I'd like your opinions on this that has been chosen as the official logo of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Check out the brand site: http://www.london2012.com/
Submitted by mara06 (1791 points) on Mon, 2007-06-04 19:43.
Yikes. I'm speechless. Almost.
Here's what they think this logo says, among lots of other quotable things:
"It symbolises the Olympic spirit and the ability of the Games to inspire people to take part - not just as spectators, but as volunteers, in the Cultural Olympiad and more."
I must be hitting the absinthe a little too hard. Or rather, not hard enough, 'cause I just don't see all that. Oy.
Submitted by plugz (1216 points) on Mon, 2007-06-04 20:45.
When I first saw it my heart literally sank.
I was sickened by the whole thing especially when I found out it cost £400,000 (USD$800,000), but it's not as bad as it seems.
It succeeds on several levels.
It WILL appeal to kids who are the core audience not only as they are the ones who could be competing but they are tomorrows consumers who will buy the branded merchandise.
It is a universal logo, it's not particularly dependant on language to communicate the message and it represents the four countries of the UK and London at the centre.
I think it will work.
I'll sleep on it and see if I agree with myself tomorrow.
Submitted by sidesey (269 points) on Mon, 2007-06-04 21:01.
I can see that it may appeal to kids, but if you hadn't said it was 2012 I never would have read that into it. Plus if it's used at a small size you wouldn't be able to read London. Not my cup o' tea that's for sure...
Submitted by sidesey (269 points) on Fri, 2007-06-08 08:02.
Yea really like that one too, maybe then ricky gervais could be our mascot too! There was also another one where the rings were incorporated into the o, n etc which also worked quite well too, but needs a bit of work, it's here:
Submitted by tastypopsicle (5 points) on Tue, 2007-06-05 14:44.
As an American I have to say this is the crappiest thing I have ever seen and there's a lot of crap on this side of the pond. But apparently I'm notalone.
With that said I want to extend my thanks on behalf of all Americans for diverting attention away from our retarded government and overweight, Walmart society. News of this logo could not have made us happier. Perhaps we can make the logo the center of discussion for the next 5 years.
Submitted by natobasso (3922 points) on Tue, 2007-06-05 14:47.
For the amount spent this is the WORST logo I've ever seen. Those colors have nothing at all to do with London and don't represent its rich history.
Bleagh!
----
Client: "can you guys make it more like a power-point presentation, you know, with the sliding text stuff and all?" (http://clientcopia.com/quotes.php?id=7)
Submitted by plugz (1216 points) on Tue, 2007-06-05 18:02.
London and it's rich history?
That's what we're trying to move away from.
This is a great city that is over 2000 years old, but until about twenty years ago it had been stuck in it's own history. London isn't the place of bowler hats and stuffy suits anymore, it's a vibrant world city that is rapidly changing and rebuilding itself.
If I see another logo with the Houses of Parliament or St Pauls Cathedral on I'll stab the designer.
I hated the previous logo for the bid. It was boring, unimaginative and bland.
This is something that is majorly different and exciting and as far as brands go, it's achieved the ultimate success in under 24 hours.
It's worldwide news. Everyone is seeing the logo, it's getting imprinted in everyone's heads and we all know that no publicity is bad publicity.
By the time this storm in a teacup has blown over they'll have a very strong brand and worldwide recognition, which, for an Olympic campaign is perfect.
There is a site where they collect signatures against this piece of ****.
Early other nicknames for the logo by now include 'Gay swastika puzzle' and 'Tiswas disaster'. But the leading name really is 'Lisa Simpson giving head', like Metro already pointed out :-) Go here to sign the petition asking the Olympic Commitee to rethink that, erm, they called it logo, right?
Submitted by natobasso (3922 points) on Tue, 2007-06-05 15:59.
Nice!
----
Client: "can you guys make it more like a power-point presentation, you know, with the sliding text stuff and all?" (http://clientcopia.com/quotes.php?id=7)
Submitted by plugz (1216 points) on Tue, 2007-06-05 17:52.
