Agency Design in Football: Why All Brands Should Ride the Premier League Wave
The kick-off of the Premier League season isn't just a spectacle for the elite; it creates a tidal wave of excitement that flows through the entire football pyramid, right down to grassroots. As the world focuses its gaze on the Premier League, there emerges a fantastic opportunity for the entirety of English football to review, refresh, and amplify their brand image. For clubs, governing bodies, coaching programmes, and others, this is the time to take a leaf out of the design and branding playbook. And don't worry, at W&H Design, we've got you covered!
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
The Premier League’s buzz can be the catalyst for clubs and organisations across all levels. Consider the bold move by Juventus in 2017 when they collaborated with a design and marketing agency to simplify their emblem to a minimalist 'J'. It wasn't just about aesthetics; it was a strategic move to appeal to a global audience and branch out into lifestyle sectors beyond football. Similarly, other brands in football can use this same marketing strategy to leverage the heightened interest at the start of the season to make brave design decisions, positioning themselves uniquely in a crowded market. If you are interested in discussing your options with a design studio, just get in touch; we at W&H Design would love to help.
Harnessing the Overflow of Engagement and Staying Relevant
Every interaction a fan has with a club, coaching programme, or governing body, from matchday programmes to their website, is a chance to reinforce brand identity. West Ham United, for instance, embraced their move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 with a refreshed crest, incorporating the word 'London' to signify their geographical pride and appeal to a broader fanbase. This was a marketing masterstroke, and other brands in football can adopt such strategies, using design to reinforce their evolution, history, or ambitions, ensuring they're not just part of the football conversation but leading it.
The Power of Association
As a creative agency specialising in sport, we understand that the devil is in the details. It's not just about major overhauls but also the nuanced touches. When Arsenal embraced the Art Deco style in their branding during the 1930s, it was a nod to both their stadium’s architecture and a broader design trend of the era. This attention to detail and association can be harnessed by footballing businesses throughout the pyramid. Refreshing merchandise designs, updating sponsor brochures, incorporating local cultural or design motifs, or even updating the typography used in communications can make a massive difference. See here how we have helped other businesses in sport.
Setting the Tone for the Season and Beyond
A club's brand identity is its story, told visually. By collaborating with agencies that specialise in graphic design and branding, clubs, governing bodies, and other footballing businesses can craft a narrative that resonates. Take the example of Manchester City. Their 2016 rebrand, which brought back the iconic round badge, was based on extensive fan consultations. The badge wasn't just a design change; it was an emblem of listening to their community. Brands in football can use the start of the season as a springboard, collaborating with design experts like us here at W&H Design to understand their audience and craft a compelling, authentic visual identity.
The Premier League's commencement is more than just the start of another season; it’s an opportunity. With the right design and branding expertise at their side, brands within football can navigate this journey, crafting identities that resonate with fans, reflect their values, and set them apart in the beautiful game's landscape. To have a chat about how W&H Design can help, just get in touch!