This project began as a request to recreate a series of nostalgic redbirds in action. Illustrations from various eras of St. Louis Cardinals history were rediscovered on popcorn boxes, promotional pieces, scorecards, and yearbooks. Each redbird looked different because they were drawn by a variety of artists across a broad time span, from 1920 through the 1960s.
Challenge: Modernize and re-draw the illustrations in vector art. This required using the same style, line weight and colors.
Solution: Honor a tradition and move visual elements forward in time to be effective today. We kept the original five poses and re-drew the redbirds. A baseball was used as a unifying element behind each bird, and the “Cardinals” typography reflected the historic font style.
This five-drawing set was ideal for use as 2011 media credentials. We designed the credentials using a palette of nostalgic dark background colors and a bright red accent; uncoated cover stock made the colors subdued and earthy. The STL logo is used as a “ghosted” background image. The lower portion has a name and date write-in identification area. A hole punch and string were added after printing.
We really hit a home run with these redbirds.