You know what, I've had a day of living with it and I actually like it.
There have been loads of adverts in the papers today using the logo in different colours with added straplines for the sponsors and ti actually works REALLY well.
It's actually a very clever logo.
Very clever.
It takes a while to appreciate the subtle nuances, but the more you see it the more you'll appreciate it
I think they made a really really good call with this logo, they have my full support.
Submitted by jollup (6 points) on Tue, 2007-06-05 19:03.
It simply smacks of 80's vomit designs frequently seen on imported skateboards and "cool" european fanta-style drinks of the era.
It lacks sophistication, sensitivity, strength, refinement; and no you don't need the houses of parliament or Times New Roman for any of these. It is trying far too hard. I would love to see the designs that got rejected as I am sure that there was a far more suitable design there somewhere.
Anyone who like this logo instantly identifies themselves to all as having no taste, creative flair or understanding of brand. So to you all....
well done... We know how seriously to take your design criticism from now on...
You had better go back to start, do not pass GO! Do not collect £200.
Gary what's your opinion on the new London olympic logo? I love the Orange logo that Wolff Olins did, but although I must admit I don't hate our London effort, I think that something better could have been done for £400,000.
Are any of our commentors actually from Britian? I mean, look at BURBERRY! Hideous, but completely overriding the fashion world. Maybe they know something about European culture that we don't.
And yeah, that London campaign logo with the flag was really safe and boring. Trust me, i know safe and boring.
Submitted by archmedia (584 points) on Tue, 2007-06-05 20:04.
it makes vancouvers logo 1000 times better now. i found that one generic, this is just wacked. and to think they got paid THAT much?!? that's just sick..
Submitted by Jaime Montaño (121 points) on Tue, 2007-06-05 20:44.
It's alive, a lot. It's dynamic but it lacks of flowness. I mean, it doesn't look friendly and flow and with some kind of harmony. It looks very british in my opinion, cause they always have take a step ahead in design trends and this is another example.
However, it has something that will be a problem. The type is too small in proportion and in small prints they will surely suffer.
Submitted by cubus (17 points) on Tue, 2007-06-05 21:22.
Strange colors, strange shape. Not really my style, but I'm sure it will do its job.
The only thing that bothers me, that - except for the olympic logo - it has nothing to do with the Olympics :). It's just a logo of something to happen in 2012.
Submitted by Senater_Cache (7 points) on Thu, 2007-06-07 23:01.
I mean it is definately eye-cathching, not boring, actually represents the geography of the country and spells 2012.
I found it to read 2012 without anyone telling me in a matter of milliseconds.
It touches on London's more recent history, namely punk rock and acid colors.
I think it is great, but I do agree that the cost was a little overboard.
My buddy at VSA Partners Chicago was on the team for the Chicago 2016 logo and it was done pro-bono.
Submitted by arvana (111 points) on Fri, 2007-06-08 16:55.
I read somewhere that the logo will evolve as the event gets closer. Maybe it will gradually morph into a more streamlined and flowing form.
But you know what? This logo has already done an incredible job -- EVERYONE on the Internet (and beyond) now knows that the Olympics are in London in 2012. And that's in just one week of branding.
Submitted by plugz (1216 points) on Sat, 2007-06-09 11:03.
But you know what? This logo has already done an incredible job -- EVERYONE on the Internet (and beyond) now knows that the Olympics are in London in 2012. And that's in just one week of branding.
And this is the very reason I think it's utter genius.
Submitted by dori (31 points) on Sat, 2007-06-09 09:36.
At least I like it in all it's strangeness. And who knows what type of logos will be popular in 2012, perhaps the current trend then could be much more hideous, (web 2.5 anyone?).
Love it or hate it, I have never ever seen a brand become so widely spread in such a short time. Good job.
Submitted by Senater_Cache (7 points) on Sat, 2007-06-09 21:34.
With brand strategy it is of foremost importance to make a lasting, rememberable, stand-outish mark. (of course variances apply to certain sectors) But it is almost true that visual appeal and "beauty" to the design crowd or anyone for that matter is simply icing on the cake.
form follows function.
