London 2012 Olympics Logo

[peeper]

I'm not a graphic designer (or any other kind of designer or artist for that matter), but I am a UK citizen interested in the various qualities that might be attributed to the new London 2012 Olympics logo:
http://main.london2012.com/en/news/archive/2007/June/2007-06-04-12-06.htm
Looking around the web I've seen a few comments about the logo, but none of those offer any support for their claims. I'd be interested to hear what folks on this forum think about of the logo.

Peeper.

[John G]

Good logo

















for Mardi Gras

but the link said it was still "evolving" so who knows.

[Ben Kessler]

Hey Peeper! Welcome to the Forum! There's plenty of fun stuff here for non-designers interested in design.

[Jackimalyn]

ew!! am i the only one who thinks this logo is horrid? I hope theyre still evolving it...

[wez312]

wow...for real?

I mean, they're seriously going to use that?

[peeper]

Looking over the responses so far, it appears I'm not alone in thinking the logo his awful. But what is it that makes this logo so horrid!? Or if anyone thinks it's lovely, well, why?

[CkretAjint]

Looks more like a sub-twenty year-olds logo for a motorcycle he built himself then an international event such as the olympics.... Not even all that exciting or energizing.

Better have a KILLER campain behind it or it will fall flat on its face!

[martyng]

I was actually going to start a thread on this as well :)

The logo is shit... end of. I've heard that they paid in excess of £400k for this.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/43005000/gif/_43005619_london_new_pink_203.gif
London with a small 'l', TM barely noticeable and I'd say it reads 'ZOR' before '2012'

or should I say:
2 0
1 '2

[captain spanky]

lol

we were just laughing about this in work... we think it was made in publisher.
straight from the 80's and absolutley shocking. horrible horrible horrible (x3)
the dead magpie in my garden could do better.
the previous logo (for the bid) was quite nice although reserved... but we think it had a better feel to it, than this pile of c 0cK.

[John G]

wow martyng I never even realized that it was supposed to be 2012. I thought it was just confetti.

[frankster]

I'm curious, when they say...

the new emblem is modern and will be dynamic, evolving in the years between now and 2012.

...do they intend to have the logo morph over the next few years into say a map of the british isles, or some other representative image? I've not heard of a "living logo" concept like that in use before, so I'd be intrigued if that is what they are planning. If however this is it and the logo is "finished" right now then I think it's very uninspiring.

[cj2a]

Hopefully it will "evolve" into something good...

[mojoprime]

man, that's rough. at first, i thought the 12 below it was an "R". i think spanky is right; it's throwback all right, as in "throw it back."

i gotta tell you, i could live quite a long time on £400k... ;)

[suzy wilson]

It's bloody awful - I'm ashamed to be British - as a designer I really can't see anything going for it, it's chaotic, dated and wobbly - a bit like the new olympic stadium will be if they don't get going soon! Would you wear something with this logo on? No. Me neither.

[Exodus]

It would be good if it was designed in 1990 by a 14 year old in MS Paint for his birthday party. As an Olympic logo for the 2012 games... It completely blows. Hard.

[JaCkinbOx]

More like 2012 Special Olympics.

OH! BURN! That's right, I said it.

Looks like something Nickelodeon crapped out.

[Mynock]

Craptastic. Defend yourself now brits on the board!

[martyng]

lol I hadn't realised but someone just pointed out 'Lisa Simpson giving head' :p

[martyng]

Looks to me like a new design challenge.

'Redo the poo that is the London 2012 logo'

[JPnyc]

Definitely needs work. Make that a re-design.

[LeftBrain Artist]

Awesome. Totally reminds me of the shards of broken glass I'd rather be eating than looking at the logo. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is that not a bastardized, skewed version of comic sans used for the word "london"?

[fredrich]

wow martyng I never even realized that it was supposed to be 2012. I thought it was just confetti.

Same here. I was looking for some kind of figure, but couldn't find it.

[Alex Traska]

Hate it.

Nods to 80's style design and the whole electro-clash movement is ever-so-trendy at the moment and I think they've created this logo to capture the youth factor. Problem is, what's trendy now is going to look like a heroic pile of turd by 2012, even to those who think it's cool now.

There's some good info on the BBC News site about it.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/olympics_2012/6718243.stm

The best part though is that some people have submitted their own ideas to the BBC... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6719747.stm

One of them has a concept I really like;
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/43006000/jpg/_43006855_james_wren_416.jpg

But some of the others really made me laugh. Fair enough, these people aren't designers, but how could they look at their "work" and think it even comes close to being a logo of any sort?....

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/43007000/jpg/_43007285_wayne_gard_416.jpg
Wayne Gardner: "By no means finished but a 10 minute job shows how they could have used London scenes. Must get back to proper work."

[Broacher]

Grafitti style= youth appeal.

Uh-huh.

Or...

Grafitti style = laughing all the way to the bank to deposit the 400,000 pound design fee.

[Exodus]

Grafitti style= youth appeal.

Uh-huh.

Or...

Grafitti style = laughing all the way to the bank to deposit the 400,000 pound design fee.

For the logo they got by using LogoCreator 5.0

[Craig B]

fugly. The designers who made this are definitely laughing all the way to the bank. I never would have seen the 2012 in the logo if the article hadn't have pointed it out.

[artvertising]

Looking at the logo from a distance of several feet, it appears that the 2012 Olympics will be held in Tokyo. No wonder I haven't been able to sell any logo designs since 1987.

[flutterby nut]

haha!...'light the fire within' seems very appropriate here...a little internal combustion would really enhance this logo for sure!...really sad.

[DesignerScott]

Neither me nor my girlfriend could spot the 2012 at first.
I hate the shapes, they're too rigid,
I hate the colors, because I hate the 80's
I hate the fact that I do see lisa simpson in it. Damn you!
and
I hate the pricetag too. I think that 400k could be better spent on other things.

[Typically]

wow i had no idea that read 2012. the olympics usually have nice logos what the hell happened?

[captain spanky]

hahahahahahaahahahahahahahaaahahaaaaaa

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/04/bbc_olympics_cx/

[CkretAjint]

I really hope that London shares the stuff they were smoking while coming up with this. Should make for some interesting games!!!!

Everyone here at work really dislikes it aswell...

[undressedmonster]

hahahahahahaahahahahahahahaaahahaaaaaa

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/04/bbc_olympics_cx/

Damn you, sparky! I was SO hoping I'd get to post that.

I knew I wasn't the only one who saw something drrrrty in that logo:

Warning: NSFW...

http://theospark.blogspot.com/2007/06/london-olympics-logo.html

[Kool]

undressedmonster, that really made me Laugh out loud.

So has anybody anywhere in the world had anything good to say about this horrible thing? (not counting those officials who love it)

[budafist]

I really like;
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/43006000/jpg/_43006855_james_wren_416.jpg


That one is actually quite clever.

[budafist]

the new emblem is modern and will be dynamic, evolving in the years between now and 2012.

Let's hope that evolves a lot.

[jessicam]

That one is actually quite clever.
I like it a lot, except I keep reading it as "Loodon"

[undressedmonster]

I like it a lot, except I keep reading it as "Loodon"

I kept reading it as "Loodoo."

I read about some alternative logo ideas including having the Olympic colors as a ribbon representing the Thames, weaving through the words "London 2012" or something like that. I am sure there were much better ideas that were thrown out in the process.

This might be one of those times when the design principals' egos got in the way of common sense.

[fingerPrint.Design]

I like that too, but I dont think the olympic commitee would let rings be used like that. They are very protective of the rings and the torch.

Chicago got in trouble for the logo they came up with and had to change it, to bad I really liked it.

http://www.spudart.org/blog/images/2006/2016-chicago-olympics-logo.gif

[panzer]

no the logo is evolving in the picture

ie it changes colour ewwwwww

[Mitch Wood]

I like it.

It is a very brave fun statement, too many serious bullshit ideas/executions in the past. I peronally I feel it needs more development/refining, but Wolff Olinns are definitely*on the right track. I think how it is executed will be the make or break.

It has instigated a healthy debate, so maybe it could change opinion, and get us away from this trend of fake glossy web 2.0 & orb logos and inject some human element into a major player of logos. So yes it is all good in my opinion.



p.s. In the press I feel to many folks are giving a naive opinion on something they don't understand the mechanics of. They just look at it on one level – that it is simple.

[Alex Traska]

In the press I feel to many folks are giving a naive opinion on something they don't understand the mechanics of. They just look at it on one level – that it is simple.

a fair point, but what you have to remain objective about is the fact that this logo has to appeal to people that don't understand the mechanics of logo design (at least not conciously). It's all well and good to do something forward-thinking and clever (I'm not necessarily saying that the London logo is a good example), but what's the point if the target market (i.e. most of the world and everybody in it) doesn't "get it".

[captain spanky]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/F7469164?thread=4225519&skip=3000&show=20
my comment to the BBC _ the one by HiggCreative

plenty of fair comments on that list... :D

[Mitch Wood]

Yes but people have preconcieved ideas, as you will know from some clients. Maybe this could change that.

