One day in 2021 I received an email from the NFL. Um, was I being drafted? That’s not even the kind of futbol I play …. But I was thrilled to hear I was being recruited to create the team mascot artwork for the 2022 NFL draft. This was an honor, considering some of the great artists who have done it in the past, including Hatch Show Prints when it was held in Tennessee. This was an absolute blast, and a true test of my ability to quickly research 32 teams — searching out insider easter-eggs for each team.
The ask was to create playing-card-like depictions of the mascots. While the draft was held in Las Vegas, it was important these not look like traditional playing cards such as would be used for gambling. The request was to create card-like designs that would feel appealing to all ages, including younger fans and children.
The ask was to create playing-card-like depictions of the mascots. While the draft was held in Las Vegas, it was important these not look like traditional playing cards such as would be used for gambling. The request was to create card-like designs that would feel appealing to all ages, including younger fans and children.
Client: NFL | Creative Director: Gray Goldfarb | Art Director: Alex Mount
RESEARCH / PROCESS
With no teams within 400 miles of me, I don't have as much familiarity with the NFL as some. A great deal of research was required to create mascots for each individual team, especially to withstand the scrutiny of avid fans. Much like card decks I created for Star Wars and other properties, I needed to include easter eggs on every mascot. With the help of the NFL art directors, I was able to incorporate nods to each team's fanbase. It was some of the most fun I have had researching.
THE MASCOTS
The 3 above are initial style explorations.
I've included each of the final mascots below. Some of the teams don't technically have mascots, and in those cases, the "draft hat" is included, and a player with a helmet on the other side. One or two feature unofficial, fan-based mascots. (Props to whoever can identify all of them ...)
