Wessel’s father, Dean, is the man who designed the Bulls’ logo 50 years ago. His “payment” was some free tickets to the new franchise’s games, but he never received any royalties.
“He never saw a dime, and he kicked himself in his older age and wished he would have done something to make his life easier, but really when it gets right down to what one’s legacy is — if you’ve lived a good life and have been a good man, it’s a lot better than to make a lot of money,” said Karen Wessel, whose dad died in 2004 at age 84.
“It’s why I love watching the games at the United Center — there he is, right in the middle of the court. I love it,” she added. “Just seeing that Bull and watching those guys play, I really can feel him.”
Dean Wessel, a professional advertising designer, created the iconic logo — a red face with red-tipped horns — as a favor to his friend and fellow Little League coach, Bulls founder Dick Klein.
Sometimes I say to myself, ‘If I had a nickel, no, if I had a hundredth of a penny for each hat or cup or banner with the Bulls head on it, it would be a different story.’ But remember, in those days this was a poor excuse for a basketball team, a bunch of castoffs,” Dean Wessel told the Tribune in 1993.
A special logo honoring the team’s 50 years was made this season. The logo includes six golden stars representing the Bulls’ titles in the 1990s. The Bulls will celebrate the team’s 50th birthday Wednesday at home against the Golden State Warriors.