Launched in 2015, this WCL ball club's (some might say and did) outlandish team name took the Portland community by complete surprise. The complete branding suite featured a nod to the traditional styling of its scripted logo wordmark inspired by the LA Dodgers, classic uniform detail, and eye-catching licensed merchandise all set in the simply rich color palette of navy blue and grey, accented with none other than a vibrant "dill pickle" green.
Last, but not least, the mascot concept development and design brought to life one of the most identifiable and unforgettable characters, affectionately know as Dillon Pickle.
With a dedicated passionate fan base, community popularity and commercial support a decade later, the Portland Pickles have been met with unimaginable success, as Disney's Pixar Studios can attest.
(More to the story in the press release below*)
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To+2 Media Relations
toplus2@gmail.com
310-403-4389
Saint Louis, MO — September 19, 2025
Graphic Designer Who Created Portland Pickles Brand Identity Speaks Out, Announces “Hands Off My Artwork” Movement in Wake of Disney Trademark Dispute
Mark Scott Carroll, a Saint Louis–based graphic designer, is stepping forward to assert his authorship of the Portland Pickles Baseball Club’s iconic brand identity — a visual foundation that now sits at the heart of the team’s recently settled trademark dispute with Disney/Pixar.
More than a decade ago, Carroll was commissioned to develop a comprehensive branding package for the then-new Great West Baseball League team. His work included the primary, secondary, and alternate logos, home and away uniforms, licensed merchandise, marketing assets, and the beloved mascot “Dillon the Pickle.” These elements have since become synonymous with the Pickles’ public image and fan culture.
“The Pickles’ fight with Disney exists because of the strength, originality, and staying power of the artwork I created,” said Carroll. “That artwork gave value to Dillon the Pickle, built value into the Pickles franchise, and was valuable enough for Disney to try to replicate. The Pickles recognized that value when they sued, and Disney recognized it when they settled. As the originator, I feel a duty to protect the integrity of my work — not just for me, but for every artist whose livelihood depends on the value of their ideas.”
Court filings in the case cited “substantially and confusingly similar” logos and brand elements in Pixar’s Win or Lose series, leading the Pickles to argue that Disney’s actions created “marketplace confusion.” Media coverage described the case as a “David vs. Goliath” battle, underscoring the power of a small-market team’s brand identity standing firm against one of the world’s largest entertainment companies.
For Carroll, the outcome is both professional validation and a personal call to action. He is now exploring his own legal options against Disney, asserting that the unauthorized use of his creative work in Pixar’s series highlights a broader issue: that original art holds immense value in shaping brands, businesses, and cultural presence.
“It’s not enough to make great work,” Carroll added. “Artists must also understand contracts, ownership, and the language that protects them. Too many creatives have seen their art — and its value — taken without credit or compensation. This case proves that art generates equity, leverage, and undeniable recognition.”
To extend his advocacy beyond this case, Carroll is launching “Hands Off My Artwork” — a movement dedicated to providing artists with resources, contract tools, and education to safeguard their work and prevent exploitation.
“This isn’t just about one case, my case,” Carroll said. “It’s about making sure that the next generation of artists never has to learn the hard way that protecting your work is just as important as creating it.”
For more information on “Hands Off My Artwork,” to view Carroll’s original Portland Pickles designs, or to connect for media interviews, visit www.markscottcarroll.com.
About Mark Scott Carroll
Mark Scott Carroll is a veteran graphic designer and brand consultant with over 30 years of experience in sports branding and identity design. His work has spanned professional, collegiate, and amateur leagues, with projects commissioned by Ken Wilson Sports Enterprises and numerous franchises. Carroll’s portfolio includes:
• Mercy/Blues/Cardinals partnerships
• Great West Baseball League: Portland Pickles (2014), Klamath Falls Gems (2010), Cowlitz Black Bears (2009), Chico Heat (2014), Portland Freddies (2014)
• Frontier League Professional Minor League Baseball: River City Rascals (2000), Gateway Grizzlies (2002),
• Hockey Partners Saint Charles: Heartland Eagles (2002), Heartland Twisters (2003)
• Women’s Collegiate Softball League (2021)
• Hawaiian Sports Network (2004)
• Chesterfield Hockey Association (1995)
• International & Amateur Sports: ESC München Blue Bears (German Elite Professional Hockey League, 1995), Lake City Legends Baseball (2007)
From Oh Baby Blues Infant Wear (1995) to Hands Off My Artwork (2025), Carroll’s career reflects a lifetime of design innovation, storytelling through branding, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the value of creative work.
Special thanks to my editor & writer: Marissa Velazquez and Lawrence C. Carroll