Like when you are at school and wear something different, the easiest/safest way to give opinion about it is to slam it.

My point is it shouldn't be broken down as just a logo. It is a brand, that is a different ball game all together.

Wait till you see it branded, maybe you mind will change too.

I haven't seen it as a brand, but I am 'sure' it will work, but I can't cast an outright opinion as I haven't seen it in context.

[jessicam]

Nintendo pulled off naming it's product "Wii" with a fantastic product and excellent branding. I suppose it's possible for London to pull off a bizarre neon logo that is supposed to say 2012 but mostly looks like random blocks of stuff. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with it.

[captain spanky]

having seen the 'brand' film in the link below... i think it looks like the start of 'Going Live' kids tv in the early 90s. eeeeeeeeew

http://www.london2012.com/

also please don't watch the film if you are epileptic... or have eyes.

[Mitch Wood]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/F7469164?thread=4225519&skip=3000&show=20
my comment to the BBC _ the one by HiggCreative

plenty of fair comments on that list... :D


Yes and yours was too, especially the design by committee, been there myself.

I do feel too many folks are judging it before they see it as is intended though. It is more than a logo.

[Mitch Wood]

having seen the 'brand' film in the link below... i think it looks like the start of 'Going Live' kids tv in the early 90s. eeeeeeeeew

http://www.london2012.com/

also please don't watch the film if you are epileptic... or have eyes.


need to upgrade...

...maybe I can catch it on youtube

[AlexTheBird]

*Puts tentative hand up*

I kind of like it!

*runs off and hides*

No seriously, I think logos are like Marmite - you either love them or you hate them. Olympic logos are different - you either hate them or you HATE them. I laughed when I saw the comments that it looks a little dated - has anyone seen an Olympic logo that DIDN'T look dated? They all look like 1980s throwbacks with the 'strong use of bright colour' and the 'crazy font ideas - mostly handrawn scribbles!'

I just feel sorry for the design team that came up with it. I get an itty bitty sick feeling in my tummy when someone hates my design work so I dread to think what they're going through right now! And before I get lambasted for the fact that they got paid £400k for it, I bet you they don't see a penny of it. It's all about the benjamins for the bigger boys and girls at Wolff Olins...(ie: the directors)

[Mitch Wood]

My Girlfriend used to work there, believe they earn dollars...

[Samakimoto Graphics]

400K!:eek:

Start from scratch.

[Aerix]

400k?

Must've been paid by the millisecond.

[Exodus]

400k?

Must've been paid by the millisecond.

More like Nanosecond.

[wienerdog]

I'll repost what someone said on another forum because it's so true:

it's like two highlighters puked one on top of the other.

[Seapony]

I've been going at this topic in other forums for a good part of the day yesterday. But through it all something occured to me last night. I was just thinking about the "abstract" angle and how out of all the art movements, that's the one who's works took me the longest to appreciate growing up. In a funny sort of way this mark ties into another debate that I've been going on elsewhere about whether design is art. It certainly adds a layer of dimension to the discussion to view it as an inspiration from a fine art movement (or KISS, the jury is out ;)) and thus, transcend beyond the conformities of identity design.

I still think it's spew, but I presume someone who appreciates the abstract might be more receptive to welcome an unorthodox redirection like this. It still begs the question of whether it vibes with the target market, or if it even has to, to generate interest. For all we know with the press it's getting, this may all end up sparking a new trend in identity design.

:)

[BJMRGTIVR6]

I am not fond of it.
There haven't been too many Olympic logos that were good as of late.
I can only wonder what the mascot will be and how aweful that will look.

It makes me thinkk London is eratic and edgy - not the cool edgy but the paranoid edgy. Perhaps Olympic logo design has been more of a crappier than the next type of thing.

[Seapony]

Olympics Logo

http://www.london2012.com/img/logo/medium-pink-white.png


http://www.angelbeast.org/myspace/images/kiss-logo.jpg

Special Olympics Logo

http://www.underconsideration.com/speakup/archives/london2012_unveil_02.jpg

:D

[captain spanky]

omg it looks like a shell suit

[BJMRGTIVR6]

well, i did watch the movie. It does appear that the movie reflects the logo very well. That movie is just wicked awesome and makes me wonder if one day there really will be hand-held video games...and maybe phones we can carry around and listen to musci and watch videos on and maybe, just maybe one day there will be a way to communicate with people from around the globe simultaneously. Though that time may be well in the future, that video looks like it is the start of a new electronic age.

-ok, kidding, the video and logo work well together. BUT i think they both suck! had this been years ago, it would be fine, but for today (or more importantly, in five years....no.

[Mitch Wood]

http://www.icetwice.com/catimages/artists/henri-matisse-category-file.jpg

Mattisse was pretty redumentary to some too...

p.s. I am not totally for it, just think we need to see the bigger picture and cast opinions then rather than agree with the media.

[jessicam]

The video looks to me like some sort of creepy alien virus is taking over the world, sprouting up and slithering along, chasing people down and infecting them. It also reminds me strongly of old MTV commercials.

Maybe by 2012 that will be the in style. :/

[TheBluePanda]

Evolve Logo, Evollllvvvveeeee! :D

[BJMRGTIVR6]

I did not care too much for Matisse either. but then again many artists create stuff that is horrendous and is loved by some influential people.
Many times when I see a matisse work i think crap as well.

[Emmanize]

I know its awful isn’t it. I was going to post about this as well. Probably some uni youth who knows bugger all about design. If this is done by some “pro” then they have a lot to answer for! I can see they were trying to be clever and different about this design, but I do not think it has worked. Normally I would like this style but not for the Olympics! I am also shocked by the colour haha. :D

[Mitch Wood]

I did not care too much for Matisse either. but then again many artists create stuff that is horrendous and is loved by some influential people.
Many times when I see a matisse work i think crap as well.

Good for you.

I thought that too, untill I went to Paris and saw how the guy worked. Previously I saw it on a print and thought flat, shallow & gratuitous, after seeing the thousands (they were totally covering the walls and ceiling, only the floor was bare) of sketches and experiments of how he handled colour and shape I realized how there are two sides of the coin.

If I am not mistaken (it was a long time ago) he was also going blind when he produced his most vivid pieces that adorn more walls than nearly any other artist.

IMO if it weren't for him, modern clean design/illustration would be a heck of a lot different — less rich and diverse as it is now.


p.s. Here have some fun>> http://2012.justingum.com/

[Broacher]

Maybe this is just another 'style event'. The birth of a new graphic 'shock jock'.

The volume of publicity about the launch is far greater than normal for this type of thing. And the golden rule of publicity still holds.

Remember when Carson first started messing with grunge? Anyone remember when punk illustration was in vogue? As the song says (sorta) "Style, though your heart is breaking."

I'm thinking of investing in Flintstone retro-ware right about now.

[Navian]

Think that logo is bad?

Check out this new logo for a city in UT called Logan.

http://www.loganutah.org/images/citylogo.gif

They had an one of those "city seals" as a logo, it wasn't too bad (just cant find it).

The city of Logan Utah, paid $56,000 (printed materials, vechicle wraps, ect..)

Oh and here is Logan's website: http://www.loganutah.org/

The logo is supposed to say: Logan: City United in Service.


Edit* Maybe we can do a design challange with the London 2012 logo. Submit it with an sugestion of redesign, then if whom ever wins, donate the winnings to some charity. :D

[Jackimalyn]

why couldnt they at least make the 2's consistant?

I liked the idea behind the video, but the execution sucked.

[BJMRGTIVR6]

[QUOTE=Mitch Wood]I thought that too, untill I went to Paris and saw how the guy worked. Previously I saw it on a print and thought flat, shallow & gratuitous, after seeing the thousands (they were totally covering the walls and ceiling, only the floor was bare) of sketches and experiments of how he handled colour and shape I realized how there are two sides of the coin.
/QUOTE]

well, maybe if i see it in person but until then. i still dislike his work, going blind or not. and it makes sense that if someone is going blind, they'd use brighter colors.

but back on track with 2012... not much hooting and hollering will change it but still it will be here and gone without me buying any of the pieces (unless for some reason i am close by in 2012). i bought an Atlanta Olympic logo tie when i was down there shortly before teh Olympics.

[JaCkinbOx]

It's worth taking into consideration just how adverse the effect committees can have on the result of a final design. I can only imagine the Olympics must have one of the largest and most diverse committees a designer (or team of designers) would need to jive with. I think you'd have to pay me 400 pounds just to tolerate all of those opinions.

[CamarotaDesign]

what a piece of crap. They put the whole "it will evolve" diclaimer on. It's garbage, and they should start out from scratch.

first italy, now this. Who the hell is getting these jobs?

[Mitch Wood]

Who the hell is getting these jobs?

www.wolff-olins.com

[carter the artist]

wow, i am gonna have to go way against the grain on this one.
First I've seen worst logos. This isn't the worst, and maybe isn't the best for this, but if you think of the possible reasoning it might make sense.

