Official Mascot Infographic
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY FALCONS
MASCOT SYMBOL
PROJECT SCOPE
PROGRAMS USED:
Illustrator, Procreate, After Effects, Premiere
SKILLS:
Branding, Animation, Drawing, Photography,
Project Management
INSPIRATION:
Academy Architecture, Air & Space Force Logos,
Gyrfalcons, Collegiate Mascots
The first graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy selected the Majestic Falcon as the official mascot in 1955, and, 65 years later in 2020, I was chosen to rebrand the symbol with my own approach.
Working closely with Chief of Marketing Andrew Hamilton, I modernized the original icons to better capture the spirit of the U.S. Air and Space Force.
PROCESS:
I brought my sketches of live falcons from concept to realization through digital vectoring. I provided animations, infographics, and vector files for the Academy's reveal event.
Nova
Falconry Team Mascot
In 2020, the Academy announced the addition of a bird to the falconry team named "Nova," a Latin word that means "new" or "fresh," symbolizing a bright star. This name was inspired by the establishment of the U.S. Space Force.
I decided that the new falcon symbol should represent our generation's U.S. Air and Space superiority. I needed reference images of Nova, so I arranged several photoshoots of the bird with the Academy Falconry Club seen below.
Nova is a full white-phase Gyrfalcon, the largest of all falcon species. It seemed fitting to call the project "SuperNova"
Supernova
Inspiration
1954 – 1962
Original Icons
1963 – 1994
1995 – 2022
2022 – Present
Air Force Statement
"The newest Falcon symbol, released in June of 2022, expresses a commitment to develop leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force. Designed by Jack Hadley in collaboration with current cadets and alumni, this Falcon spirit mark connects us to our great heritage of warriors while building towards a future defined by new challenges and undiscovered domains. The logo does not replace the AF symbol as the U.S. Air Force Academy’s primary logo. It serves as our official expression of spirit and should only be used for esprit de corps purposes. This symbol contains several integrated meanings."
Research
The first graduating class of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Class of 1959, selected the majestic Falcon as the Cadet Wing’s official mascot on September 25, 1955. No particular falcon species was identified. As such, the cadet Falconry team currently cares for a variety of live Falcon mascots, ranging from the small and speedy American kestrel to the large and commanding Gryrfalcon.
The Gyrfalcon is known for its speed, power, courage, and agility, all noble characteristics that cadets and future Airmen and Guardians strive to embody. Although the Falcon symbol has evolved throughout the decades, it continues to represent the Academy’s spirit of service and excellence.
The iconic original falcon symbols carried two "bolts" to represent both the men and women of the Air Force. The falcons had quite a bit of pixel detail - which did not translate well to small prints and fabric stitching. The falcons did not appear to be "in-flight" but rather resting on the lightning bolts, which to me did not show speed or agility.
Since the Falcon's release, the symbol has been viewed and collected by millions of Academy members, alumni, fans, prospective families, and important figures including President Joe Biden and Elon Musk.
It has been featured on ESPN, BarstoolSports, OldRow Sports, Denver Post, Colorado Springs Gazette, and more.
The merchandise below can be found on websites like Nike, Fanatics, Amazon, Walmart, and Air Force AOG.
3-Star General Superintendent Richard M. Clark Statement
Cadet Control Group Statements
Air Force Academy
Dean Statement
Social Media
