Why Your High School Should Design Its Own Sports Logo

From students to staff, from faculty to facility, every high school is unique. What’s often not unique, however, are the logos our schools use to instill civic pride. Whether it’s generic clip art or a recolored version of a familiar collegiate or professional logo, high school intellectual property often gets a “see me after class.” This doesn’t just run afoul of litigious teams—it’s a missed opportunity for schools to create a brand that sets them apart from the competition. Discover why your high school should design its own sports logo and how you can go about it.

Forging an Identity

A school’s logo and colors are a vital part of its identity—as much a part of the identity as the campus or the coursework. When a school designs its own logo, it takes ownership of its brand and sends a message to students, staff, and visitors about what it stands for. This message can foster school spirit and create a sense of community.

Brand Recognition

Brand recognition is not just for big corporations. A unique sports logo can make a school more recognizable in the local community and stand out regionally. For instance, in a world of Wildcats and Tigers, Antioch, Illinois, is the home of the Sequoits—a local reference you wouldn’t find anywhere else. The same goes for Effingham Flaming Hearts, a name that pops up on “strangest mascot” lists but is undeniably a part of the downstate community. When people see the logo on uniforms, banners, and merchandise, the branding becomes associated with the school. This connection is especially important for high schools that are new or have undergone significant changes, such as a merger.

Marketing Efforts

Another reason why your high school should design its own sports logo is to use it as an effective marketing tool. High schools can use it to promote sports events, recruitment drives, and fundraising campaigns. In addition, a school can sell merchandise with its logo to raise funds for extracurricular activities. You can bring awareness to your insignia all around campus—for instance, team-branded doormats can benefit your school by putting your brand on people’s minds before they even walk in.

Creative and Cost-Effective

Designing a sports logo can be a fun and creative project for students, staff, and alumni. It can involve collaboration between the art department, the sports teams, and the administration. The process of creating a logo can cultivate a sense of pride and ownership among participants. Best of all, designing a sports logo in-house can be more cost-effective than outsourcing the task to a professional designer. This is particularly true for high schools that have a talented graphic design department.

A proprietary logo for your athletic department and your school as a whole is an excellent opportunity to create a brand that reflects everything your school represents. It may take some effort and collaboration, but the rewards are worth it. So why not give it a try?

Photo By: eryusan