The Atlanta Falcons, a proud member of the National Football League (NFL), have a logo that is as compelling as their gameplay on the field. If you're a Falcons fan looking to replicate this iconic symbol or an artist eager to learn about this emblem, you've come to the right place.
The Atlanta Falcons logo has evolved over the years, but the central theme of a falcon remains intact. Let's delve into the history and design of this distinctive logo, and guide you through drawing it step by step.
History and Evolution of the Atlanta Falcons Logo
The Atlanta Falcons were founded in 1966 and took to the field for the first time in 1966. Their initial logo featured a profile of an American bald eagle, which reflected the team's name - Atlanta's mascot, the bird of prey that signifies power, speed, and agility.
In 1971, the team decided to switch to a falcon, another bird of prey, as their mascot. This change was reflected in the logo, and the profile of a falcon looking forward became the new symbol of the team. Throughout the years, this logo has undergone minor revisions, but the falcon profile has remained the focal point.
The Current Atlanta Falcons Logo
In 1990, the Atlanta Falcons introduced a slight tweak to their logo. The falcon's head was redrawn, giving it a more aggressive and powerful look. The wordmark "Falcons" was also updated to a bold, sans-serif font. This version of the logo has remained largely unchanged since then.
The color scheme of the current logo is a deep, rich red and black. The red and black color palette is a nod to Atlanta's history as it was used by the city's first NFL team, the Atlanta Falcons of the late 1930s. The color scheme also reflects the team's aggressive and powerful style of play.
Icon vs Wordmark Logo
In addition to the main logo, the Atlanta Falcons also use a simplified icon logo for certain applications. This logo consists of a stylized falcon's head in black. The "Atlanta Falcons" wordmark is also used independently, with the bold, sans-serif font creating a strong impact. Both of these variants have been used extensively, especially on merchandise and social media platforms.
The icon logo and the wordmark have a more minimalistic design, making them highly versatile. They can be used in a variety of contexts, from the Falcons' official website to their social media profiles, providing instant brand recognition.
Atlanta Falcons Logo Drawing Tutorial
Now that we've discussed the history and design elements of the Atlanta Falcons logo, let's guide you through drawing it step by step.
**Note: This tutorial is designed for beginners and uses simple shapes. For a more detailed, professional-level design, you may want to use logo design software or consult a graphic designer.
Step 1: Draw the Basic Outline
Start by drawing a simple rounded rectangle for the falcon's head. The length should be about twice the width. Next, draw a smaller horizontal ellipse above it for the eye.
Step 2: Add Details
Draw a smaller rounded rectangle inside the falcon's head for the beak. Then, create an offset copy of the head shape and place it behind the beak. This will give the beak some depth. Next, add a small triangle on the top of the head for the falcon's crest. For the eye, draw a circle and add a smaller dark circle for the pupil.
Step 3: Refine the Shapes
Use an erase tool to delete the unwanted parts of the shapes. You should now have a simple outline of a falcon's head. You can further refine the shapes by making the top of the head more rounded and the beak narrower.
Step 4: Add Color
Color the falcon's head in the Atlanta Falcons' deep red color. Leave the eye and the triangle on top of the head white. The eye can be left as is or given a shading with a darker red or black color to give it more depth.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Using a thin, black outline, trace around the falcon's head. This will give the logo a more polished look. You can also add outlines to the eye and the crest to separate them from the head.
The Atlanta Falcons logo is a powerful symbol of a team's rich history and commitment to success. By understanding the evolution of this logo and learning how to draw it, you can appreciate the artistry and design principles that go into creating a compelling brand identity.