Roanoke State University is a fictional school based on my hometown of Roanoke, Virginia. I originally created this for the TeamBuilder feature on the EA College Football video game, but then decided to further build out the visual identity for the school including alternate logos, wordmarks, and a retro logo. The brand is inspired by the city’s railroad history, with the famous Norfolk and Western 611 front and center. During its heyday, the 611 was known as the “Spirit of Roanoke,” hence the team mascot being the spirits. Other brand marks take inspiration from historic railroad typography and iconography, especially that associated with Norfolk and Western.

Roanoke State University