06/32 – Fresno Bobcats
The Valley Cats
The second team in the Pacific Division – the Fresno Bobcats!
Throughout history, the Bobcats have been a near lock for the playoffs – reaching the postseason over 70% of 27 seasons. But, this team has never made it to the big game, let alone win a championship. Despite being led by elite quarterback play and a solid offensive and defensive line, the Bobcats tend to play "second fiddle" to the juggernaut LA team in which they share the division.
Visual Direction
The "Bobcats" have always been the "Bobcats". This team is currently located in Fresno but started in San Francisco and ultimately moved to the Valley to avoid four big-market California teams and create enough diversity in the league storyline.
The bobcat is a common species throughout California and are known to inhabit rocky terrains and dense forests – topography especially familiar at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The unique color scheme of purple and blue can be seen on the city's seal and flag – Fresno is home to nearly 95% of the state's grape vineyards and an icy sky blue tint can be seen where the sky meets the mountains.
Execution
Fresno's primary logo depicts a bobcat in three-quarters profile with a goldish brown coat – a color that is only used in the bobcat marks. The logo is designed specifically to fit the contour of the helmet and integrates a "disappearing outline" on a purple background for a clean appearance.
The Bobcats' secondary mark is a script "F" that is inspired by Fresno's Tower District – a cultural hub and nightlife attraction for the city. Some of the curves and serifs on this letter directly compliment the primary logo. This visual style is also translated to the team's wordmark.
The partial logo features a leaping bobcat in full body. Its forward motion and primed left arm insinuate that this cat's ready to attack.
For the wordmark, the previous "Bobcats" lettering that was typeset in a custom font named Fresno was revised and given a little more heft. This font is then incorporated in the team's jersey number set. In a nod to Van Ness Avenue, a customized "Fresno" is arched above the team name and takes inspiration from the type style used on the sign. This lettering ties back with the secondary script "F" that harmonizes with the primary logo.
Making the Jump
The Fresno Bobcats' refreshed identity breathes new life in to a franchise that has been good but never good enough. With a new logo suite that owns the Bobcats name and further ties it to the city, this team is all dressed up and ready for the big dance.
Football Helmet Mockup by SportsTemplates
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