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Revamping Tradition: Updating the Aurora Greenmen to Energize School Spirit

The mascot of Aurora City Schools is the Greenmen. After 50 years, the existing Greenmen logo was in desperate need of an update. I took the opportunity to develop a fresh take that paid homage to the past but added the flare of modern sports branding.

Client
Spec

Role
Graphic Design, Branding

Revamping Tradition: Updating the Aurora Greenmen to Energize School Spirit

The mascot of Aurora City Schools is the Greenmen. After 50 years, the existing Greenmen logo was in desperate need of an update. I took the opportunity to develop a fresh take that paid homage to the past but added the flare of modern sports branding.

Client
Spec

Role
Graphic Design, Branding

Challenge

Originally named the “Greenies”, the Aurora, Ohio mascot and namesake originated in the late 1950s as a spinoff of the Cleveland Browns elf. The more masculine “Greenmen” moniker was adopted in the 1960s, and in 1972, an Aurora senior student-athlete redesigned the Greenman to the version currently in use.

Process

Challenge

I immediately ruled out anything resembling the Cleveland Browns logo. The identity needed to stand on its own and not borrow from a professional team. I also moved away from the elf design in favor of something that better matched the intimidation factor of the district’s other mascots — tigers and hornets.

To give 'Greenmen' a clearer identity, I introduced a unique concept: the gremlin.

Process

I knew right away that I wanted to move away from anything related to the Cleveland Browns logo or an elf. The identity needed to be unique and not borrowed from a professional sports organization. Additionally, I wanted to design something other than an elf, as the school division's other mascots — tigers and hornets — are more intimidating and recognizable. An elf simply doesn't convey the same impact.

Recognizing the ambiguity of the term “Greenmen”, a unique concept was created — the gremlin.

Solution

The elf-like ears and menacing gaze of the existing logo were amplified along with the cherished green color scheme. The new mascot was designed to be more enjoyable and engaging.

Given the extensive utilization of the existing logo across the district, an Aurora “A” monogram and additional Greenmen variations were also integrated into the identity set. These secondary marks offer flexibility when creating materials such as document templates, signage, sports uniforms, and other promotional items.

Result

The new Greenmen identity has been well received and has the potential to be implemented in the near future.

Let’s Talk

C-BUSHWAY

Chris Bushway

2025

Let’s Talk

Chris Bushway

2025

Let’s Talk

C-BUSHWAY

Chris Bushway

2025