"The Werewolves" by Jeff McMillan.

When we found out that Cal State Long Beach was looking for a new nickname/mascot, we could not have been happier. The only thing “49ers” told you about the school is when it was founded (1949).

Now, entering its 70th year, it’s time for a nickname/mascot that reflects what it’s become. And we want YOU to tell us what that is. But please, no lions or tigers or bears, OK? We want a nickname/mascot that reflects the Cal State Long Beach experience: the people, the parking (or lack thereof), the fact that no one will look you in the eye, whatever, we want your names and your images.

To get you started, we’ve asked five terrific illustrators/artists to have a run at it. We’ll release one of their efforts each day this week. Have a look. Be inspired. Send us something. And Go [Nickname To Be Determined]!!!

The Werewolves by Jeff McMillan.

Long Beach-based professional illustrator Jeff McMillan chose to combine “hipsters, bikes and werewolves” for his mascot, based on his time as a student at CSULB.

“I drew this biking werewolf mascot guy up because all the classes I took at CSULB in the masters program were night classes,” said McMillan. “I saw all kinds of people night riding through the campus either furiously getting to class or rushing back home.”

It’s also an ode to Long Beach’s bicycle friendliness and bicycling culture, with CSULB’s campus as no exception for a good place to pedal through, “except for that hill up to the art buildings, that hill is rough,” McMillan said.

Always getting screwed out of a good movie, McMillan says, the werewolf deserves some time in the spotlight. According to the artist, there hasn’t been a good werewolf character since An American Werewolf in London (and Harry Potter’s werewolf professor, Remus Lupin, doesn’t count).

“Let’s get the common werewolf some credit,” McMillan said. “They’re good, honest, hard-working people, too—unless there’s a full moon, then I’d suggest you get out of their way fast and let them get to class.”

McMillan is a professional illustrator and one member of The Draculas mural-painting and design crew. His list of clients is extensive, ranging from collaborations with RVCA, to illustration work for Nike, LA Galaxy and more. See more of McMillan’s work on his website here and Instagram @jeffmcmillanart.

Submission Requirements
  • Email your digital original or scanned image of your art to [email protected] (file must be in JPG or PNG format, 1200px across).
  • In your email, please include a bio, including your full name, age and what connection, if any, you have to CSULB and a description of your mascot, including its name and how it represents the university.
  • Mail or drop off original artwork or print (no larger than 16″x12″) to the Long Beach Post offices at 211 E. Ocean Boulevard, #400, Long Beach, CA 90802 (thanks to Linco Inc., we will be framing submissions to be displayed and judged by a panel during an art show in January; exact date TBD).
  • All submissions—digital image, physical artwork, artist bio and mascot description—must be turned in on or before Monday, Dec. 31.
  • Any questions? Email [email protected] and/or [email protected].

Disclaimer: The Post’s “CSULB new nickname/mascot contest” is not in partnership with or have any official connection to CSULB. Though we did approach specific artists/illustrators who attend or teach at CSULB about submitting their work and we intend on presenting the best submissions to appropriate parties at CSULB, no one in the CSULB administration has ever been consulted about the creation or conduct of the contest.

Go [Nickname to Be Determined]!!! The Post’s CSULB mascot contest, Day 2

Editor’s Note: This article originally confused Harry Potter’s godfather, Sirius Black, with Potter’s Defence Against the Dark Arts professer and werewolf, Remus Lupin. The Post deeply regrets this error and has updated the story.