Delta College, near Bay City, Michigan, has introduced a new mascot and visual identity for its athletics programs. The previous mascot, “Peppie, the Pioneer,” has been retired and replaced by the “Delta Ducks,” designed by the Atomicvibe design lab. This new identity aims to modernize the college’s brand while honoring its history and local environment.
The Delta Ducks logo takes inspiration from the animation styles of the 1960s and 1970s, with an expressive and playful design that brings a sense of fun and nostalgia. The duck mascot, with its oversized bill and goofy expression, gives the brand a lot of personality. The design allows for adaptability, with features like glasses that can be added or removed, making the mascot versatile.
A key part of the new identity is the logotype, which features a retro script that nods to traditional baseball lettering but with a modern twist. The thick letterforms and flowing style make it adaptable across different contexts, whether it says “Delta,” “Delta College,” or “Delta Ducks.” This flexibility ensures the design can work in both academic and athletic settings.
The emblem features a bold design of a stylized duck’s head within a “D” shaped background. This represents the duck and references the college’s campus pond. This connection ties the mascot to the local environment, strengthening the bond between the college and its community.
The previous logo, which had distorted perspectives and heavy shadowing, was replaced with a cleaner, more polished design. The new style combines fun and professionalism through a charming font logo and a lively mascot. The color palette of dark green, tan, and white and touches of blue and pink keep the design playful but sophisticated enough for an academic setting.
Typography plays a key role in the new identity. The typefaces “Obviously,” “Another Grotesk Display,” and “Ballinger Mono” give the design a modern, technical feel. “Obviously” is used for titles, while “Another Grotesk Display” works for body text, and “Ballinger Mono” is ideal for data and labels, adding functionality to the visual identity.
The new mascot captures the college’s values of community, resilience, and curiosity, making it a symbol that will connect with both students and alumni for years to come.