Now arguably, with a logo representing an entire city, th erules are slightly different, but I welcome the fact that it departs from traditional, in my opinion rather boing looking Olympic logos of the past.
When a logo goes viral like this, it means it tapped into something. When was the last time you read so much about the logo? The last time I can recall a logo generated so much discussion was when quark relaunched theirs.
Submitted by sidesey (269 points) on Tue, 2007-06-12 16:21.
Agree the video is good and the logo does look better in it than i thought, still not a huge fan of it though, but in five years i guess i might be... who knows?
Submitted by plugz (1216 points) on Tue, 2007-06-12 18:35.
I looked at it and thought it was pathetic at first, then a few hours later I realised I'd dismissed it out of hand and decided to do a creativebits style critique on it. Once I'd looked at it objectively, understood the concept, the intended use and the target audience it all made sense.
It's not the most aesthetic logo, but as a brand it's pretty incredible.
Compared to the majority of branded apparel for this type of event, I thing the merchandise that comes out of this campaign will be something pretty special, with almost infinite possibilities for how the design is used on the items.
The designer in me loves it.
The consumer in me is still a little unsure, but I have faith in the fact that the agency who created it share the same vision as I have in their brand guidelines.
Submitted by dwf29 (4 points) on Tue, 2007-06-12 23:00.
Now the games will be remembered as "the ones with the funny logo" you'll never forget it! Tell me one Olympics where you remember the logo distinctly, in your head....I bet you don't!
Submitted by plugz (1216 points) on Wed, 2007-06-13 02:05.
I'm just pleased they got rid of the original bid logo.
I hated that with a passion.
The colours of the Olympic rings really aren't actually that pleasant, especially when run next to each other on large format decals.
Now there's a challenge...
Re-design the Olympic Games five rings device to update it, without damaging the brand.
Someone. . .
Pointed oout to me that its '2012' (the 4 shapes)
but what the f***?!?
"Try not, Do! or do not, there is no try."
-Yoda
now i see.. the odd shapes
now i see.. the odd shapes are 2012... in a 80 style vomit...
___________________________
www.thepuredesign.com
Logos on steroids?
Yikes. I'm speechless. Almost.
Here's what they think this logo says, among lots of other quotable things:
"It symbolises the Olympic spirit and the ability of the Games to inspire people to take part - not just as spectators, but as volunteers, in the Cultural Olympiad and more."
I must be hitting the absinthe a little too hard. Or rather, not hard enough, 'cause I just don't see all that. Oy.
Mara
Does anyone know the design
Does anyone know the design firm that did this? it's just awful. If that's the Olympic spirit, remind me to not watch it when it heads to London.
I mean, I'll give it to them, it's unique...but maybe no one's doing it for a reason...
life is great; without it, you'd be dead.
You know the thing is growing on me...
When I first saw it my heart literally sank.
I was sickened by the whole thing especially when I found out it cost £400,000 (USD$800,000), but it's not as bad as it seems.
It succeeds on several levels.
It WILL appeal to kids who are the core audience not only as they are the ones who could be competing but they are tomorrows consumers who will buy the branded merchandise.
It is a universal logo, it's not particularly dependant on language to communicate the message and it represents the four countries of the UK and London at the centre.
I think it will work.
I'll sleep on it and see if I agree with myself tomorrow.
looks like 20 R to me
I can see that it may appeal to kids, but if you hadn't said it was 2012 I never would have read that into it. Plus if it's used at a small size you wouldn't be able to read London. Not my cup o' tea that's for sure...
I like it because it breaks
I like it because it breaks through. It looks like shattered glass in a kaleidoscope.
It looks like
It looks like Lisa Simpson giving a blowjob
WHAAAAATTTTT????!!!
Now THAT'S funny! it DOES look like that doesnt it!
heh, thought this was a family oriented forum! lol
"Try not, Do! or do not, there is no try."
-Yoda
In a pink Latex suit?
