MASCOT LOGO
Benny Beaver - Oregon State
Benny Beaver - Oregon State
Originally, in 2017, this was a pet project. One that was a long time in the making. I was "challenged" by fellow designers modernize, or clean up, the retro Benny Beaver logo used by Oregon State University. The original illustration is still a fan favorite, but I’ve never felt the 90’s version quite did it justice.
The project was originally done in the Fall of 2017, I went back to it in October or 2021to fix some inconsistencies to the 2017 version. The 2023 version is not just a clean up of the original, but a new take on it completely. I wanted to create a brand "backwords" concept with this update. I truly believe the fanbase of Oregon State would not be happy with another hyper-modern render of a beaver, and the only way to appease the whole of the contingency would be to return to the beloved Benny look. I felt this could be done while also addressing issues with the design.
The main goals in 2017/2021:
The project was originally done in the Fall of 2017, I went back to it in October or 2021to fix some inconsistencies to the 2017 version. The 2023 version is not just a clean up of the original, but a new take on it completely. I wanted to create a brand "backwords" concept with this update. I truly believe the fanbase of Oregon State would not be happy with another hyper-modern render of a beaver, and the only way to appease the whole of the contingency would be to return to the beloved Benny look. I felt this could be done while also addressing issues with the design.
The main goals in 2017/2021:
1) Keep it approachable
2) Make it usable within existing brand identity
3) Retain equity while improving render quality
The main goals in 2023:
1) Enhance Benny's beaver traits
2) Move the ear upward on the head akin to a real beaver
3) Make the eyes more friendly and engaging without being too childish
4) Flatten the forehead and redraw the sailor cap to help the head appear less human
5) Fix the muzzle/snout to be less dog-ish and more beaver or rodent in nature
6) Use the modern logos swept back and up hair as inspiration
Enjoy!
(This work not affiliated with Oregon State University)
