The Block M and Branding
A very observant MGoUser (I can’t remember who it was though) mentioned in a thread about the Sugar Bowl Jerseys that ALL of Michigan’s athletics jerseys now sport a Block M, across all sports. This wasn’t always the case. The Block M just found its way onto the “normal” home and away football jerseys this year (on the neck)
Not just with Football Jerseys, we’ve seen Block Ms appearing all over campus like never before. No longer is the “split M”
Acceptable, at this point, it’s Block M or Bust.
Old Scoreboard front:
Old Yost Scoreboard:
Now this isn’t a rant, and I’m not trying to criticize Michigan for the proliferation of the Block M. In fact, Michigan is just following current marketing and branding trends. All over the corporate world the trend is towards the simple. Get rid of words, use symbols, and use them everywhere. Simplicity is king.
A few examples of the corporate world:
NFL Logo:
Pepsi Logo:
Nike
Michigan is just following industry trends at this point with the Block M. One simple symbol. Everywhere. Get used to seeing this, it’s not going anywhere.
December 23rd, 2011 at 9:00 PM ^
December 24th, 2011 at 1:04 PM ^
me too... I have a 20 year old Champion sweatshirt with the univeristy crest. love it. It's falling apart. I only wear it once a year now.
I do like the a simple block M though. Never been a fan of getting to artistic with something classic. I like what the school is doing.
December 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 PM ^
Though I wouldn't have minded if your tone had more lamentation.
Education reduced to lowest common denominator simplicity.
It seems backwards. Isn't education supposed to lift intelligence, instead of catering to its lower forms for profit?
I would not want to analogize my university to Pepsi. But I like your work here.
December 24th, 2011 at 2:56 PM ^
JeepinBen is right, this follows a larger overall trend in marketing, and I believe it's smart. The more shorthand you can get on your brand, the stronger it is. That one letter in blue in a serifed font denotes Michigan is pretty sweet. Plus, the split-M looks super 90s.
Slightly off-topic: I reported a school (Massachusetts Maritime Academy) to the University for brazenly stealing the split-M. (See here.) It was amazing how quick Michigan was on top of it, within weeks the Maritime Academy's website was without their split-M knock-off. I for one am glad we take our brand so seriously.
December 24th, 2011 at 3:51 PM ^
I know this isnt about the actual post but im a new user so im not allowed to create my own posts so i thought i might as well comment here.
did anyone else here about the prospect of the michigan vs. notre dame series ending?
a guy posted on another michigan website saying:
" Eyes/ears open on the 28th. One decision will be undone while another will be unveiled. It's not bad news. In fact, I think it will bring about some things Michigan fans have waited a long time for. Unfortunately, the change won't come quickly. Not apparel related."
and i thought that that applied to the prospect of the mich nd series ending in exchange for a more national high profile match up
michigan vs. notre dame undone
michigan vs. florida/usc unveiled (schedule changes dont come quickly)
it isnt bad news because it will help national recruiting, we will need to nationally recruit with urban meyer at osu now.
let me know if you have heard anything about this, and if you would be in favor of something like this happening.
December 25th, 2011 at 2:21 AM ^
Unfortunately Jerel Worthy got a little excited and thought we switched our helmets to the Block M look too. Messed that helmet up and made it into a Missouri one. haha
December 25th, 2011 at 11:57 PM ^
I like the way it's going, but I'll still miss the "M hockey sticks" logo. Hockey is an exceptional sport, and I thought the uniqe logo fit.
December 26th, 2011 at 8:50 AM ^
Don't like the "throwbacks", the Sugar Bowl Jerseys, and am leery of the many of the marketing efforts . . . but I like the block M.
December 26th, 2011 at 11:21 AM ^
Michigan shouldn't have to spell it out for people...the block M is all we need.
December 26th, 2011 at 11:24 AM ^
And very interesting that ESPN decides to use the blue block M. They changed it to this months ago.
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