In the new year, Icethetics is making some changes! Here’s a quick overview. Keep scrolling for details on these new initiatives.
Subscribe to the new Icethetics YouTube channel for new videos. Send in your Questions For Chris to be answered in a new series. Apply to join the Talkback crew and be part of our discussion panel!
Become an official member of Icethetics for the first time ever. Make a small monthly pledge to help keep Icethetics strong. Get access to a monthly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!
Continue to find jersey and logo news on the website along with expanded team pages and daily updates to the Concepts Showcase. Expect bonus Seattle Kraken coverage in 2021-22!
The biggest change in 2021 will be the debut of a new YouTube channel for Icethetics and lots of new video content throughout the year!
I work in TV professionally, but this will be my first time bringing that skillset to Icethetics. I’m really excited about it and I think you’ll enjoy the opportunity sit back and watch stories about hockey sweaters and logos. I have a lot in the pipeline, but I can’t say too much just yet.
The channel will see the debut of several new original series in 2021, including IDENTITY—our flagship show featuring interviews with designers as well as brand histories for your favorite teams. The first episode is already done and ready for its January premiere!
I’ll also be tracking down answers to whatever you’re dying to know in QUESTIONS FOR CHRIS (working title). Stay tuned for details on how to submit your questions for upcoming episodes of this new original series.
The new series I’m most excited about is THE TALKBACK. It’ll be a panel discussion show delving into various topics related to hockey branding and design. I have a feeling the first episode will rely heavily on the new Reverse Retros from Adidas!
But there’s a problem. I can’t lead a panel discussion without a panel.
Do you have opinions about hockey sweaters? Does the world need to hear these opinions? Do you want to be a YouTube celebrity?! Then apply to join the Icethetics Talkback Crew! I’m looking for outspoken hockey fans passionate about uniform and logo design.
UPDATE: After I put out the call for video applications, there were a ton of responses. (You guys are awesome!) I’ve made my initial selections for the Icethetics Talkback Crew, but it will be a rotating panel and we’ll keep adding new members over time.
So while I can’t guarantee you a spot right now, if you want to apply to join the reserves, feel free! But there are a few rules. You need to be 18 or older. You need a computer with a decent camera, microphone, and the ability to join an online video call (like Zoom). And most important, you need to have lots of opinions about jerseys!
If you want to apply, record a short video of yourself explaining why your voice is needed on our panel. Upload it to YouTube, unlisted, and send the link to chris@icethetics.com.
Simple as that.
Since 2007, I’ve been producing content without ever charging a penny. And that’s exactly how it’s going to stay. Icethetics content should be freely available to everyone.
However, it’s not exactly free for me. I’ll be honest with you here. Over the years, I’ve pumped a lot of my own money into the site in terms of domain and hosting costs and lots of other little things that add up. And that’s all right. It’s always been my choice. I want to make Icethetics the best experience possible.
With the launch of new video content, the costs will only go up. And it’s getting tough to justify spending all that money on my own. So it’s been suggested to me that I open a Patreon account to make it easy for you to show your support and contribute in whatever way you might like. I’ll be announcing more details soon.
It will mean the creation of Icethetics’ first true membership. There will be special benefits including a new monthly newsletter and some other surprises. For now, I just wanted to let you know that’s coming in 2021.
I also want you to know I’m not expecting to make any money on this personally. I have a day job and Icethetics is my side hustle. My goal is just to allow those of you who are interested to help me offset costs a bit as I take on some big new efforts here.
One option I may be able to offer through Patreon is Icethetics branded merchandise, which I’ve never done before. Is this something you might be interested in? I’m genuinely curious. Leave a comment below letting me know. And if you are interested, what sort of items would you want? T-shirts, coffee mugs, something else?
Ever since I bought the icethetics.com domain and rebuilt the website, I’ve had big plans for expanding the content you find here. That’s only going to get trickier as I start creating video content on top of everything, but I want to make sure you know my commitment to the website is still strong.
In 2021, I’m planning to continue building out the team pages to feature interactive logo galleries, the return of the jersey galleries, and brand stories for every team. If there’s a fact you want to know about an NHL team uniform or logo history, I want you to be able to find it right here. And I won’t rest until that’s done.
The Concepts Showcase keeps getting better every day with every new post. I love that you guys continue to send in your work and I’m more than happy to be able to share it with the community. None of that will change in 2021.
One addition I have made recently is the Concepts Connection. That’s a great resource for anyone who’s been wanting to submit a design to Icethetics but didn’t know how. It explains how you can get your concepts to me so I can get them on the site.
Finally, as I wrap up these announcements for 2021, I feel the need to remind you that I live in Seattle and I am officially a Seattle Kraken season ticket holder. I couldn’t be more excited to finally have an NHL team in my city!
It probably goes without saying that I may go a little crazier than usual with my Kraken coverage as we get closer to our first puck drop and beyond. I only hope you share a fraction of my excitement to have a 32nd franchise in the league.
With that, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to read this and for being a fan of Icethetics. I hope as the new year arrives, you’ll consider subscribing to our new YouTube channel and becoming a member through Patreon. I’ll provide links once both are ready for prime time.
