the truncated Gothic form, never meeting, would imply that learning is unending. The sweeping proportions would symbolize the spirit and achievement of Pittsburgh. Architect Charles Z. Klauder translated these concepts into drawings that guided the placement of steel and stone.
COLOR PALETTE
The new blue and gold colors are a reinterpretation of the color palette made famous by Pitt's golden era of football. Originally introduced by Coach Johnny Majors, as a way to sharpen up the uniforms, and stand out from rival Notre Dame, who shared the navy and old gold colors at the time. The new versions of the blue and gold have been created so that it is easily reproduced, and therefore will drive a consistent look across all mediums. When it comes to communicating the Pitt Athletics brand, color is quintessential. The color configurations show how Pitt's primary and secondary colors can be expanded analogously to build harmonious color palettes and complementary pairings. Color is one of the most important elements of the Pitt Athletics identity system.
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The Panther Head logo is a culmination of the beloved panther statues spread across the campus. That sculptural aesthetic and aggressiveness has been captured in this new mark. However, there are design cues that visually connect to the arched motif from the Cathedral of Learning. The forward-facing angle is a nod to the panther fountain at the front entrance of that building.
MASCOT HISTORY
The adoption of the panther mascot dates back to 1909, during a meeting of student and alumni leaders. According to alumnus George M.P. Baird, who first suggested the idea, Felis Concolor was chosen as the University's mascot for the following reasons: (1) it was the most formidable creature once indigenous to the Pittsburgh region; (2) it had ancient, heraldic standing as a noble animal; (3) the happy accident of alliteration; (4) the close approximation of its hue to the gold of Pitt's colors, blue and old gold; and (5) no other college or university then employed it as a symbol.
BRAND EVOLUTION
Pitt's brand evolution was intended to create a flexible system of elements that are visually consistent, provide a strong brand identity. The goal in doing so, is to capture new audiences in an authentic and meaningful way. Composed of core elements including logo, color and typography, as well as extended expressions including treatments and textures, this wide range of tools is designed to be flexible and expandable—so you can use your creativity to innovate across all media.
DESIGN APPROACH
Although the Pitt Script is as iconic as it gets in the athletic world, it was important to build a supporting identity that is inspired by the most iconic structure on the University's campus, and perhaps in all of North American campuses. The Cathedral of Learning is unanimously pointed to by both alumni and students as the heart of the school. The Neo Gothic-style pointed arch motif fills every aspect of the building. It became a natural extension to embed that aesthetic into the new elements of the identity.
CATHEDRAL OF LEARNING HISTORY
The Cathedral of Learning owes its existence to the vision and persistence of John Gabbert Bowman, Pitt's chancellor from 1921 to 1945. The Cathedral of Learning was constructed of Indiana limestone and built with the pennies, nickel and dimes of area school children. A structure expanding upward, though unorthodox, would solve the growing University's problems of space and distance. More important, a tower would be a visible inspiration to all who approached the city. It would carry the message that education was the result of aspiring to great heights. The parallel lines of the truncated Gothic form, never meeting, would imply that learning is unending. The sweeping proportions would symbolize the spirit and achievement of Pittsburgh. Architect Charles Z. Klauder translated these concepts into drawings that guided the placement of steel and stone.
COLOR PALETTE
The new blue and gold colors are a reinterpretation of the color palette made famous by Pitt's golden era of football. Originally introduced by Coach Johnny Majors, as a way to sharpen up the uniforms, and stand out from rival Notre Dame, who shared the navy and old gold colors at the time. The new versions of the blue and gold have been created so that it is easily reproduced, and therefore will drive a consistent look across all mediums. When it comes to communicating the Pitt Athletics brand, color is quintessential. The color configurations show how Pitt's primary and secondary colors can be expanded analogously to build harmonious color palettes and complementary pairings. Color is one of the most important elements of the Pitt Athletics identity system.
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