"Try not, Do! or do not, there is no try."
-Yoda
"Try not, Do! or do not, there is no try."
-Yoda
hahaha!
hahaha!
seriously?
is it? you gotta be kiddin'..
it looks like a motley crue
it looks like a motley crue logo.
www.ftofani.com
See the BBC's take on it
here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6719805.stm
What the BBC says it should have been....and I agree
here: http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/43019000/jpg/_43019439_r_voysey203v2.jpg
Life's too short to sleep.
Yea really like that one too
Yea really like that one too, maybe then ricky gervais could be our mascot too! There was also another one where the rings were incorporated into the o, n etc which also worked quite well too, but needs a bit of work, it's here:
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/43006000/jpg/_43006855_james_wren_416.jpg
You can always count on London
As an American I have to say this is the crappiest thing I have ever seen and there's a lot of crap on this side of the pond. But apparently I'm not alone.
With that said I want to extend my thanks on behalf of all Americans for diverting attention away from our retarded government and overweight, Walmart society. News of this logo could not have made us happier. Perhaps we can make the logo the center of discussion for the next 5 years.
Dude...its us too.
Remember Izzy aka WhatIzIt fromt eh Olympics is Atlanta in 1996. The design that was soooo bad they couldn't even think of a name for it.
link: http://www.imcmascots.com/mascot-pages/olympics-mascots-izzy.htm
Life's too short to sleep.
For the amount spent this is
For the amount spent this is the WORST logo I've ever seen. Those colors have nothing at all to do with London and don't represent its rich history.
Bleagh!
----
Client: "can you guys make it more like a power-point presentation, you know, with the sliding text stuff and all?" (http://clientcopia.com/quotes.php?id=7)
----
The Salon (blog): To discuss design problems of all kinds.
That's why it's so successful in my opinion.
London and it's rich history?
That's what we're trying to move away from.
This is a great city that is over 2000 years old, but until about twenty years ago it had been stuck in it's own history. London isn't the place of bowler hats and stuffy suits anymore, it's a vibrant world city that is rapidly changing and rebuilding itself.
If I see another logo with the Houses of Parliament or St Pauls Cathedral on I'll stab the designer.
I hated the previous logo for the bid. It was boring, unimaginative and bland.
This is something that is majorly different and exciting and as far as brands go, it's achieved the ultimate success in under 24 hours.
It's worldwide news. Everyone is seeing the logo, it's getting imprinted in everyone's heads and we all know that no publicity is bad publicity.
By the time this storm in a teacup has blown over they'll have a very strong brand and worldwide recognition, which, for an Olympic campaign is perfect.
You can sign a petition against it already
There is a site where they collect signatures against this piece of ****.
Early other nicknames for the logo by now include 'Gay swastika puzzle' and 'Tiswas disaster'. But the leading name really is 'Lisa Simpson giving head', like Metro already pointed out :-)
Go here to sign the petition asking the Olympic Commitee to rethink that, erm, they called it logo, right?
Oh yeah...
Terrell Thornhill
e-zign Design Group
Nice! ---- Client: "can you
Nice!
----
Client: "can you guys make it more like a power-point presentation, you know, with the sliding text stuff and all?" (http://clientcopia.com/quotes.php?id=7)
----
The Salon (blog): To discuss design problems of all kinds.
Are they serious?
or is it just about getting the attention and changing it afterwards?
let the fun continue...
Source: kuteev
priceless...
that's all that can be said.. priceless...
____________________________________________
Architectural Technician - Multimedia Designer
www.ArchMedia.us
Now that's a logo you would remember!!!
Now that's a logo you would remember and it uses the speech bubble which is so 2007 and it appeals to kids and adults alike!!! Perfect!!!!!
You know what, I've had a
You know what, I've had a day of living with it and I actually like it.
There have been loads of adverts in the papers today using the logo in different colours with added straplines for the sponsors and ti actually works REALLY well.
It's actually a very clever logo.
Very clever.
