Best of 2011
No tutorial this weekend. It was busy at work all week and I didn't make time to prepare one.
Instead I thought I would review some of my favourite concepts that came in during 2011! These are my favourites and feel free to agree or disagree with me. Note: no concepts posted in this post are eligible to be nominated for COTW. The date at the end of each concept is the week that it was posted. Here we go...
Atlanta Thrashers (by Tom)
Tom has gotten busy with other things these days, but I was always impressed with his concepts. This was his entry for the Thrashers ReDesign. Feb 14-20.
Ottawa Senators (by Tex)
This was posted on Icethetics because Tex got it so close to what we actually ended up seeing. The attention that Tex got really took his concepts up another level. Jan 31-Feb 6.
Columbus Blue Jackets (by Brian B.)
This was an awesome job by Brian creating a HERITAGE jersey from one of the newest teams in the NHL. Mar 14-20.
St. Louis Blues (by HJC)
Sorry, I had to put myself on the list and this is my favourite concept that I did in 2011. It just seems so sensible and right for the Blues. Mar 21-27.
Dallas Stars (by Tom)
Tom set out to change the "mooterus" and I thought he did an awesome job. Apr 4-10
Lethrbidge Hurricanes (by Josh)
This is in the COTY semi-finals. I knew HJC was getting pro level concepts when this was sent in. I wonder who won that Lethbridge Hurricanes contest? Apr 25-May 1.
Los Angeles Kings (by Glen)
After seeing these it started to change my negative thoughts about the burger king logo. Now I'm all for seeing this guy again. Jun 27-Jul 3.
Nashville Predators (by Connor)
Connor really took a step up and made people take notice with these. Sometimes when concepts come in I just know they are going to be COTW, this was one of those concepts. Jul 4-10.
Phoenix Coyotes (by Alan)
Again, another concept that made me really take notice of Alan's work. Alan made himself a COTW contender every week after this came in. Jul 18-24.
Minnesota Wild (by Matt D.)
Matt hasn't sent anything in a while, but there was a two week span in September that he owned HJC. I think everything of his that was posted got at least one COTW nom. This was my fav of the bunch. Aug 29-Sept 4.
Justice League (by Nevill)
This was one of the first set of non-hockey concepts that came in and people really enjoyed them. People really enjoyed Nevill's creativity. Sept 5-11.
San Jose Sharks (by Stephane)
Stephane's concepts have been consistently awesome all year. This was my favourite of everything he sent in. Sept 26- Oct 2.
Philadelphia Flyers (by Avi)
Avi is so consistent with the quality of his concepts. However, I can't do a year in review without noting that Avi tried to tell me what the Flyers would wear for the Winter Classic and I ignored his proclamation. Oct 10-15
Goofy "Hockey Homicide" (by Alan)
These made the list because they are so simple yet creative. They also reminded me of the Goofy sports cartoons that I loved so much as a kid. Oct 23-30.
Florida Panthers (by Scott)
Scott may be remembered most this year for his ECHL Edge-ification. I'll remember this Panthers 3rd jersey concepts which is so spot on. The Panthers should adopt this jersey now! Nov 21-27.
Calgary Flames (by Matt M.)
I've always been a huge fan of Matt's work. There were so many to choose from that he sent in this year, but I'll take this near perfect Flames set. Dec 5-11.
One thing I did notice, while going through all the concepts that were sent in this year, is that HJC is serving its purpose. People are getting better at concepts! Most notable improvements were made by Spirit104, Avi, Brandon S., and WinnipegJets96. I also have to give a nod to the "regulars" such as Tex, Glen, Scott M., and Brian B. Those guys kept the concepts coming in during the dry spells in January and the summer.
2011 was great, and still not over, and with how much better everyone is getting I know that will make 2012 just that much greater. We have yet to crown the 2011 CONCEPT OF THE YEAR, but that is coming. Semi-final voting will start on Friday, January 13, 2012!!!
Another highlight of 2011 was the HJC Survey that I conducted about a month ago. It really gave me a good sense of what you guys think of HJC. I heard everyone's voice and most of you have said that you want a new look HJC. It's coming! Right now the plan is to do a Live Blog during the Winter Classic. On that day, the new look HJC will be revealed!
Maybe there was something that you really liked that I didn't post? Leave a comment, or just leave a comment on the year that was HJC 2011.
Instead I thought I would review some of my favourite concepts that came in during 2011! These are my favourites and feel free to agree or disagree with me. Note: no concepts posted in this post are eligible to be nominated for COTW. The date at the end of each concept is the week that it was posted. Here we go...
Atlanta Thrashers (by Tom)
Tom has gotten busy with other things these days, but I was always impressed with his concepts. This was his entry for the Thrashers ReDesign. Feb 14-20.Ottawa Senators (by Tex)
This was posted on Icethetics because Tex got it so close to what we actually ended up seeing. The attention that Tex got really took his concepts up another level. Jan 31-Feb 6.Columbus Blue Jackets (by Brian B.)