I see this logo and first wonder what the rest of the collatoral will look like. But on the merits of the logo alone, I see where they are going with it. The truth is that the Olympics are not a big deal anymore, not like they used to be. With the inclusion of some "X" style games tho, they have been trying to get a younger crowd to get interested. This logo is very similiar in style to what you see on Guitar hero, SSX snowboarding and other video games.

If the criteria is to get a younger fan base, then I have to say it is a good logo. I am glad that it has solid colors instead of bevels, gradients and all the other complicated eye candy that seems to be the rage for all the new "Logo designers" (with no formal education) these days.

[Ben Kessler]

From the blogs:

http://blogs.graphicdesignforum.com/mlenhart/archives/2007/06/tempest_in_thei.html

[Jeff Fisher LogoMotives]

I was stunned when I first saw the logo. What I initially saw was an athlete who had crashed and burned before completing their competition - which would be a major disservice to any competitor - then I read the whole "Lisa Simpson performing oral sex...." thing on another blog and that is all I see now...

- J.

[Derfie]

I was stunned when I first saw the logo. What I initially saw was an athlete who had crashed and burned before completing their competition - which would be a major disservice to any competitor - then I read the whole "Lisa Simpson performing oral sex...." thing on another blog and that is all I see now...

- J.

When I first saw the logo, I thought it also looked like a figure. To me it looked a lot like a hunched back 5 eyed monster. I probably never would have figured out that it's supposed to be 2012 without a press release. Also, it makes me mad as a designer trying to justify why someone should pay me a decent wage for a logo design, and then the public hears that someone spent £400k on that logo. Even if it was stunning, that amount is just absurd-I guess it depends on how long and how many people worked on it, but still! I feel like it gives us all a bad name. (I also see the Lisa Simpson resembelance).

[carter the artist]

The GDF blog hit it on why I think the logo works. Heck everyone got the same way with Adobe's new look.

[budafist]

Wow this story made prime time news on TV! We hardly ever get graphic design news.

Our news said that it cost $1 million to produce so I guess that's about right when converted from £400k. With $1 million you would think they could hold a focus group or two with a group of normal people to get their input!

[Derfie]

www.wolff-olins.com (http://www.wolff-olins.com)

I think some of their other work is quite good, so I am surprised by the logo. I understand where they were going with the logo, but I really don't get it. Also, isn't the point of a logo for the olympics to please a large group of people, who might not know about design. I know they want to apeal to the younger "Hipper" generation, but by being sooo extreme, you risk losing older audiences. Plus trying to design for the "younger" generation 5 years out is hard.

[JaCkinbOx]

www.wolff-olins.com

I saw that website and I thought, "Oh. That's why the Olympics logo looks the way it does."

Sigh.

[AlyCé]

Hmm, I like it. It's bright, bold and to some extent quite rebelious. It has created as much fuzz and attention as a logo ever has. It seems like they have a "plan" behind it, making it a interactive proccess, which could prove interesting. I think the olympics needed this, because there are infact a fading interest for this. I would go as far as saying this is almost an iconic brand, or will be. It is an attempt to rebuild a concept that is fading, and it does so with a riot, to bad the world isn't ready yet?

I'll buy the keychain!

[frankster]

Hopefully with all that money they can rebuild thier totally pants website. That was an infuriating experience.

[budafist]

pants! I love how you have used that word Frankster. :)

[jessicam]

Hopefully with all that money they can rebuild thier totally pants website. That was an infuriating experience.

No kidding. And that eye thing was freaking me the hell out. *shudder*

[D-Frag]

omfg, read this....

Epilepsy warning over London's Olympic logo

Associated Press
Jun. 5, 2007 02:50 PM
LONDON - An animated display of London's jigsaw-style 2012 Olympics logo, which has drawn an unfavorable public response, was removed from an official Web site Tuesday following concern it could trigger epileptic seizures.

Epilepsy Action, a British health charity, said 10 people had complained about the animation and some had suffered seizures from watching images depicting a diver plunging into a pool.

The Olympic group said it has taken steps to remove the animation from the Web site and will now re-edit the film.




The design is made up of four jagged pieces that form the numbers 2012 in a variety of colors. It cost $796,000 and was targeted at young people. The logo was unveiled Monday and within hours an online petition was established asking for a new design.

London's Design Museum founder Stephen Bayley said the logo was "a puerile mess, an artistic flop and a commercial scandal."

Chief organizer Sebastian Coe claimed the graffiti-style design was created to draw the attention of young people. An official Web site shows flashing and moving images of the logo. In a departure from previous games, the logo has no visual imagery of the host city or country.

[jessicam]

It had a warning on it. I'm epileptic and I watched it anyway. Didn't hurt me none.

*twitch*

[budafist]

The Olympics are no longer safe for epileptics?

[AlyCé]

The Olympics are no longer safe for epileptics?


Nope, just the paralympics ^^

[CamarotaDesign]

anyone else see a swatsika?

http://www.g3l.com/b3ta/olympiclogo.gif

[budafist]

Cam that step by step is hilarious!

[carter the artist]

Godwin's law only took nine pages of this thread.

[CamarotaDesign]

hahahaha, sweet.

[budafist]

I had to look up Godwin's Law. You learn something new every day :D

[SurfPark]

I'd like to hear the designer explain the thought process here. Its so abstract and daring that I think it fails to have the global appeal that the Olympic games has.
"It will define the venues we build and the Games we hold and act as a reminder of our promise to use the Olympic spirit to inspire everyone and reach out to young people around the world.
Some branding can't be pushed to the edge. Imagine if Harvard University started using neon colors. Imagine if they published Shakespheare texts with pop are on the cover. It would be different, but it would create confusion.

I think this logo fails because its does not communicate secondary information to me. Aside from the almost un-readable "2012" numbers, nothing else speaks of the games, the location, or even the country's national culture.

I think the idea that they're going to make the Olympic games more appealing to the youth is a joke. Children don't watch the Olympics because the pacing is incredibly slow. Even the most action-packed events have long, drawn-out breaks that amount to way too much inactivity.

I suppose the logo accomplished one thing though. It has us, a group of young people, talking about the Olympics. Any publicity is good publicity, right?

[JaCkinbOx]

Any publicity is good publicity, right?

That's what she said.

But seriously. Any publicity isn't good publicity. There is bad publicity, and that can be hard to recover from. It's fortunate that even a logo blunder for the Olympics won't affect it drastically one way or the other, however, as it's not exactly a business.

But say Coca-Cola decides to change its logo to use Curlz MT and adopt the Teletubbies to replace Santa as their Christmas mascot. That would be a mistake. Sure, people will talk about it, but a big part of the love people have for Coke is their very branding. I know for me it is, at least.

[budafist]

Any publicity is not good publicity when it comes to ruining your nations appeal. How about the animal olympics (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=407693&in_page_id=1770) that China put on? That was terrible publicity.

Now I hear that the Chinese are evicting 1.5 million Beijing residents from their homes to make space for the 2008 Olympics. When the world is watching, you really ought to look after your animals and your people.

[carter the artist]

I think in this case, the "negative" publicity might help. Truthfully I always forget when the olympics are. I usually realize after they are over. I now know there are Olympics in 2012 and they are in London. The branding will not keep me away, but they are causing a bit of stir, which "Should" translate to people being interested in how the branding plays out.

[bea]

hi guys,
the logo doesn't appeal to me as many of you pointed it out - if someone didn't say what it is, I wouldn't know.

The grafitti feeling they seem to bank(sy) on -
I get the feeling they might have looked at Banksy (London's grafitti artist) and growing popularity of his stuff. But I doubt it will have the same appeal in 5 years time.
In my opinion - this kind of logo should be 'universal' and talk to different groups of people. It's going to be with us for the next five years and bit longer
As it is now - ' I say no no no'

and I will wait if Bansky comes up with something mocking the logo :)

[captain spanky]

it's nothing like owt of banksy's i've seen... i've only really seen his stencil stuff. you got any examples?
:)


have you all seen this? :D lol
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6724245.stm
another win for the team... *groan*

EDIT: Doh! I've just seen D-Frag's post :D

[captain spanky]

Now I hear that the Chinese are evicting 1.5 million Beijing residents from their homes to make space for the 2008 Olympics. When the world is watching, you really ought to look after your animals and your people.
allegedly, they're building loads of modern office type buildings around where the games are being held... hundreds of them... big skyscraper type things ... and they're all empty. completely. they just want the buildings there so they look affluent and modern to the rest of the world.
stupid.

oooh look, we're evicting a load of people too... well, ok mostly businesses but i guess they're getting some sort of compensation along the line?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6725423.stm

[suzy wilson]

I don't know why they are so obsessed with aiming it at kids anyway - what about all the taxpayers who are funding the games - especially the poor sods in London who have had to move their homes/businesses to make way!

