Sheffield United FC, fondly known as “The Blades,” is a historic football club based in Sheffield, United Kingdom. Established in 1889, the club boasts a rich legacy and a devoted fanbase. With a storied history of success and challenges, Sheffield United has experienced the thrill of top-tier football and the resilience required in lower divisions. Known for their iconic red and white striped kits, the team’s spirit on the field has consistently reflected the fighting spirit of its city.
What We’ve Done
In the exhilarating season of 2018-2019, Sheffield United FC secured promotion to the prestigious Premier League. To celebrate this monumental achievement and create a buzz around the city, PWF Studio, a full-service design agency based in Newark, took charge of crafting a dynamic and visually captivating marketing campaign concept. The campaign aimed to engage fans, unite the community, and promote the club’s return to top-flight football.
a match made on the pitch and in the design studio
Understanding the significance of Sheffield United’s promotion, PWF Studio embarked on a journey to create a memorable campaign that resonated with the fans and captured the club’s essence. The design team brainstormed ideas, exploring ways to showcase the team’s iconic elements while maintaining a consistent visual identity across all marketing materials.
To evoke a sense of history and grit, the studio developed a distressed version of Sheffield United’s emblem. This emblem, symbolising the club’s rich heritage, was used as a watermark across all collateral. The distressed effect added texture and character, tying the campaign together and creating a consistent marketing pack that exuded authenticity.
PWF Studio extended the campaign’s reach by crafted eye-catching social media assets, such as team line-ups and man-of-the-match cards, to engage fans and create a consistent digital presence.
a flare for design
The lamp post flags were a crucial aspect of PWF Studio’s marketing campaign for Sheffield United FC’s Premier League promotion. These vibrant flags, strategically placed along the city streets, became a symbol of celebration and unity as the promotion parade swept through town.
The typography played a crucial role in reflecting the essence of Sheffield United FC. Inspired by the stripes on the team’s football kits, PWF Studio extended the ascenders and descenders of the chosen typeface. This clever design element mimicked the vertical lines on the kits, forging an immediate connection between the promotional material and the team’s iconic look.
A Larger-than-Life Campaign
Adding a touch of dynamism to the campaign, PWF Studio created animated content for various digital platforms and digital displays. These animations brought the marketing materials to life, enabling the club to connect with fans in a visually captivating and innovative manner.
To maintain a cohesive look and feel, PWF Studio applied bespoke image treatment to some of the player imagery. This approach elevated the visuals, reinforcing the campaign’s overall aesthetic and brand identity.
Strategically placed throughout the city, the large format advertisements showcased powerful imagery of the team, emphasising the players’ determination and unity. The extended typography created a striking visual impact and attracting the attention of passers-by.
