A couple days ago the Asheville Tourists unveiled their new identity that Jason and I did for them. The Tourists have one of the oldest, and awesome, names in Minor League Baseball. When the Dewine family purchased the team last year, they called us up to rebrand the classic franchise and we were honored to take the job. Asheville is a great town full of character and characters. So there was plenty of imagery to draw from.
The game we went to was at night and it felt like summer camp. The moon and stars were out, people were mixing and socializing all over the stands, and everyone’s hands were dyed red from eating some of the best barbecue in the country. We wanted to capture that summertime energy. We also wanted to play off the infamous moonshiner runs that snaked through that part of the country. When we realized that no pro-sports team uses a moon as an icon we knew we were onto something (and yes the moon glows-in-the-dark). It’s one of the most whimsical identities we’ve ever done. Even the font we created is inspired by the beautiful arts and crafts architecture. We need to get some Tourists merch in the Clink store soon…
Latest Drops
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These are nice. I can’t stop staring at the cleats. Those are awesome. The glow-in-the-dark idea is perfect for this. Great job as always!
— Kevin Werther on November 11, 2010
Great Job Guys! A really cool rebranding effort. Very awesome.
— Ryan Zundell on November 11, 2010
I enjoy reading Uni Watch, but they took a cheap shot at your tourists logos, calling them “lame”. I’m all for celebrating our subjective differences, but I think it is irresponsible to do so without at least justifying your opinion. Its even more perplexing since Uni Watch was excited about the moon wearing stirrups and eating ribs.
— Kevin Werther on November 11, 2010
i love the home cap so much, i couldn’t wait for the clink store. excellent work!
— dannymits on November 11, 2010
Re Uni Watch: Paul Lukas, the writer for Uni Watch responded in the comment section to justify his criticisms. While we may or may not agree with his criticisms, it is much better to have them explained, so we can respect his opinion.
— Kevin Werther on November 11, 2010
I saw these and just knew these were yalls designs. I could totally recognize your style. Nice job fellas.
— Clay on November 11, 2010
Just wondering how the initial conversations went with the client. Did they tell you no bears, no Hawaiian shirts, no cameras, no luggage? Since the moon/moonshine idea is not a literal interpretation for “Tourists”, were there any hesitations, or did it go over well right away?
— Tom R on November 11, 2010
No logo features the moon? Amazing! Also, this is the only logo I’ve ever seen that shows a foul ball… the ball approaching the viewer, over the catcher’s left shoulder…
— paynomind on November 11, 2010
I’m with Tom R and would love to see more about the process that went into this one (if possible). But really the behind the scenes process posts are pretty much my favorite Clink Room feature.
Liked getting some insight into the overall inspiration. I’ve always liked my Tourists game experiences- so chill compared to other MiLB environments that can be too hyper. So much about the logos are right for that region. Love the craftsy A’ville font, the portrayal of the mountains is perfect and love the colors.
— Richard on November 11, 2010
On the whole I dig the update. It’ll take a little while, but I’ll warm to Mr. Moon…simply because it’s such a departure from the Bear I’m familiar with. The lettering is fantastic…simply fantastic.
— Bryan Flynn on November 11, 2010
hmmm, nice sleeve patch
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N8IgWOyoOIfcjO7Ow8P_tw?feat=directlink
— Ry Co 40 on November 11, 2010
Damn so awesome! The smiling moon with the glasses is stellar(excuse the crappy pun). Never have I been so tempted to buy a non-Marlins affiliate cap. As usual EXCELLENT work gentlemen!
— Derek on November 11, 2010
Here’s some photos from Monday’s unveiling…
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=B0&Dato=20101109&Kategori=SPORTS&Lopenr=311090070&Ref=PH
— Jason on November 11, 2010
Another Rockies affiliate! Tulsa, Casper, and now Asheville…that’s so awesome. Redo the Rockies unis and I’ll be even happier. Good work!
