The University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA) has had a bulldog mascot since the 1930’s, with various real-living dogs throughout the university’s history.
UNC Asheville's most recent mascot, Rocky II
The Pucks, Chug-a-lug, and the Rockies have been the center of all athletic and spirit atmospheres since the start. As the school has grown and developed, so has our beloved mascot, Rocky.
UNC Asheville's first living mascot, Puck. (1949)
Rocky the Bulldog is an essential part of UNC Asheville’s history, traditions, and identity. Our goal was to redesign Rocky to better represent the student body, faculty, alumni, and locals.
Previous designs have highlighted the harsh, bulky exterior of the bulldog, making him appear aggressive and violent. As soon-to-graduate New Media students, we knew we could create a design to better encapsulate our identity.
Our main focus was to minimize brutalist features (sharp edges, rough detailing, intimidating emotion), and maximize on aspects that can represent inclusivity within both our athletic and academic departments, as well as featuring aspects of local soft mountainous landscapes. We focused on the design of Rocky due to what felt so misunderstood within the university's athletic logo and school spirit identity.
