With the pencil sketches feeling good I took them to everyone at the Graphics center and asked for there input. first was choosing a pose. with a few tweaks to the pose, we had our knight pose. The final pose will not have the knight pointing the sword, but it will be to his side ready.

The knight has had many incarnations

Back to business! The knight has had many incarnations and there has actually been times where it was close to the chopping block. the students were always the ones that stood up to save it. so with that in mind I asked various veteran staff what there thoughts were concerning the various forms the knight took throughout the years.

I took all of these thoughts and insights in to consideration. the one unifying fact that came up was the knights symbolism of the renegade spirit, thats what these students and staff are, there renegades, and this is the single most important thing that can not be lost.

When I started the search for inspiration I left no area of history and fantasy unturned. in this post you will see a glimpse in to the beginning sketch phases of the Bakersfield College Renegade Knight.

Next: The Helmet of a renegade.

Discovery

In the beginnings of my light research and stumbling I have discovered that the painting, known as the “Gym Huddle Mural”, has a element known by some to be the Bakersfield College Knight. This is actually a copy of a painting called “outlaw of torn” (1973) a painting by the late Frank Frazetta. It was originally done for a book cover. Even though this is the most impressive knight I have ever seen, I will be designing in a direction that has no resemblance to this work. I wish to take the knight in a direction that has a solid foundation in its heritage but feels fresh and more powerful than ever before. The knight represents the power and beauty of our programs and students. This painting must convey that message.

Research has begun

Research has begun, the knight has a rich history and I have discovered that Jerry Ludeke from the Bakersfield College Archives Department has been researching the history of the Bakersfield College Renegade Knight for several years. She is writing an article on the subject and it will be published in the Bakersfield College Archives Newsletter next month. I am very excited to read that. I'm also excited to show you the images she passed on. She found many images of the knight. You will have to read the newsletter when it comes out to find out when and where they were used. More images are on the way.

Introduction to the Project

Hello and welcome to somewhat inside look at the current project, Bakersfield College Knight Mascot redesign, taking place here at the Bakersfield College Graphics Center. the project being discussed here is the Painted version of the knight mascot. This blog will be about the past present and future of the Mascot, And when the in depth look at past present and future are complete we will look deeper in to the process of creation. Discussing everything from the settings used in Photoshop to digitally paint to all the decisions that helped us get to the final product.
Check Back often and enjoy!

Paul Main