From the Nominator

"The primary purpose of the images was to unify all of the teams together as Missouri S&T Miners while still representing each team and sport uniquely. The images were intended to show an athlete or teammates who weren’t specifically defined or star players, but rather a unified group of student-athletes. 

We wanted to unite all of our athletics’ social media and future marketing, while making images that would have longevity. We looked at our more modern pickaxe logo and felt we could turn it into a large, glowing light behind our athletes while creating a silhouette effect. Keeping athletes ambiguous and not highlighting specific individuals allows programs to use the images for longer periods of time.   

We looked at several different materials and ways to make the effect as large and economically as possible. A to-scale, proof-of-concept photo, using cardboard and an action figure, was done to present to the athletics department. We projected the logo onto two large mounting boards that were put together, cut out the logo, and used it as both the background and light “gobo”. We added fog/smoke from the side, between the athlete and the background, to reveal the effect. Strip lights were also added to help define the subjects where the light didn’t come through the background.   

Images were used in each program’s social media, profile pictures, icons, and posts regarding upcoming matches. They were also used in other ways, including giveaway schedule posters each season and as desktop and mobile wallpapers."

From the Judges

Outstanding nomination that really stood out in a strong pool of submission. A very cool concept for a portrait feature that was inherently branded for the institution. Technically very well done with a high level of execution.