Overview:

This graphic design project was led by YALID team member Mac, who created a series of compelling visuals for Central Michigan University (CMU) Athletics. Although the work was not formally commissioned or endorsed by CMU, it is an important part of YALID’s portfolio due to the quality and creativity showcased. Mac’s designs reflect the energy, unity, and competitive spirit of college athletics, making them a standout in our portfolio.

Design Objective:

The goal of this project was to create impactful, engaging designs that would elevate the visual identity of a college athletics program. Mac set out to craft graphics that captured the excitement of CMU’s sports teams while aligning with the university’s existing color scheme and brand elements, such as the maroon and gold palette and the Chippewa mascot.

Our Design Approach:

1. Research & Inspiration: Mac conducted an in-depth study of Central Michigan University’s athletic brand, focusing on its visual identity, competitive culture, and fan engagement. The designs needed to convey not only the intensity of college sports but also the unity and pride that come with representing CMU’s athletic teams.

2. Conceptual Themes: Several core themes emerged during the design process:

   • Intensity & Athleticism: Each design emphasized the intensity of competition, using dynamic action shots, sharp typography, and bold visual elements.

   • Team Unity & Spirit: To capture the essence of team sports, the graphics showcased both individual athletes and full teams, highlighting moments of victory and camaraderie.

   • Versatility Across Platforms: The designs were developed to be adaptable for a variety of mediums, from social media posts and posters to large-scale stadium displays.

3. Creative Execution:

   • Social Media Templates: Mac created a series of graphic templates designed for game day announcements, player highlights, and results recaps. These templates made heavy use of CMU’s color palette and incorporated modern, geometric design elements to keep the visuals fresh and engaging.

   • Poster & Banner Designs: High-impact posters and banners were developed for promoting games and events, featuring bold typography and athlete-centric imagery.

   • In-Stadium Visuals: Mac also developed concepts for jumbotron graphics, intended to enhance the live-game atmosphere by capturing pivotal moments of action and celebration, with eye-catching transitions and effects.

4. Adaptability & Versatility: While the designs were originally envisioned for Central Michigan University Athletics, their versatility allows them to be easily adapted for use in any collegiate or professional sports context. This adaptability highlights Mac’s ability to create sports graphics that can serve multiple purposes across various platforms.

   
   

Design Highlights:

• Bold Use of Color & Contrast: The maroon and gold colors of CMU are emphasized with strong contrast, ensuring the designs stand out both in print and on screen.

• Dynamic Athlete Imagery: Action shots of athletes are paired with angular, geometric patterns, adding a sense of movement and intensity to each graphic.

• Modern Typography: Sharp, modern typography complements the high-energy visuals, helping to communicate important game-day information at a glance.

  
  

  
  

Outcome & Impact:

Though these designs were not officially commissioned by Central Michigan University, they demonstrate YALID’s capabilities in producing high-quality, visually impactful athletic graphics. The work effectively captures the excitement and spirit of collegiate sports, and serves as a strong example of how YALID’s design team can elevate the brand identity of any athletic department.

Key Takeaways:

• Elevating Athletic Branding: This project underscores YALID’s ability to create dynamic designs that can energize and unify a sports program’s visual identity.

• Portfolio Highlight: Mac’s work on this project is a showcase of YALID’s expertise in the realm of sports marketing and design, making it a valuable addition to our growing portfolio of creative design solutions.