The other point is that even kids have taste - and apparently they based the logo on an 80's kids programme called 'Tiswaz' - but why?! This was early/mid eighties so why is it going to appeal to any kids in 2012? I haven't met anyone over here in the UK yet who likes the logo; the BBC were going on and on about it last night too - and the animated version is triggering epilepsy apparently - I reckon that's nothing to do with the flickering... it's just because it's crap!

Interestingly in The Times, they stated that the Mayor Ken Livingstone hated the logo, so a few months ago he was 'frozen out' and not allowed to make any more decisions regarding the future of the logo. If they don't change it radically, the Olympics will get everyone's backs up from day one... hardly the 'people's Olympics' then is it.

I'll take some deep breaths now and stop ranting...

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Mitch Wood]

I get the feeling they might have looked at Banksy (London's grafitti artist) and growing popularity of his stuff. But I doubt it will have the same appeal in 5 years time.

Everyone that knows of Banksy thinks he is a self obsessed knobhead and has outlived appeal even before Barleyism hit the streets.


what about all the taxpayers who are funding the games - especially the poor sods in London who have had to move their homes/businesses to make way!

Apparently this £400k was privately funded.

The Olympics will be great for London, especially East London (Hackney, and surrounding areas), which is getting a much needed new infrastructure.

[AlexTheBird]

Apparently this £400k was privately funded.

Yup - I heard that too. Something about Seb Coe forming a separate committee to deal with things (like the branding) that didn't come out of the tax coffers? I think it's all purely funded by the sponsorship deals that are coming in thick and fast?

We're such a bunch of miserable whingebags in the UK, aren't we? I think the Olympics will be a great thing for London. So the logo's a bit pink and weird... whatever! :)

[Mitch Wood]

Yeah I am looking forward to it. Should be a good buzz. At least the beer will flow if the medals don't as usual.

Plus I will be able to stop fearing for my life on the 149 'bus of doom and crack' and the overland Dalston 'train to terror'.

[AlexTheBird]

Ha ha! My mate lives in Leyton and she's rubbing her hands with glee at the prospect of more money being put into the area and her house price going up tenfold!

[captain spanky]

i feel better that it's privatley funded... but it still sucks.
they've addded more logos to the bbc site...
i quite like this one...
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/43010000/jpg/_43010067_richard_416.jpg

[Samakimoto Graphics]

Yup! Not bad that one^^. I'd put the 2012 in a different colour to pull it out more...

[Mitch Wood]

Ha ha! My mate lives in Leyton and she's rubbing her hands with glee at the prospect of more money being put into the area and her house price going up tenfold!

Yeah my brother lives in Hackney, well Clapton, and his house price soared the day they said it was going ahead.

That area was the only place that was semi affordable in London, looks like it is up to £170,000 for an OK 1 bed flat there now. Depressing stuff.

[BJMRGTIVR6]

i feel better that it's privatley funded... but it still sucks.
they've addded more logos to the bbc site...
i quite like this one...
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/43010000/jpg/_43010067_richard_416.jpg


I think this is the type of logo they needed. It isn't too flashy or overwhelming. it can be added nicely to a photo of downtown London. It can easily be converted to B&W/reverse and still have the basic appeal to it.
Also, they can then play of the line/stroke style with various drawings/icons for the different sports.

Sure, it has a similar wring to past Olympics but I think the Beijing logo stands out as being different and maybe this will be far enough out there to still be good.

And, I am big on the Olympics as it is, Love watching all that I can. Always wanting to catch Curling at teh last winter Olympics.

[Mitch Wood]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/43010000/jpg/_43010067_richard_416.jpg


I am not convinced at all, to me it translates as 1995.

[Seapony]

I am not convinced at all, to me it translates as 1995.

You have to admit it's a better attempt than the neon phallic act. ;) I'm willing to take nearly any direction now, it doesn't always have to be cutting edge or pushing the envelope (as desirable as that may be), but geez clever and clean enough to convey the message to the masses. With this one it's easier to understand two things: "2012 Olympics" in "London."

*sigh* maybe I'm beginning to settle.

:D

[Mitch Wood]

You have to admit it's a better attempt than the neon phallic act. ;) I'm willing to take nearly any direction now, it doesn't always have to be cutting edge or pushing the envelope (as desirable as that may be), but geez clever and clean enough to convey the message to the masses. With this one it's easier to understand two things: "2012 Olympics" in "London."

*sigh* maybe I'm beginning to settle.

:D


Hows it going Ms Pony?

Yes it does look more like a traditional logo, but is this what is needed for the call of action to such an event?

Personally I feel this logo needs more than clean simple wit and location. The olympics is a brand in itself, it doesn't need an introduction, it needs to inspire and get folks involved. The later has definately been achived in some shape or form and shown that people care about these games.

I think the direction that Olinns has taken (IMO is not cutting edge, but I do feel it is a very brave attempt that does look at the underlying possibilities and therefore does push boundaries that constrains logos) is the right direction as stated earlier, the execution is just a bit 'wack'. They have produced some of the best brands in the world, with some of the sharpest design/branding seen of late – sony ericsson orb, orange, ch 5... the list goes on, basically they can achieve above and beyond what is shown above.

I feel it could be pushed loads, but maybe the supporting literature will do this. I don't know, like everyone else till I see it.

I think I have *babbled/spouted off/justified enough in this thread, but I did feel folks aren't looking beneath it's skin to see the true meaning of a logo for such an event and just wanted to give my true personal perspective on it.

Right I am off to drink buckets loads of Stella Artois for my Birthday, and watch England cane Estonia in style.

Take care, and keep it real! ;)


* delete as applicable.

[John G]

Stella Artois
oh god

[Mitch Wood]

http://www.showroom.org.uk/barcafe/images/bock.jpg

Stella Artois 5.2% = Wife Beater
Artois Bock 6.2% = Wife Eater

[captain spanky]

becks vier is better
the first beer since newcastle brown ale in '98 to not give me a splitting headache after a single pint.
german purity laws rock mighty.

Happy Birthday BTW! :D
and to comment on your post.. i agree with what you said re the direction and what is needed for the branding... i just think the pink epilepsy initiating simpson blow jobb monstrosity is wrongwrongwrong :)

[John G]

lol well if you want to go by percents:
Camo XXXXX (yes 5 X's) 8.5%
http://www.ratebeer.com/beerimages/7012.jpg

[Mitch Wood]

becks vier is better
the first beer since newcastle brown ale in '98 to not give me a splitting headache after a single pint.
german purity laws rock mighty.

Happy Birthday BTW! :D
and to comment on your post.. i agree with what you said re the direction and what is needed for the branding... i just think the pink epilepsy initiating simpson blow jobb monstrosity is wrongwrongwrong :)


Nice one thanks fella. Didn't want to do anything, getting a bit old, but I thought it was worth a pint at least.

Had some Vier last week on Draught, thought it was a bit pissy, didn't touch the sides, not like Becks in the bottle which I quite like.

If it aint a heavy lager your after, get on the Petermans Atrois, it was still quite crisp, but nothing like the strength of Stella. Not like Becks in the bottle.

John I like your style, but that is just plain wrong. 'Propa' park bench stylee. Keep it up! ;)

[CamarotaDesign]

I just wanted to comment on the logo again. Particularly my thoughts about why it's a piece of shit, and that the designers who did it should make a public apology.

It's obvious the designers spent very little time on it, the shapes are unimaginative, and ugly. They barely have a sense of balance, which really doesnt matter because it sucks so much ass that just being a balanced design is not going to do a damn thing. Second thing. Look at the freakin color scheme! these are basic default CMYK swatches in illustrator. These retards didn't even bother coming up with a good color scheme. They used combinations of straight up cyan, magenta and yellow, with a few other basic color builds. What the heck!? This looks like the work of someone that just learned color theory and illustrator.

I DEMAND that these designers make a public apology for their lack of effort and outright attempt to bamboozle everyone. I 100% feel that these designers should be hit with some type of fine or just an award of idiocy and be branded public enemies. There is absolutely no excuse for this type of work, they knew it was a piece of shit when they unveiled it for public display. PIECE OF SHIT!

[BJMRGTIVR6]

wow, camarota, that is harsh.

[carter the artist]

yeah, it's a logo. Someone saw something in it that would work. It's easy to just say that it looks like crap, but if you look at their objectives, I think they hit it. The problem is everyone expected more elegance. The truth is that for something like the olympics to carry on, the younger generations must be more excited to see them...

[CamarotaDesign]

I know.

I'm very nice to developing designers, and people that don't have the experience, and even if it's obvious their logo is utterly hideous, I just point out the positives, if there are any.

Surely this is not the worst logo ever developed, but these *****s have tried to bamboozle the world, there is no other explanation. I am also not convinced that they didn't purposely make it look like the Lisa Simpson *******.

When someone is paid nearly 1 million dollars to design such an important logo, I expect more than a pile of shit like this, there is no excuse.

Also, the www.london2012.com website is horrendous as well, looks like a template site.