It takes a while to appreciate the subtle nuances, but the more you see it the more you'll appreciate it
I think they made a really really good call with this logo, they have my full support.
You can't like this logo
It simply smacks of 80's vomit designs frequently seen on imported skateboards and "cool" european fanta-style drinks of the era.
It lacks sophistication, sensitivity, strength, refinement; and no you don't need the houses of parliament or Times New Roman for any of these. It is trying far too hard. I would love to see the designs that got rejected as I am sure that there was a far more suitable design there somewhere.
Anyone who like this logo instantly identifies themselves to all as having no taste, creative flair or understanding of brand. So to you all....
well done... We know how seriously to take your design criticism from now on...
You had better go back to start, do not pass GO! Do not collect £200.
The logo is an insult to designers everywhere.
That's a rather sweeping statement.
It's not a bad logo.
It's a controversial logo but it's very success will be down to it's break with convention.
In my opinion, it's better than this:
Or any of these generic Olympic logos:
Athens 2004 was really nice
Some other innovative logos for their time
http://www.olympic.org/upload/games/1968S_emblem_m.gif Mexico 1968
Quite like this, even now I think it works better than the new London one.
http://www.olympic.org/upload/games/1972S_emblem_m.gif Munich 1972 - really like this too.
Gary what's your opinion on the new London olympic logo? I love the Orange logo that Wolff Olins did, but although I must admit I don't hate our London effort, I think that something better could have been done for £400,000.
The firm in question made this athens logo as well
http://www.wolffolins.com/files/Athens2004OlympicCommitteecase_study_web.pdf
Are any of our commentors actually from Britian? I mean, look at BURBERRY! Hideous, but completely overriding the fashion world. Maybe they know something about European culture that we don't.
And yeah, that London campaign logo with the flag was really safe and boring. Trust me, i know safe and boring.
But why?
Could it really be any worse than this?
vancouver wins..
it makes vancouvers logo 1000 times better now. i found that one generic, this is just wacked. and to think they got paid THAT much?!? that's just sick..
____________________________________________
Architectural Technician - Multimedia Designer
www.ArchMedia.us
And now for some of the ugliest logos of all time
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/06/05/london-2012-is-ugly-but-its-not-the-worst-olympic-logo/
I gotta admit the new London one is better than Atlanta's effort, but only just!
It lacks of flowness
It's alive, a lot. It's dynamic but it lacks of flowness. I mean, it doesn't look friendly and flow and with some kind of harmony. It looks very british in my opinion, cause they always have take a step ahead in design trends and this is another example.
However, it has something that will be a problem. The type is too small in proportion and in small prints they will surely suffer.
------------------------------
My Work
Planetoide Blanco
It isn't very sporty
Strange colors, strange shape. Not really my style, but I'm sure it will do its job.
The only thing that bothers me, that - except for the olympic logo - it has nothing to do with the Olympics :). It's just a logo of something to happen in 2012.
Its not done yet folks:
Apparently the web animation is causing fits! Literally!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/6724245.stm
"Try not, Do! or do not, there is no try."
-Yoda
This was the first headline on the bbc news this morning
I can't beleive spending so much they didn't test it properly.
2008?
Does anyone know what the 2008 olympic logo looks like by any chance? Can you post it..?
I just love the Beijing
I just love the Beijing logo.
dancing man
the dancing man with the noodle legs... it cracks me up, but it's a hell of a lot nicer then the london logo...
____________________________________________
Architectural Technician - Multimedia Designer
www.ArchMedia.us
See above - plugz comment
See above - plugz comment "That's a rather sweeping statement."
That's the Beijiing logo there.
Hmm
I'm now aware of something I normally wouldn't give two poops about.
-Johnny
The power of strong branding...
;o)
I think its rather interesting...
I mean it is definately eye-cathching, not boring, actually represents the geography of the country and spells 2012.
I found it to read 2012 without anyone telling me in a matter of milliseconds.
It touches on London's more recent history, namely punk rock and acid colors.
I think it is great, but I do agree that the cost was a little overboard.
