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Leggo My Logo!

With UNLV’s much-criticized logo now retired, we asked four experts to weigh in on some of the city’s remaining sports symbols

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS

The background shape is a Rorschach test: an open mouth? Vintage room-key adornment? Sideways Betty Willis homage? The vertical approach is dynamic. The colors work. The fonts and symbol may not leave a lasting impression, but when you see how the identity is applied on banners, jerseys, and other items, it will gain momentum and acceptance. The cursive-type “Lights” needs to be more defined in the letters H and S so they are more legible. Having the word “Lights” attach to the neon border on one side is not symmetrical. Personally, I prefer bolder sport-motif icons with a heavier font.
Dan McElhattan III , Professor of design, CSN

(Disclaimer: These views are McElhattan’s own and do not represent the views of the College of Southern Nevada.)

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LAS VEGAS ACES

My eye goes right to the A in Aces. It doesn’t have any of the dramatic flaring that the C, E, and S have. At the very least that A should be standing on feet to match those other letters! And the decision to have its outer shape subtly reference the swooping sides of the large A icon above it makes it look a little like it’s caving in. Otherwise, it certainly evokes Las Vegas in its overall design. I’m reminded of an era when the city offered both The Stardust and Star Trek: The Experience.

Benjamen Purvis, Design director, Boston Magazine; former art director, Las Vegas Weekly

 

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LAS VEGAS AVIATORS

I think the Las Vegas Aviators mark is amateur-looking and challenging to identify at first glance. It’s not clear it’s a pilot. I think it would be hard to figure out what it is without the supporting word-mark identifying it as an “Aviator.” I like the idea of the Las Vegas desert reflecting in the pilot’s visor, but the way it is done here needs some refinement. The desert landscape reflected in the visor is a bit tricky and a difficult read at first glance. A good identity should be able to stand-up in black-and-white or reproduced in one color. This logo is entirely dependent on color. 

D.J. Stout, Partner, Pentagram; former design director, Texas Monthly

 

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

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I like it. The use of the knight helmet with the “V” in the negative area is extremely simple yet very strong. It quickly implies intimidation, strength, a warrior, and of course the “V” representing Vegas. Perfect for doing battle on the ice. The shield works well as a coat of arms to pull everything together and give it a majestic, masculine feel. I like the gold, slate gray, black, and white color palette. What doesn’t work for me is the final design doesn’t feel refined enough. I think a lot of the shapes could use a very subtle roundness to allow for a more successful reproduction.

Stan Evenson, Founder, CEO, creative director, Evenson Design Group; designer of New England Patriots Logo