[BJMRGTIVR6]

i can't see how this logo will evoke the youth of today to watch. I always love teh odd sports and not too big into the 3 main sports of the US. So, the Olympics is a great venue to watch a lot at once...sure you still get blasted with the few main areas focused on by the US sports news, but can still catch a glimpse of those other sports.

And who knows, maybe the majority of teh world is still stuck in teh eighties and this is a very pop logo to them.

[budafist]

The logo for me invokes 1980's or early 1990's fluoro ski gear.

Anyone see a resemblance? (http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup/who/emotions/desire/2868406_beautiful_woman_snow_skiing.php?id=2868406 )

[Yossarian]

Oh, this just keeps getting better!

Now a video featuring the logo is causing seizures.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200706/s1944502.htm

[CamarotaDesign]

"It's not a logo, it's a brand that will take us forward for the next five years."


You are F'ckin crazy, dude.

[frankster]

The logo for me invokes 1980's or early 1990's fluoro ski gear.

Anyone see a resemblance? (http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup/who/emotions/desire/2868406_beautiful_woman_snow_skiing.php?id=2868406 )

For me it brought to mind ugly upholstry on public transport in the UK about 10 years back (I spent a lot of time on trains and busses)

like this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ludwig/308178630/in/set-72157594393043457/)
or this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ludwig/310540308/in/set-72157594393043457/)

[bea]

it's nothing like owt of banksy's i've seen... i've only really seen his stencil stuff. you got any examples?
:)

re: examples - dont have any (but for more details contact...<wink>)
Banksy sells - grafitti's the topic of the last few months

My idea behind the logo -grafitti is popular - people like grafitti - people pay money - grafitti is popular among youngsters

what can we do? 'improved' tetris!

[Seapony]

Hows it going Ms Pony?

Yes it does look more like a traditional logo, but is this what is needed for the call of action to such an event?

Personally I feel this logo needs more than clean simple wit and location. The olympics is a brand in itself, it doesn't need an introduction, it needs to inspire and get folks involved. The later has definately been achived in some shape or form and shown that people care about these games.

I think the direction that Olinns has taken (IMO is not cutting edge, but I do feel it is a very brave attempt that does look at the underlying possibilities and therefore does push boundaries that constrains logos) is the right direction as stated earlier, the execution is just a bit 'wack'. They have produced some of the best brands in the world, with some of the sharpest design/branding seen of late – sony ericsson orb, orange, ch 5... the list goes on, basically they can achieve above and beyond what is shown above.

I feel it could be pushed loads, but maybe the supporting literature will do this. I don't know, like everyone else till I see it.

I think I have *babbled/spouted off/justified enough in this thread, but I did feel folks aren't looking beneath it's skin to see the true meaning of a logo for such an event and just wanted to give my true personal perspective on it.

Right I am off to drink buckets loads of Stella Artois for my Birthday, and watch England cane Estonia in style.

Take care, and keep it real! ;)


* delete as applicable.

Since it is your birthday (and I really shouldn't be here because I'm working) I'll step off my soap box for the day. ;)

Hope you *had* a happy Happy!

:D

[Seapony]

I know.

Also, the www.london2012.com (http://www.london2012.com) website is horrendous as well, looks like a template site.
Dear, sweet Jeebus, why oh why did I click on the link. I even think my heart missed a beat when I first laid eyes on it. Talk about ghastly. And are they promoting spec or something? Dear, sweet, merciful Jeebus.

:eek:

[tZ]

I think the logo is more sucessfull then the website on a positive note.

With that said, when I saw the 2012 in the logo I thought it was a fairly intelligent idea to introduce the typography into the logo as it was. However, one thing is for sure that clarity is non-existent. Even when I was told it was there I had a difficult time seeing it. I think if It was pushed a bit farther to make the numbers legible it would abe an interesting solution. However, as it stands I agree that it should be increasingly sucessfull- especially for the amount of cash that went into the branding development.

[budafist]

I think the logo is a better piece of design than the website, but that's not saying much at all!

I don't understand what the website is for. I realise it's in the early stages, but if I wanted to find out about the London Olympics for a school project for example, that site isn't usefull at all. At least it has a link to the "main" Olympics website.

[Mitch Wood]

http://coudal.com/olympics.php

[Typically]

re: examples - dont have any (but for more details contact...<wink>)
Banksy sells - grafitti's the topic of the last few months

My idea behind the logo -grafitti is popular - people like grafitti - people pay money - grafitti is popular among youngsters

what can we do? 'improved' tetris!

i think alot more people dislike graffiti rather than like it. people do buy it which i think is awesome. i personally love graffiti but a lot of people think it is ugly and looks trashy. ones persons trash is another persons art =]

[captain spanky]

i think alot more people dislike graffiti rather than like it. people do buy it which i think is awesome. i personally love graffiti but a lot of people think it is ugly and looks trashy. ones persons trash is another persons art =]

but you've got to know the different types of graf... (in my terms)
tagging (which is the extent of most people's experience of graffiti)= sucks - like kids scrawling their name in bus shelters with markers
proper graf = rules - stuff like os gemos, daim, freaklub etc
stuck stuff = also rules - like london police, swoon, invader etc

[mojoprime]

CNN posted Londoners' response to the logo.

Go to www.cnn.com and the video link is near the top of the page.

So in addition to what our friends in the UK have said here, it appears like everyone alse is as disappointed as were are.

[Zendada]

Well, one thing is certain, its gotten exposure. 5 years out and everyone will remember this one.

Its always entertaining and enlightening when something like this happens. There was some controversy a few years back about an Olympic mascot named Izzy. Here is a little story on mascots that includes Izzy (http://www.espn.go.com/oly/summer00/s/2000/0915/745509.html).

I am a huge fan of Torino’s winter olympics branding. And the 1972 summer games branding by Otl Aicher.

My initial reaction to the logo was curiosity (or you could say puzzlement). But it made me wonder. As I learned more I wanted to know more. To me its very active. It vibrates. Not everyone may like that quality, but you have to admit, when you are talking about the olympics, activity certainly is not far off the mark.

Yet, even through it is totally active AND communicates the relevant information almost immediately (2012, London, Olympics) it really is quite simple in construction. All straight lines, polygons, solid colors, strong in black and white, legible large or small.

Whats the measure of success? I can speculate about a few different things, but in visual communication, recognition has got to be in the top three.

[CamarotaDesign]

Zen, I am also a huge fan of Torino's logo. I also agree that logos should be easily recognizable, but thats just part of the equation, not a pillar of a foundation. Logos are equations not structures. For example, take a big juicy, steaming, turd. It's recognizable, its memorable, it's impressionable.....but you shouldn't use it for a logo.



The London brand is being way over analyzed. lets all just recognize it for what it is

http://regmedia.co.uk/2007/06/05/alternative_olympic_logo.gif

[John G]

Not to be left out, Microsoft unveils new branding for the next installment of windows xp.
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/3069/winxpaf7.jpg

yes, that is comic sans

[mac.FINN]

All this talk got me thinking - you know what's a pretty cool Olympic logo...

the Vancouver 2010 winter games. It's simple but I like it and it represents the city very well.
http://www.vancouver2010.com/en

Plus the winter games are way better than the summer games anyway. (except of course women's beach volleyball with is the second greatest olympic sport ever)

[BJMRGTIVR6]

All this talk got me thinking - you know what's a pretty cool Olympic logo...

the Vancouver 2010 winter games. It's simple but I like it and it represents the city very well.
http://www.vancouver2010.com/en


That is a nice logo. It shows a bit of history too within it.
good job Vancouver!

[CamarotaDesign]

yeah, its definitely more successful. and doesnt look like crap.

I'm guess the history is from the totem pole stole?


what do you guys think of bejiings? I think it sucks pretty bad. Not as bad as london, but bad.

[John G]

I don't mind the Beijing one. It's got a running man, remenicent of some sort of stamp seal and Kanji.

In a nice Soviet Red.


As far as I'm concerned you could just use the rings, put the city name and date underneath them and call it good. Hell I don't remember any old Olympic city logo's, I'm betting a good many others don't either. The Rings, yes.

[Unoriginal_XtremeStyley]

The logo is revolting. Utterly!

But it makes you think... Not just about the international humiliation the UK is subject to as a result of some idiot thinking that the jagged pink blobs were a good idea and spending over £400k on them, but about said dummy's mental state! What on Earth were they thinking? £400k?? Doesn't that seem a bit excessive for such an ugly... THING! Don't the people with all the amazing power to organise these things realise that they're being ripped off? Well, more than that - shafted up the backside, to be honest. Who could possibly think that it was a good investment?

Has anyone seen some of the other designs by various students etc? Some are pretty darn good, I must say. What about selecting one of those? For FREE.

And what about the rest of them? The rest of the nutters in power that fanny around making more important silly, wasteful decisions? THEY'RE RUNNING THIS COUNTRY AND WE'RE LETTING THEM! How annoying.

[mac.FINN]

I'm guess the history is from the totem pole stole?

