Tag: graphics

A Look at the 2015 NFL Schedule Release Graphics & Tactics

By Jessica Smith On April 22, 2015 In Graphics, Lessons Learned

The NFL schedule release is a big day now for sports fans and teams. Social media gives the league and teams an opportunity to drum up excitement for the upcoming season like never before. And of course, most teams are taking advantage of that opportunity. Some teams opted to publish the schedule in its entirety on their platforms, while others drove people to their websites . Whatever the approach, here’s a look at the schedule graphics from each team:

 

In addition to solid graphics, there were several trends that stood out from the NFL schedule releases that would apply to other big announcements. If you are planning on releasing big news or information, then consider these tactics that NFL teams used:

 

Countdown.

Many NFL teams reminded fans about their schedule release through countdown graphics and copy. When drumming up excitement for opening day, a big announcement, etc. a countdown is always a good way to go. Not only does it drum up excitement for fans, but it also keeps the date and time top of mind.

 

Give an emotional tease.

During schedule releases and big announcements, fans are filled with emotions. Tap into the emotion by teasing the fans throughout the day with content that pulls at them, like GIFS. Here are a few examples from NFL teams (some of these also fall inline with the countdown):

 

Tell the story in a different way.

It’s easy to default to copy and graphics to tell the story when working on an announcement or social media plan leading up to a big event. There are many ways to tell a story though, so be sure to capitalize on all of them. Here are a few examples of how NFL teams tackled their schedule release a little differently, from the schedule in a Vine to unique video content:

 

https://instagram.com/p/1wdmTzJOSp/?taken-by=raiders

 

 

 

Keep the momentum going.

Many NFL teams kept the momentum going by linking backing to interesting content on their websites and sharing interesting tidbits. With any kind of announcement or big moment, it’s important to keep the momentum. Don’t announce and walk away, but instead, find ways to engage and share content throughout the day:

 

 

So next time you are ramping up for a season opener, big event or announcement, remember these tactics from the NFL: Count it down, give an emotional tease, tell the story differently and keep the momentum going. If you do this, you will be sure to make a big splash!

 

 

What stood out to you about the 2015 schedule release content from NFL teams? Share your thoughts below!

Thanks for reading!

2015 Selection Sunday Graphics

By Jessica Smith On March 15, 2015 In College Athletics, Graphics with 1 Comment

Are you looking for a little design inspiration? For your ed-pills24.com pleasure, I’ve compiled some of the graphics created for Selection Sunday. Enjoy:

Teams Nailing a Consistent Look & Feel

By Guest On December 31, 2014 In Best Practices with 1 Comment

It’s no secret that visuals play out well on social media. Not only are most people are visual by nature, but graphics and photos also play well to people’s short attention spans. Today it seems that no matter the platform, visuals fit into the picture somehow.

This year I’ve seen more teams taking the visual aspect of social media seriously. They’re paying attention to the photographs selected and developing a look and feel.  Why does this matter? A look and feel can help tie your brand together, so if fans move across platforms the content is easily recognizable. It also helps to tie your story together. The results are sharp.

For most teams creating a look and feel, they are doing so for certain “moments”. Think end of quarter score updates, tip-off information, big milestones, post-game presser quotes, etc. I like this trend: Not every photo needs intensive labor, but if you have several areas where strong visuals make sense, it helps the content to stand out from all the noise.

If you need some inspiration, I’ve compiled a list of teams that have nailed a sharp and consistent look and feel. And please remember, this is all opinion as I am by no means a graphic designer:

LA Lakers
The look and feel of the Lakers’ graphics depends on the “moment” and range from score updates to Kobe’s milestone.  Everything ties together nicely through the use of team colors. Bottom line, their graphics always blow me away.


Kansas Basketball
Kansas Basketball has defined a look and feel for several moments. The design is bold, clean and really stands out when scrolling through the timeline. I love what they have going on:

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