About the
NWC/Northwest Conference 'Brand Announcement' of July 27, 2021 ... Go to the text (link to same text) below for information. Some of
text says the Northwest Conference "partnered with New Jersey-based Skye
Design Studios (SDS - sdsbranding.com), a national leader in sport branding, to
develop the new identity."
https://nwcsports.com/news/2021/7/27/general-a-new-northwest-brand-announcement.aspx
7/27/2021 10:00:00 AM
HILLSBORO, Ore. - The Northwest Conference (NWC) is proud to
launch an updated brand identity, intended to forge strategic connections
between enduring qualities of the Pacific Northwest and the core values and
mission of the conference. This collaborative venture engaged a full range of
NWC stakeholders for input throughout the process. The conference partnered
with New Jersey-based Skye Design Studios (SDS - sdsbranding.com), a national
leader in sport branding, to develop the new identity.
https://spark.adobe.com/page/PRTwQI2Ym90e0/.
The identity features three core marks with colors authentic to
iconic natural landmarks – Anthracite, Evergreen, Gold, and Pacific Blue. Each
mark was constructed with sharp, diagonal lines pointing Northwest as a tribute
to the conference's location, and the icon utilizes shapes in sets of threes as
an acknowledgement of Division III, the NCAA level at which the NWC competes. A
custom set of sport-specific icons were also developed as visual identifiers
for every conference sport and their corresponding applications.
"The purpose of this initiative was to take everything we
already knew about ourselves as the Northwest Conference and the Pacific
Northwest region – an exceptional and unparalleled experience to any other part
of the country – and integrate that essence into compelling brand messaging
that could be leveraged to a national audience,” stated NWC Commissioner
Kimberly Wenger. “I'd like to thank Skye and his team for their dedication and
leadership throughout the project."
Our Essence \ Adventure: Long-associated with
the Pacific Northwest, adventure emerged as the central theme from the
Discovery Phase of the creative process. This concept was culturally and
contextually relevant, symbolizing the collective and individual journeys of
all within the conference. As such, the new icon was inspired by 'adventure
badge' motifs associated with outdoor lifestyle brands. The three natural
landmarks in the icon - evergreens, mountains, and waters - characterize the
captivating landscapes of the Northwest and embody specific conference core
values.
• Evergreens \ Community: The concept of many trees
standing tall and standing together represents the teamwork, unity, and
sportsmanship of the conference community. Evergreen forests are the roots of
the region, a fitting parallel to the many generations of NWC alumni and
student-athletes.
• Mountains \ Aspiration: Mountains form the backbone
of the Northwest and epitomize the goals of all who call the conference home.
Rugged stone surfaces and distant summits correlate to the hard work, vision,
and leadership required to achieve both academic and athletic success.
• Waters \ Competition: From relentless ocean
waves to stoic inland lakes, whitewater rapids, and crashing waterfalls, the
pulse of the Northwest is in its waters. Dynamic and daring to be challenged,
they mirror the wide range of emotions experienced in athletics and boldly
express the competitive spirit.
Our Natural Connector: The Columbia River Gorge
dramatically links Oregon and Washington, the two states where all NWC
institutions are located. The adventure badge icon was designed to
stylistically depict the Gorge, a timeless, unifying symbol for the conference.
"The research confirmed our instinct – that the Northwest is
so much more than a conference. It's a region, a lifestyle, and an imaginative,
courageous mindset. The identity needed to align with those qualities through
the lens of sport, and the final result is emblematic of that strategy,” said
SDS Founder Skye Dillon. “Thank you to all who participated in and helped shape
this endeavor, particularly Kimberly at the conference office and the brand
committee."
For more information about the Northwest Conference brand update,
contact Commissioner Kimberly Wenger at wenger@nwcsports.com.
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Graphics for NWC (found online) include ...
NEW GRAPHICS APPARENTLY
OLD GRAPHICS APPARENTLY