It's actually an inukshuk: here the story.
http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/LookVancouver2010/Vancouver2010OlympicGamesEmblem

[CamarotaDesign]

wow, where did I throw in "stole" from... that wasn't supposed to be there, lol.

Thats a nice story, means even more now. What a great logo! (well, I do think the bar that represents the arm is a teeny bit out of harmony with the other shapes, but it works.)

[CamarotaDesign]

I don't mind the Beijing one. It's got a running man, remenicent of some sort of stamp seal and Kanji.

In a nice Soviet Red.


As far as I'm concerned you could just use the rings, put the city name and date underneath them and call it good. Hell I don't remember any old Olympic city logo's, I'm betting a good many others don't either. The Rings, yes.

Yeah, I do actually remember Lilehammer's because they were totally rough child like drawings.... the difference with those and London's was that they worked well together and didn't look jagged and 80's style!

[budafist]

Has anyone seen some of the other designs by various students etc? Some are pretty darn good, I must say. What about selecting one of those? For FREE.

Now, if they were to use a design made by a student, they still should pay them the same. A budget is a budget.

[undressedmonster]

All this talk got me thinking - you know what's a pretty cool Olympic logo...

the Vancouver 2010 winter games. It's simple but I like it and it represents the city very well.
http://www.vancouver2010.com/en

Looks like a sumo guy.

As far as the 400K budget, let's remember that this wasn't some single designer sitting down and making one logo (although it looks like they had the intern do it). I'm sure there was an entire team on this, and research, and tons of brainstorming, and a standards manual, and promotional ideas like that seizure-inducing video, etc. Some designers have gone so far as to say the price was a bargain for such a high-profile brand.

What I wonder, however, is who the hell are the idiots on the 2012 committee who said "Yes" to Wolff Olins when he and his team showed them this dumb idea? Olins must be the best BS-er in the entire world.

I'll reiterate what I *think* I remember reading that one of the Parliament members said: "It looks like a bunch of old people tried to make something cool, rather than something that actually is cool." Another critic said it is "patronising" to young people, and that we can see through the spin. I agree.

[BJMRGTIVR6]

and is the 400k just for the logo or branding of it as well?

I know my university spent a ton of money for a simple swoosh over their name as a logo. everyone complained too.

[budafist]

The university I went to also rebranded.

They were AUT
(Auckland University of Technology)
and then became
AUT University
(Auckland University of Tecnology University)

Why someone felt that it needed University in the name twice, goodness knows. :rolleyes:

[CamarotaDesign]

Looks like a sumo guy.

As far as the 400K budget, let's remember that this wasn't some single designer sitting down and making one logo (although it looks like they had the intern do it). I'm sure there was an entire team on this, and research, and tons of brainstorming, and a standards manual, and promotional ideas like that seizure-inducing video, etc. Some designers have gone so far as to say the price was a bargain for such a high-profile brand.


Thats my whole vendetta with this piece of shit. It in no way reflects a team of talented designers and brainstorming and research, absolutely no way.

And quite frankly, most of the work displayed on the company's website looks half assed and amatuer.

[carter the artist]

Cam, Have a coke and a smoke. :)

I'm surprised someone who has designed Skater related designs is the most against this logo. Have you ever played SSX Snowboarding on XBox? It uses this style ALL over. I guess that's the reason why I think they were not wrong with the imagery if their goal was for the same age group as the video game...

[CamarotaDesign]

lol, I know, I know.

Look, here is why I hate it. Because me, you, and nearly everyone else here on GDF, and in the professional design industry could have done something much more professional. My whole problem is not that it's so bad (it is bad though) but rather the level of expectation that is placed upon a logo like this. We are talking one of the worlds most recognized events, and this looks more like someones introduction to logo design class final.

[carter the artist]

I think that's the problem tho. The creators Really wanted to be different. If you go to the branding agencies website and see the portfolio, this is exactly the kind of thing I would expect from them (so i blame not the agency, especially since I know how hard it is to finish a logo without the client ALL over your shoulder).

I think it would have been easier to just do some simple dignified logo that would look cute, be respected not ousted, yet somewhat ignored and fade away. Heck I don't know what ANY other logo for the olympics look like outside the rings or the LONDON 2012, and now I have a bit of curiosity about other Olympic logos. I think in this case this logo Really works.

[chirundu]

The creators Really wanted to be different.

Not sure if anyone has seen the Sh*t version of the logo yet? But this says it all:

http://www.cafepress.com/zimshirt/3099892

You can already get em in the USA, but perhaps that is what the designers intended?

[CamarotaDesign]

yeah, I think I might actually buy one when the olympics roll around in 2012. Right now nobody here would give a crap. If I was working at a big agency with lots of other designers or something, then I definitely would be sporting it now.

[BJMRGTIVR6]

hahaha.
funnyshirt.

[Broacher]

I dunno. I think they've done a great job at achieving their objective: carving out an identity that appeals to the youth counter culture. It requires 'counter graphics' and when you look around today, that's a rare commodity! So many different styles are working out there and the time from initial underground concept to commercially applicable (exploitable?) imagery is getting shorter and shorter every year. Is it the fact that so many of that culture's 'cool consultants' have gone independent? Well, for whatever reason, this job required something that would go against the grain with unabashed cheekiness. And, of course-- controversy.

If nothing else I gained some interesting new thoughts on branding from visiting Wolff Olins website. For example this one:

"New consumers, and new-thinking consumers, want brands to act, look and feel different. These brands of the future aren't glossy marketing gadgets, but practical platforms for action. They help more people do more, and do better. We think brands need to be less controlling, more generous."

A couple things on that quote: you gotta admire this guy's 'spin doctoring' abilities. What client seeking his consultation (knowing full well the price and reputation attached to that) would ever want to consider themselves as anything BUT a new, or 'new-thinking' consumer? I had to admit I giggled at that one-- it has that 'the emperor's new clothes' logic to it. I think once you establish yourself as a major cultural opinion, you do have to exercise your power to define and reinforce that assessment by fulfilling your own prophecies.

And yet... at another level, I do believe that there is truth percolating through those words. In the right context. I think that there is an entirely different set of expectations for mega-brands regarding this new definition of branding than there is for there is for the brand sizes most of us work with every day.

[sweet*pea]

This looks like it was made in the 80's or 90's. They could have made a design that appealed to children/the youth with out making it look awful. Adults want shirts too, and I know I wouldn't buy that shirt. :(

[chirundu]

Not sure if anyone has seen the Sh*t version of the logo yet? But this says it all:

http://www.cafepress.com/zimshirt/3099892


I dunno, I think It kind of has a retro feel to it - im old and Id wear it - but wouldnt be caught dead wearing a t-shirt with the real London 2012 logo on it?! go figure?

[captain spanky]

I dunno. I think they've done a great job at achieving their objective: carving out an identity that appeals to the youth counter culture.

My parents are teachers and so far, not one single child they've spoken to about this logo has liked it. Some have likened it to 'an out of touch priest/vicar trying to get kids to come to church by using loud colours and desperatley trying to make it look like the opposite of what people would think the church was'.. ie trying too hard. Of course, others have a more to the point opinion - 'lame'.

[LogosKing]

I think the logo is terrible. It doesn't really show any great thought or inspiration, which is - in my mind - what the olympics are supposedly about. There are those who think the logo is "ok," but is that what anyone really wants from a logo? Clearly not, hah: http://www.BetterLondonLogo.com

[Mynock]

I think the logo is terrible. It doesn't really show any great thought or inspiration, which is - in my mind - what the olympics are supposedly about. There are those who think the logo is "ok," but is that what anyone really wants from a logo? Clearly not, hah: http://www.BetterLondonLogo.com Yeah, because when I think quality logos I think logoworks.

[sweet*pea]

Wow, the logos on that site are so much BETTER.

[frankster]

one of the suggestions on the betterlondonlogos site made me giggle.

http://www.betterlondonlogo.com/uploads/london-logo/1a8dd8b5-11326308e94-7ffb.jpg
It's very pleasing aesthetically and the idea of the london landmark and the olymic torch is novel, but the imigery of burning down the houses of parliament is a wee bit too Guy Fawkes for my liking :eek:

[undressedmonster]

one of the suggestions on the betterlondonlogos site made me giggle.

http://www.betterlondonlogo.com/uploads/london-logo/1a8dd8b5-11326308e94-7ffb.jpg
It's very pleasing aesthetically and the idea of the london landmark and the olymic torch is novel, but the imigery of burning down the houses of parliament is a wee bit too Guy Fawkes for my liking :eek:

I saw that and thought it was an octopus or alien (a la the Spiderman II) trying to take down Big Ben.

The logos on that Better London Logo site are OK, but many are too obvious: Big Ben, bridges, Union Jack, etc. There is one good thing about the official logo that was chosen: it isn't an obvious choice. Too bad, though, that it is also really shitty-looking.

The real art in logo design is finding that balance between interesting (ie not obvious) and weird (like the logo that was chosen).

