So, I got this idea to try my hand at a Golden State logo. Just for kicks, you know? Been seeing a lot of design stuff lately and thought, why not give it a shot.
My First Steps and Some Brainstorming
First thing I did was just think, what even is “Golden State”? I remembered reading somewhere it’s not just about the Gold Rush, but more like the whole vibe of California, all sunny and full of possibilities. Turns out, it became the official state nickname way back in ’68. That kinda set the mood for me.
Then I started looking at actual sports logos. The main NBA logo, for example. Someone told me it’s based on a photo of Jerry West. Super simple, just his shape against red, white, and blue. Those colors, they said, were picked to hit that patriotic note with people. Smart.
And the Golden State Warriors themselves, their logo with the Bay Bridge. That’s pretty cool. It really ties them to the Bay Area, makes ’em recognizable right away. Before that, I think their logos were more abstract, less about a specific place. This new one really grounds them.
Getting My Hands Dirty
So, with all that in my head, I started sketching. Just pen and paper, nothing fancy. My first few tries were all over the place. I was thinking, should it be super modern? Or more classic?
I even looked at other types of logos, not just basketball. I saw this one for a WNBA team, the Valkyries, I think. It had thirteen lines coming off a sword, representing them being the 13th team. And their main color, “Valkyrie Violet,” was all about power and ambition. So, symbols and colors can mean a lot, obviously.
I thought about what really screams “California.”
- Sunshine, definitely.
- The coast, maybe waves.
- Gold, of course. Given the name.
I didn’t want to just copy the bridge thing, even though it’s effective. I wanted something that felt “Golden State” in a broader sense.
Picking a Direction and Adding Color
After a bunch of doodles, I started leaning towards a design that used a strong, circular element, kinda like the sun, but also a bit like a seal or a coin, you know, for that “golden” feel. I tried to keep the lines clean. I didn’t want it to be too complicated. Simple is often better, like that NBA logo.
Color was next. Gold was a no-brainer. I paired it with a deep blue, kinda like the Pacific, or even the blue the Warriors already use. I felt that combo had a nice pop, felt strong and official, but still fresh. I played around with a few shades until it felt right. I remembered that red, white, and blue patriotism thing with the NBA logo, and while I didn’t go that route, it reminded me that colors really set a tone.
Refining and Finishing Up
I then moved my favorite sketch onto the computer. Just used some basic software to make it digital and clean up the edges. This part always takes longer than I think. Nudging things a tiny bit here, adjusting a curve there. It’s all in the details, right?
I tried to make sure it looked good small, like on a social media profile, and also big, if it were ever, hypothetically, on something larger. That’s something you always gotta consider.
In the end, I got something I was pretty happy with. It felt like it captured that “Golden State” idea – bright, strong, and with a clear California vibe. It was a fun process, just messing around and seeing what comes out. It’s amazing how much thought can go into a little symbol that represents so much. Makes you appreciate the work behind all those logos you see every day.
