Pitt Script - New Uniform Design

360 Sports Network's Panther Chronicler Alex Dellaverson had the pleasure of speaking with Bryan Brunsell, an avid supporter of University of Pittsburgh athletics and one of the major influence in the "Bring Back the Script" campaign with Pitt athletics. Check out his Facebook and Twitter pages for more information about the Script Pitt campaign. In a Q&A from Panther to Panther, Bryan explains his campaign and why Pitt should return to their former colors. Bryan is a true image of the 360 concept - a passionate and dedicated sports fan who has something important to say - and we are proud to let his voice be heard!  



Why would you like to see the University of Pittsburgh's football team revert back to the old Pitt script uniforms?

First, let me get this on the table - it’s what the new recruits, commits, current players and fans want ... this isn’t about me. I’m just a voice for the cause. There is no better time to do it than now, quite honestly. The stars are aligned. We have a new coach, a new conference (ACC), and new high-profile players, commits, and recruits who believe in the football program.

Secondly, the Pitt Script “is” Pitt’s identity locally and nationally - it’s what we associate Pitt football with. Pitt’s greatest memories are with the Script; a #1 National Ranking, nine Heisman Finalists (one winner in Tony Dorsett), five retired jersey’s and 33 First-team All Americans to name a few.
 
What would be some advantages of Pitt returning to the classic uniforms? 

Bryan's work includes taking photos of current/future Pitt players
and putting them in "Script" uniforms. Players are specifically
asking for them! This one was created for Pitt recruit Titus
Howard from Clairton, PA.

Ironically, we need to go back to start new. The beauty is that the passion, emotion, sentiment, tradition, and a proven winning program is already built into the Script brand - you can’t buy that. Programs would kill for that equity in their football program. It costs a ton of money and advertising to build a brand, and with the Pitt Script, the equity is already there. Pitt doesn’t have to reinvent anything or spend tons of money on marketing, just bring it back. 

The Script will:
• Generate new revenue streams, especially in merchandise
• Increased fan-base exposure locally and nationally (think Oregon)
• Signify a new beginning, innovative thinking, and staying relevant with today’s sports culture
• Give Pitt a unique logo, identity, and colors (brighter colors with the Script)

There’s an old saying, “look good, feel good, play good!”

Do you think there is any disadvantage if Pitt goes back to script?

Unequivocally and absolutely NO.

What or who do you think is preventing pitt from reverting back to the traditional brand?

Steve Pederson (from what I hear). But honestly, I don’t know. Maybe Pitt Administration and Marketing thinks that it’s too expensive to do this, but I’m not proposing a complete University re-brand and expense. They can keep all University marketing separate and just invest in the “Script” for Athletics ... and eventually roll out into other University items as needed. It’s not a big universal cost.

What are your thoughts about the current logo and colors Pitt is wearing now?

Just to clarify, people shouldn’t take my answers the wrong way, because I love Pitt. I’m a huge fan and have lived in Pittsburgh my entire life and I respect the effort from everyone involved in the current brand and all players who wore the current uniforms. My responses are objective from a design/marketing standpoint only. I’m fusing my passion for sports with my creative design background into this effort.

Original photo

The current logo is just uninspiring and it’s up against the “Script” and will always be compared to it. Since the removal of the Script in 1997, Pitt football has fallen off the map and had underwhelming, mediocre teams with some sprinkles of excellence over the past 15 years. A logo doesn’t win games, but it should inspire, evoking pride and passion.

Edited photo with "Script" colors/logos

The gold color is dark and muted. The blue is okay, but it has a “corporate” feel. These aren’t even the mustard and blue colors of the original Script. Our current colors are ubiquitous and exactly like Notre Dame and other D1 schools, and we know how Pitt fans feel about Notre Dame. In fact, I’m suggesting to use the bright yellow and vibrant blue colors as seen in all of my images I created. These colors are unique - I don’t think anyone in D1 football has them - they’re bright, fresh, and evoke a positive vibe.

Not only do Pitt fans want it back, but I’ve had numerous Penn State and West Virginia fans (who  strongly dislike Pitt) tell me that when they think of Pitt, it’s definitely with the “Script.” They say, “there’s nothing unique about our current logo and the gold color is dreary and dark.” It’s hard not to disagree with them.

How do you go about creating your uniform designs that you post online? Is it more than basic Photoshop?

A lot of Photoshop involved and creative planning. It’s not just the uniforms I’m doing - I’m also creating desktop wallpapers and posters to give each player their own sense of “brand player endorsements” as NIKE does with all of their endorsements. I’m doing it to also get new football commits excited about being part of the Pitt family... they can actually see themselves in uniform well before they even graduate High School.

How were you able to get Pitt players to use your custom made uniforms designs in their twitter avatars?

Rushel Shell's Twitter profile picture

I didn’t do anything. They just took my images and did it themselves. Once I did the first one, all the new commits contacted me and asked me to do theirs in the Pitt Script. For the record, they all absolutely love the Script and all my designs. Rushel Shell and some current players also have it as their Twitter AVI as well.

You have an online petition for this cause, how is that going for you?

I’ve had great reaction and response. I’m over 300+ signed online. It has generated great interest from students and fans to do their own petitioning and research on campus and at tailgates to get the Script back and help support my effort. I also have a Facebook page in addition to a Twitter account. My Facebook is www.facebook.com/PittScriptLogo and my Twitter is @pittscriptlogo.

What is your game plan now? What are you doing to help Pitt get back to the script?

I’ve reached out to Pitt Marketing Staff (via Twitter) and a lot of Alumni who have connections have contacted me in efforts to speak to Administration to make this a reality. The support has been overwhelming. I’m not on the Pitt Marketing staff, but would love to act as a consultant on this effort. I have 20+ years in brand/marketing experience and can infuse some great ideas moving forward.
 
What would you say to people that tell you that this is not important enough of a cause to worry about?

The recruits have spoken - this cause is for the “now.” If Pitt cares about it’s lifeblood in recruiting and it’s future as a forward-thinking football program, then this is truly critical. I mean that. After the reactions I’ve seen from new recruits, they expect it quite frankly ... it speaks to them and all fans. To borrow from NIKE, “Image is everything.” The timing is now for a refresh to go “Back to the Script.”

Lastly, and I need you to be honest, what is your gut feeling? Do we really have any hope or is this a lost cause?

If my effort is in vain, it will be a travesty. This goes beyond the uniforms ... it’s a culture shift, an mindset, an opportunity to build a brand that the University of Pittsburgh can leverage. A must-see football program that can sustain itself and drive student/fan attendance, boosters, revenue and support.

The time is now. Back to the Script.