[DougFa]

I could not find the logo via the link above.

Is there a new link?

Would love to see it.

Doug

[Mynock]

Remember, remember the 5th of November!

[John G]

one of the suggestions on the betterlondonlogos site made me giggle.

http://www.betterlondonlogo.com/uploads/london-logo/1a8dd8b5-11326308e94-7ffb.jpg
It's very pleasing aesthetically and the idea of the london landmark and the olymic torch is novel, but the imigery of burning down the houses of parliament is a wee bit too Guy Fawkes for my liking :eek:

then there's the phalic way to look at it.

oh dear, where is my head this morning?

[sweet*pea]

Hahaha. I thought the same thing when I first saw it... : /

[Seapony]

Y'know, most design forums have moved on from this already.

Just sayin'.

:D;)

[John G]

ohnoes!

we are not "with it"?!!!!

[captain spanky]

Y'know, most design forums have moved on from this already.

Just sayin'.

:D;)

they have short attention spans. :D

[carter the artist]

Y'know, most design forums have moved on from this already.

Just sayin'.

:D;)

there are other forums?

[Fantômas]

http://www.icograda.org/web/feature-current.shtml a pretty good article somewhat related to the logo issue. ;)

Btw, I think that this logo is horrible. When compared to some past graphic work for the Olympic Games, this looks like something thrown together in some software program. Take a look at Lance Wyman's work for the '68 Olympic Games. Compared to this 2012 crap? Give me a break. The firm that created this monstrosity (can't even say 'designed') should be given computers with nothing but Microsoft Word on them. AND windows.

The aforementioned example:
http://www.mapsofworld.com/olympic-trivia/images/olympic-posters/mexico1968.jpg

www.lancewyman.com (http://www.lancewyman.com)

[Seapony]

http://www.icograda.org/web/feature-current.shtml a pretty good article somewhat related to the logo issue. ;)

Btw, I think that this logo is horrible. When compared to some past graphic work for the Olympic Games, this looks like something thrown together in some software program. Take a look at Lance Wyman's work for the '68 Olympic Games. Compared to this 2012 crap? Give me a break. The firm that created this monstrosity (can't even say 'designed') should be given computers with nothing but Microsoft Word on them. AND windows.

The aforementioned example:
http://www.mapsofworld.com/olympic-trivia/images/olympic-posters/mexico1968.jpg

www.lancewyman.com (http://www.lancewyman.com)

Oop, sorry...recovering from vertigo.

:D

[delusns]

http://coudal.com/olympics.php Anyone can make a versatile, simple, and a unique logo. That doesn't make it a successful logo. What about legibility, use of better colors or just appealing to the majority? If you plan to create a logo for such an important occasion, wouldn't you want it to appeal to more than just one demographic? Also, in my opinion, if you have to see more uses of the logo to "get it" or not knowing that the logo spells out 2012 makes it an unsuccesful logo. Your average olympic viewer is not going to sit and think about why the logo is successful or not unless maybe you're a designer. I think they could've done better. :)

[sweet*pea]

Take a look at Lance Wyman's work for the '68 Olympic Games. Compared to this 2012 crap?

The aforementioned example:
http://www.mapsofworld.com/olympic-trivia/images/olympic-posters/mexico1968.jpg

That 68 logo is awesome. Someone needs to break into the place that made the ugly logo and steal all documentation of it... maybe they will just pick a new one instead of re-making the ugly one.

[milano.design]

wow that Mexico 68 logo is awesome. SIgn of the times though huh? and just a step ahead of the 70s revolution. its awesome. If this logo for 2012 says anything about the sign of the times in 2012 we are in big trouble.

Who designed this logo? the 2012 one? And what is there stance on it? and is it approved?

I Find it so disjointed. and too many sharp lines I don't understand where they are going with this? is it a puzzle so that in motion it creates something else? is it a map of some sort of the olympic village? and what is that little square box in the middle of it supposed to be?

Isn't there a game/toy out there with these shapes that if you move them around you can make other "animal" shapes. or building shapes. Is that what they are going to try to do with this? but to get it than i would expect to see the other versions. (like what the olympic village logo will look like). and the other venue logos. Or is this it? one logo encompasses the whole olympic venue?

If they just made the 2 upper right boxes with the symbol in it rounded it would actually help you realize that they are spelling out the 2012... and if they kept the "2" the same for each might help.

The colors are just not engaging at all. I love brite colors next to each other but usually they need to speak to each other. These are shouting at each other.

Is there any place on the net to see the iterations of this logo from the company that did it? and why they chose this one? it might make sense to them, but its obviously an inside joke.

[Zendada]

http://coudal.com/olympics.php

I think this evaluation is as they say spot on.

[sweet*pea]

That evaluation is pretty good.

And the chicago logo for 2016 is awesome: http://coudal.com/i/chicago2016.gif

[budafist]

Street art: Seen on the streets of London.

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/4007/londonshci8.jpg

[Randomhero]

Holy archive thread bump batman!

But I do like the london one haha.

[CkretAjint]

And the chicago logo for 2016 is awesome: http://coudal.com/i/chicago2016.gif

Thats not it. It's now the star. They didn't want any city references in the logo *shrugs*...

[Randomhero]

Who cares, no knows if the world will even be around in 2016 :eek: .

[budafist]

I know. I'm from the future.

[Randomhero]

Do gas prices go down in the future?

[budafist]

That would be telling. But it wouldn't hurt to invest in some magic carpets. ;)

[garricks]

Street art: Seen on the streets of London.

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/4007/londonshci8.jpg
There's an hilarious discussion going on right now at the Adobe User to User Typography forum (http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.59b580e5) that started with the lower-cased london in this logo. It's worth at least skimming!

[Red Kittie Kat]

lmaooo I love it! :D

[freshinkdesign]

its bobbins like the rest of the country and im british. stuff the olympics!

designed by a retard!

[teqbra]

that logo is digusting, i'd expect a higher quality of design from a gcse graphics pupil. looks like a pattern for an awful 90's shell suit

[freshinkdesign]

Hey teqbra

Howz the pies?

[teqbra]

Hey teqbra

Howz the pies?

Hahahaha.

tasty :)
not a massive fan of them though myself. ;)

[urstwile]

Do gas prices go down in the future?
I'm gonna say yes, since we won't be here in 2016. So people won't be paying for gas. Supply and demand, you know.

[Red Kittie Kat]

We won't be? Dammit I had big plans that year



:D

[CkretAjint]

We won't be?

Didn't Nostradamus predict that the world will end at quarter past six in 2012? Or was that that one Elton John song? :o

[Danger_Mouse]

^ Didn't the Mians predict 2060? If so I'm with them.


The Logo does suck bad. However it would be interesting to see how it will evolve. Maybe when it's all said in done we'll be saying how brilliant a concept it was blah blah blah.

Love the "shit" logo Buda lol:D

[CkretAjint]

Taken from here (http://www.weird-websites.com/justweird/endofworld.htm): :p

The following predictions show when the world will end (or has already ended)

2003 : Comet
A group of aliens, called Zetas, have been kind enough to warn us Earthlings about our impending destruction. Through their human contact they have warned us that the world is destined to be wiped out by a comet, which passes by every 3657 years. Unfortunately, during 2003 the Earth will pass through its tail causing our planet to stop rotating for several days. As if this were not bad enough there will be violent winds, firestorms from the sky and gigantic tidal waves. When the chaos eventually stops the ice caps will melt and the land will return to the sea.


2008-MAR-21: World War
The British group The Lord's Witnesses believe that the Bible contains codes which can be used to predict, amongst other events, the end of the World. Based on this code they have charted the history of Mankind from the birth of Adam in the year 4027BC to its destruction in 2008 ñ the result of a horrific world war.


2012 : Mayan Calendar
The Mayan calendar is divided into months of 20 days, years of 360 days, katun of 7200 days and a baktun of 144,000 days. According to this ancient civilization the world will last for exactly 13 baktun cycles. Their calendar started on 3114-AUG-13 BCE with the birth of Venus and they expected the world to end during the Winter Solstice of 2012.


2012-DEC-21: Novelty Coincidence
Terence McKenna, based on Novelty Theory ( the amount of novelty present in any temporal domain ) predicts that ìat the coincidence of the moment of the solstice and the heliacal rising of the galactic centre, levels of planetary novelty will exponentially increase. The theory does not make clear the nature of the ultra novel event, however, speculation as to the nature of the encounter with the trans-dimensional object at the end of time includes Solar Explosion and Quasar Ignition at the Galactic Core.


2014: Pope Declaration
In the year 1514 Pope Leo IX wrote "I will not see the end of the world, nor will you my brethren, for its time is long in the future, 500 years hence."