— joe on November 11, 2010
We’ll definitely do a behind-the-scenes. Ryan, I swear we didn’t intentionally bite your burrito batter pose. But WOW it must have sunk into our subconscious or something. I hope you take it as a compliment.
— casey on November 11, 2010
as an Asheville local, I approve – long needed change to our logo. this definitely stands out, very unique can’t wait to see the team decked out in the new gear!
— greg on November 11, 2010
Moon eating a rib? How awesome is that!
— Derek on November 12, 2010
I reeeeeeally dig this stuff. Colors are just perfect. The rib-eating moon is perfectly genius — my favorite!!
I’m SUPER pumped for Monday in Omaha. Can’t wait to see first hand what you came up with for my childhood team. I have my favorites of the final nine names but I have faith in what you guys do.
Do you guys typically show up to the unveilings? A signed Omaha hat by clinkers would rock.
— Dave on November 12, 2010
Isn’t the “mascot swinging an oversized bat” a common baseball motif? Whether it’s a burrito or Moon Man or Chief Wahoo (a version of this used to adorn the side of the Old Cleveland Municipal Stadium –
http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=2270 )wouldn’t the goal be to design a new character in this familiar pose that is iconic rather than merely imitative? It’s my opinion that the Asheville version falls into the former category as he shoots – er, swings – for the moon.
— Nathan B on November 12, 2010
The whole identity is very whimsical and cohesive. Despite being separate, you can tell everything belongs together. The scripts are amazing, as I’ve come to expect from y’all. All around great work. Love the Blue hats with Navy visors. I need some Tourists merch now.
— Eddie Ray Design on November 12, 2010
Great work Guys! I love that sleeve patch and i really dig that font.
I’m getting a home hat for sure.
— Efra on November 12, 2010
Moon shot! You guys always kill it. Lovin’ the moon cap and crafty A cap and type. More drops. More drops.
— Aaron Bird on November 12, 2010
“Ryan, I swear we didn’t intentionally bite your burrito batter pose. But WOW it must have sunk into our subconscious or something. I hope you take it as a compliment.”
haha! don’t worry about me guys, i’ve already had enough let-downs related to this sites contests LOL (not winning anything in the taco shop league was a REAL bummer, i could rant on about that. and not getting any credit for being the first to suggest the skate SHOP league, rather then just a skate league (proved in the comments sections at the time). not as big a bummer, could rant on about that for a while too). no worries at all though, because it’s tough to satisfy everyone. and, in fairness, 2 things: 1) i have an awesome burrito logo that created a lot of buzz and some really cool jerseys to go with it, ALL due to you guys and this site. and 2) i couldn’t take credit for the pose as i drew my inspiration from this:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XGAdmcVyhYGVABLbeAlbKg?feat=directlink
don’t take that as me being mad or hateful, just wanted to clear some things up and get it off my chest. still love the site and it’s content, still a fan!
— Ry Co 40 on November 12, 2010
No pro sports team CURRENTLY uses the moon as an icon. The logo package for the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes featured depictions of a crescent moon on both primary and alternate marks for seven seasons.
— Brian on November 13, 2010
Wonderful job, guys! While I’ll miss Asheville’s Hawaiian shirt-sportin’, suitcase-totin’ tourist bear, I love what you’ve built around “Mr. Moon”. The logos, color scheme and custom font are all outstanding. I only wish that this logo package could be accompanied by the return of the Asheville Moonshiners name, as I feel such a pairing would tie together better. Love that bindle-swingin’ Moon-man!!!
— Brian on November 13, 2010
Damn! I was too late on the mad hat dash. Always amazing work guys
— Justin W. Siddons on November 15, 2010
LMAO a reader here (and over at UW), just pointed out to me, that maybe the sleeve patch is some sort of mash-up? check out on deck. haha:
http://www.theclinkroom.com/uncategorized/banana-deck-the-halls/
— Ry Co 40 on November 19, 2010