My buddy at VSA Partners Chicago was on the team for the Chicago 2016 logo and it was done pro-bono.
PS, Jollup you are a douche
Ach!!!!
All I can say is....ACH!!!! my eyes!!! Burning, searing pain.....must rip from head and trample!!!! AAAHHHHH!!!!
Life's too short to sleep.
I read somewhere that the
I read somewhere that the logo will evolve as the event gets closer. Maybe it will gradually morph into a more streamlined and flowing form.
But you know what? This logo has already done an incredible job -- EVERYONE on the Internet (and beyond) now knows that the Olympics are in London in 2012. And that's in just one week of branding.
Arvana
arvanadesign.com
But you know what? This logo
And this is the very reason I think it's utter genius.
At least I like it in all
At least I like it in all it's strangeness. And who knows what type of logos will be popular in 2012, perhaps the current trend then could be much more hideous, (web 2.5 anyone?).
Love it or hate it, I have never ever seen a brand become so widely spread in such a short time. Good job.
-----------------------------
:::: Dóri::::
http://sevenseven.wordpress.com
-----------------------------
:::: Dóri:::: http://www.77.is
Exactly,
With brand strategy it is of foremost importance to make a lasting, rememberable, stand-outish mark. (of course variances apply to certain sectors) But it is almost true that visual appeal and "beauty" to the design crowd or anyone for that matter is simply icing on the cake.
form follows function.
Now arguably, with a logo representing an entire city, th erules are slightly different, but I welcome the fact that it departs from traditional, in my opinion rather boing looking Olympic logos of the past.
Check these out:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/6719747.stm
on youtube
When a logo goes viral like this, it means it tapped into something. When was the last time you read so much about the logo? The last time I can recall a logo generated so much discussion was when quark relaunched theirs.
Was that when quark relaunched and then had to change it?
After it was an almost identical copy of one used by the Scottish Arts Council?
Edit: Just watched that video, that's brilliant!
Yes it was plugz
Agree the video is good and the logo does look better in it than i thought, still not a huge fan of it though, but in five years i guess i might be... who knows?
It's definitely something that will grow on people.
I looked at it and thought it was pathetic at first, then a few hours later I realised I'd dismissed it out of hand and decided to do a creativebits style critique on it. Once I'd looked at it objectively, understood the concept, the intended use and the target audience it all made sense.
It's not the most aesthetic logo, but as a brand it's pretty incredible.
Compared to the majority of branded apparel for this type of event, I thing the merchandise that comes out of this campaign will be something pretty special, with almost infinite possibilities for how the design is used on the items.
The designer in me loves it.
The consumer in me is still a little unsure, but I have faith in the fact that the agency who created it share the same vision as I have in their brand guidelines.
It's completely opposite of the expected. And that's good!
Now the games will be remembered as "the ones with the funny logo" you'll never forget it! Tell me one Olympics where you remember the logo distinctly, in your head....I bet you don't!
Very true.
I'm just pleased they got rid of the original bid logo.
I hated that with a passion.
The colours of the Olympic rings really aren't actually that pleasant, especially when run next to each other on large format decals.
Now there's a challenge...
Re-design the Olympic Games five rings device to update it, without damaging the brand.
Slight logo variations have now been completed
and the video tweaked too. See it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJSsRILZpRg
I just had a seizure. I'm
I just had a seizure.
I'm suing you for the associated trauma suffered.
Someone removed the video
Someone removed the video that Ivan posted.
------------------------------
My Work
Planetoide Blanco
creative help
hey any one can help me
(How to upload the creative on this it giving trouble here) i could not upload my creative
please please help me
And the ugliness is trumpted
And the ugliness is trumpted even louder:
http://www.wolffolins.com/london2012.php
In jazz when you hit a 'bad note' you play it over and over again to make it look like you meant to do it. :)
----
Powerpoint is not a design application
----
The Salon (blog): To discuss design problems of all kinds.
Sometimes
Sometimes logos are a mystery. Art is a mystery. Beauty is a mystery. Ask the greeks.
mokenke