2028 : Mystical Number 666
Initially Eli Eshoh predicted that, based on his investigation into the Mystical Number 666, the world would end in 1998. It apparently has not ñ much to the annoyance of those who took Eshohís advice and sold all their belongings prior to 1998. However, he does reassure us that the end of the world is on course, ìDo not fret about this. Everything is on track. The Rapture took place on June 6, 1998. The reason it wasn't noticed was that only 603,729 people were taken up, so out of a world population of 6,660,603,729 persons, it wasn't noticed. The question most of you may be asking is "Why am I still here." Obviously you weren't saintly enough to be selected by God to join him, so you will have to prove your worth in the upcoming Tribulation. The groundwork has been laid. The Beast was born on June 6, 1998, and a world is entering into a period of great instability. Mark the year 2028 on your calendars!î This explanation is rather feeble ñ surely some of the relatives of the ì603,729 people were taken upî must have noticed they had not returned home!


2028-Oct 26th Asteroid 1997 XF11
Initial calculations suggested that asteroid 1997 XF11 will pass dangerously close to the Earth and would result in its destruction. However, current analyses suggest that it will come no closer than 0.00636 AU (951,000 km, 591,000 mile) or about 2.5 times farther than the moon. If these latest predictions are correct then the probability that the asteroid will impact the Earth is effectively zero. Just in case the initial predictions were correct it would be safer to stay indoors on this day.


2280 Quran Code
"When the horn is blown once. The earth and the mountains will be carried off and crushed; utterly crushed. That is the day when the inevitable event will come to pass." 69:13-15

The end of the world is coded in the Quran, according to the translation by

by Dr. Rashad Khalifa, and will be destroyed in 2280. The signs, of itís impending destruction, given in the Quran have already been fulfilled. These include :

1) The splitting of the moon: This happened in June 1969 when man landed on the moon and brought back moon rocks.

2) The Creature (27:82): The Quran has predicted that at the right time God would produce a creature that would be instrumental in unveiling His signs. This was fulfilled, the creature was the computer which was instrumental in unveiling the Quran's numerical code, and proclaiming that the world has neglected God's message.


3797 : Nostradamus
French physician and astrologer Nostradamus, (1503-1566), wrote a collection of prophecies, entitled Centuries, which were published in 1555. Worryingly, many of these prophecies, which predict events from the mid-1500s through the end of the world, have a habit of coming true.



1,000,000 A.D. Destruction by Gamma Rays
Provided we survive all the aforementioned ëWorld Endsí we will absolutely, definitely cease to exist in the year 1,000,000 ñ give or take a year or two. Gamma Ray bursts occur naturally in the Galaxy due to events such as neutron star binary inspirals. These occur every million years or so and produce a gamma ray flux which exceed even the largest solar flares. The absorption of this radiation into our atmosphere will increase nitric oxide concentrations and greatly reduce ozone concentrations resulting in the extinction of life on Earth.


53 Terrified Thessalonians
Christís return was being forecast even before the Bible had been written. During the year 53 a rumour spread like wildfire, amongst the Thessalonians, that the day of reckoning was about to happen and widespread panic ensued.


400 Prophesy
In the year 234 A.D. theologian, and martyr Hippolytus prophesised that the appearance of the Antichrist which would be followed by the Lordís return He believed that the world had a life span of 6,000 years and since Adam was born 5,500 years before Christ then the world had a sell by date of 500A.D.


989 : Halley's Comet
The appearance of Halley's Comet during August led to panic that it would collide with the Earth and destroy it.


1000 : The Second Coming
As the end of the first millennium approached mass hysteria spread across the Christian world that the return of Christ was nigh. From beggar to king everyone believed that this would be the New Year party to end all parties and that Jesus would be guest of honour. During the year 999 there was a sudden burst or religious fervour with people selling of their worldly possessions and giving the money to the poor. Criminals were released from prisons. Believing that this was their last days of their life people stopped planting crops, neglected their property and flocked in huge numbers of pilgrims headed east to meet the Lord at Jerusalem.


1666 : Year of the Beast
It was a devilish year ñ containing that dreadful 666 number and with the bubonic plague killing 100,000 plus the Great Fire destroying much of London it was forgivable that people considered it a ë(horrible year)í


1982 The Second Coming ñ Part Two
On April 24-25, 1982, people around the world opened their morning newspaper to discover the rather disturbing headline announcing, "The Christ is Now Here!" and claiming that ìChrist had returned to Earth in a materialized body in July, 1977, and has since been living among a group of Pakistani Indian immigrants in South London, Englandî Most folk just didnít feel prepared for Judgement Day. Fortunately these full-page adverts, placed by the New Age religious group TARA Center, were mere speculation and several months later, with the world still in one piece, the group announced that they ìthe delay was only because the consciousness of the human race was not quite right. "


1984 : Tenth Time Lucky
The Jehovah's Witnesses predicted doomsday as 1984. However, as the got it wrong in 1874, 1878, 1881, 1910, 1914, 1918, 1925 and1975 most folk could be forgiven for simply ignoring their warning


2000 : 666 Again
If you divide 2000 by 3, you will get the devil's number 666.66666666666666666666. Coupled with the fact that all computers were probably going to crash on the stroke of midnight the end of the millennium was count down with considerable apprehension.

Needless to say computers continued to work with no more crashes than normal and the Devil failed to materialise.

[Red Kittie Kat]

oh dear we have already beaten complete annihilation a few times ... hopefully we can beat it in 2016 too :D

[John G]

Maybe we could get an extension by sacrificing California into the sea?

[a_muse]

I just wasted a chunk of my morning reading the first half of this thread.
While on first look my initial response was WTF? it isn't what we think of as a successful logo, it doesn't follow convention, it is jarring.
But as branding, it's growing on me, I'm not dismissing it yet. I like the fact that it really is completely different from anything in the past, they've tried something that had a high risk factor instead of just doing the same old pretty logo.

[Randomhero]

Maybe we could get an extension by sacrificing California into the sea?

Reminds me of that Rancid song.

[budafist]

2012 : Mayan Calendar
The Mayan calendar is divided into months of 20 days, years of 360 days, katun of 7200 days and a baktun of 144,000 days. According to this ancient civilization the world will last for exactly 13 baktun cycles. Their calendar started on 3114-AUG-13 BCE with the birth of Venus and they expected the world to end during the Winter Solstice of 2012.


My fiance is totally into the Mayan one. In fact he's been actively spreading it. I want to ask him. If the Mayans are so smart, where are they now?

I personally don't really care when the world ends. I mean, I'm not going to do things differently am I?

What if it doesn't end? What if it does. Either way, you are screwed.








Well that was depressing...

[Danger_Mouse]

He says it best.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eScDfYzMEEw

[Red Kittie Kat]

aww ((George)) :)

[spendthrift]

If this world ends near time in the future I think we need people look at us differently, we might need some physical make-up like to paint black hair to be brown, or if we have curly hair we might need to rebonding it. :)

[budafist]

If this world ends near time in the future I think we need people look at us differently, we might need some physical make-up like to paint black hair to be brown, or if we have curly hair we might need to rebonding it. :)

I'm not sure what you mean. Please explain?

Your post reminds a bit me of this girl at high school. She said (to a whole class of people) that she wished that everyone in the world had blue eyes and blonde hair so that there was no racism. I wanted to smack her. What's wrong with wishing for tolerance of others?

I hope I misunderstood you.

[Red Kittie Kat]

Well that leaves me out ... there is no taming my curly hair :p

I think there was someone else with that philosophy too buda ... I remember he had a black smudge above his upper lip ... and very greasy hair

;)

[a_muse]

Well that leaves me out ... there is no taming my curly hair :p

I'm so jealous, my hair has always been dead straight. My daughter has gorgeous thick wavy hair, I have to admit though it is more high maintenance then mine.
When I was a teenager I had one of those spiral perms, they had to do it twice so it would take :rolleyes:

[Red Kittie Kat]

If I don't blow dry my hair I have a spiral perm ... naturally ;)

But it does dry out terrible if I'm not careful .. so a good hot oil treatment about once every 3 weeks does the trick ;)

[a_muse]

Oooooh nice! I love hair like that :)
Ya, Phoenix's hair gets really dry too, I have to always use conditioner on it, I only really need it in the winter. When I had my perm I used mayo to condition it, worked like a charm!

[spendthrift]

I'm not sure what you mean. Please explain?

Your post reminds a bit me of this girl at high school. She said (to a whole class of people) that she wished that everyone in the world had blue eyes and blonde hair so that there was no racism. I wanted to smack her. What's wrong with wishing for tolerance of others?

I hope I misunderstood you.
I doubt about smacking, I knew my female classmates they were only tearing out their hair one another at most.

It needn't have had to make impossible wishes, let diversity of races exist as they are and no need to make regret about it. It is only something related to technology to make someone looks different. Sometimes being curly is nice, but once we get bored with it we can make it straight. :)

[teqbra]

I doubt about smacking, I knew my female classmates they were only tearing out their hair one another at most.

It needn't have had to make impossible wishes, let diversity of races exist as they are and no need to make regret about it. It is only something related to technology to make someone looks different. Sometimes being curly is nice, but once we get bored with it we can make it straight. :)

Racist!
:) only jokin dude.