This was an awesome job by Brian creating a HERITAGE jersey from one of the newest teams in the NHL. Mar 14-20.St. Louis Blues (by HJC)
Sorry, I had to put myself on the list and this is my favourite concept that I did in 2011. It just seems so sensible and right for the Blues. Mar 21-27.Dallas Stars (by Tom)
Tom set out to change the "mooterus" and I thought he did an awesome job. Apr 4-10Lethrbidge Hurricanes (by Josh)
This is in the COTY semi-finals. I knew HJC was getting pro level concepts when this was sent in. I wonder who won that Lethbridge Hurricanes contest? Apr 25-May 1.Los Angeles Kings (by Glen)
After seeing these it started to change my negative thoughts about the burger king logo. Now I'm all for seeing this guy again. Jun 27-Jul 3.Nashville Predators (by Connor)
Connor really took a step up and made people take notice with these. Sometimes when concepts come in I just know they are going to be COTW, this was one of those concepts. Jul 4-10.Phoenix Coyotes (by Alan)
Again, another concept that made me really take notice of Alan's work. Alan made himself a COTW contender every week after this came in. Jul 18-24.Minnesota Wild (by Matt D.)
Matt hasn't sent anything in a while, but there was a two week span in September that he owned HJC. I think everything of his that was posted got at least one COTW nom. This was my fav of the bunch. Aug 29-Sept 4.Justice League (by Nevill)
This was one of the first set of non-hockey concepts that came in and people really enjoyed them. People really enjoyed Nevill's creativity. Sept 5-11.San Jose Sharks (by Stephane)
Stephane's concepts have been consistently awesome all year. This was my favourite of everything he sent in. Sept 26- Oct 2.Philadelphia Flyers (by Avi)
Avi is so consistent with the quality of his concepts. However, I can't do a year in review without noting that Avi tried to tell me what the Flyers would wear for the Winter Classic and I ignored his proclamation. Oct 10-15Goofy "Hockey Homicide" (by Alan)
These made the list because they are so simple yet creative. They also reminded me of the Goofy sports cartoons that I loved so much as a kid. Oct 23-30.Florida Panthers (by Scott)
Scott may be remembered most this year for his ECHL Edge-ification. I'll remember this Panthers 3rd jersey concepts which is so spot on. The Panthers should adopt this jersey now! Nov 21-27.Calgary Flames (by Matt M.)
I've always been a huge fan of Matt's work. There were so many to choose from that he sent in this year, but I'll take this near perfect Flames set. Dec 5-11.One thing I did notice, while going through all the concepts that were sent in this year, is that HJC is serving its purpose. People are getting better at concepts! Most notable improvements were made by Spirit104, Avi, Brandon S., and WinnipegJets96. I also have to give a nod to the "regulars" such as Tex, Glen, Scott M., and Brian B. Those guys kept the concepts coming in during the dry spells in January and the summer.
2011 was great, and still not over, and with how much better everyone is getting I know that will make 2012 just that much greater. We have yet to crown the 2011 CONCEPT OF THE YEAR, but that is coming. Semi-final voting will start on Friday, January 13, 2012!!!
Another highlight of 2011 was the HJC Survey that I conducted about a month ago. It really gave me a good sense of what you guys think of HJC. I heard everyone's voice and most of you have said that you want a new look HJC. It's coming! Right now the plan is to do a Live Blog during the Winter Classic. On that day, the new look HJC will be revealed!
Maybe there was something that you really liked that I didn't post? Leave a comment, or just leave a comment on the year that was HJC 2011.
Best of 2011
Reviewed by Ryan
on
December 17, 2011
Rating:
Reviewed by Ryan
on
December 17, 2011
Rating:
6 comments:
I haven't heard anything from the Lethbridge contest. I received a phone call from someone in the organization after submitting my design about a week after. It may be awhile before they announce anything as the jersey isn't going to be worn until the 2012-2013 season.
Hey Ryan, I would have included your Toros set from back in the summer on this post.
Great Post Ryan, Inspiring! and yes I have been busy with work these days, can't complain though. I always make sure to pop in and check out all the new concepts. But Unfortunately no time for the fun bit. Hopefully I can get in some time over the holidays. Can't wait for the new look.
I love all of these concepts, with a couple exceptions. but they are ALL very well done. I have enjoyed following and submitting to HJC. Thanks for the kind word and for the great site, Ryan!
This year was a disappointment for me. I got too busy with school to send any concepts in for long periods of time.
However, I too have felt that I've come a long way in my designs this year. As you can see by the crown striping in my Kings concept (albeit borrowed from the Manchester Monarchs), I've started trying to get more creative with my jersey designs in trying to really get across the theme that comes with the team name. As you'll see in some of my concepts that are in the works, it's worked really well.
I'm on Christmas break right now, so I finally have time to work on concepts again. Look out HJC!!!
These are my two favorite concepts from this year, so far, I was just browsing through the COTW winners and this is what I got: http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx314/HockeyJerseyConcepts/COTW%20and%20Other/MasonHesse-NSH.png?t=1313176731
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx314/HockeyJerseyConcepts/COTW%20and%20Other/StevenGrant-WPG.png?t=1321039365
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