The blue horseshoe logo is perhaps one of the most recognized and lasting in the NFL. Colts' fans know and adore the steadfast symbol of their favorite team.
Earlier this year it was announced that the horseshoe would be joined by a new mark – one designed by the fans themselves.
"We were looking for a fun and unique way to present our brand as youthful. A young horse – a colt," explained Chuck O'Hara, Director of Marketing.
"The Design a Horse contest was a way to reach out to our fans and get their inspiration on how they would view a strong, youthful Colt that also represents the horseshoe."
The response was immediate. Hundreds of entries flooded the team offices. Candidates ranged across the whole spectrum, from profession artist to child. Everyone had their own take on how to represent a powerful, young horse.
The field was soon narrowed down to the top 5. Those five entries were posted to Colts.com where everyone could vote for their favorite.
In the end the winner was Brian Carpenter.
"I didn't think I had a shot," said Carpenter. "I was very surprised."
Carpenter initially heard about the contest from a friend who is a current season ticket holder.
"She called me two weeks before the deadline, because she thought I would be interested in it," said Carpenter. "I thought it would be cool to have your stuff out there."
"It was a cool opportunity to do something with the Colts, so I gave it my best shot."
After deciding to enter Carpenter sketched out several ideas on paper and then moved them into his graphic design program.
"I played around with it in there for a day and then let it rest for a week," Carpenter said. "Then I went back to tweak it."
Carpenter submitted two designs in the end, but only needed one to win. As the artist of the selected logo Carpenter received $1,000 and two lower level season tickets. The new design will be used on Colts apparel, Colts.com, and in conjunction with the Colts Kids Club.
"It's awesome," Carpenter added. "I was very surprised. I'm actually still kind of shocked."
