I am always interested in cool logos, and the logo for the London 2012 olympic games is one that I really like. It prompted me to take a look at the logos for the other four candidate cities (Madrid, Moscow, New York and Paris).
What I like about the London logo is how it represents the River Thames, a popular waterway that runs through and is an integral part of London. In the same way, the ribbon representing the Thames runs through and is an integral part of the logo. The five colours of the olympic rings represents all the countries of the world, and thus all the different races, ethnicities and peoples. London is a very multicultural city that represents peoples from all over the world, so the ribbon in the logo represents how these different cultures are not only integral to the olympics but to London itself.
Madrid’s logo is pretty simple. I like the warm colours chosen for the flame and the words “Madrid 2012”. To me, they represent the warmth of the people there, as well as the warm weather of the Mediterranean. In addition, the colours seem to have an old world feel to them, suggesting Madrid as a well established and secure place. I also like how the logo itself seems to represent both a bird’s-eye view of a flag and the olympic torch; a subtle but interesting design.
This logo was interesting in the fact that it incorporated the idea of the Red Square and the Kremlin—two areas central to Moscow—in its design. Beyond that, however, I was not overly impressed. It seemed a bit too trendy and reeked too much of communism for my taste. In addition, the treatment of “Moscow 2012” made it appear too small to read comfortably when the image was reduced to that above. Overall, I think the design would be more appropriate for a postage stamp than an olympic stadium.
The New York logo was very lively and vibrant. The use of merging the Statue of Liberty with an athlete was also clever. However, it seems like a very American logo. It gives off the impression that Americans are winners, which may be a good idea to promote given the Word Trade Centre attacks. Nevertheless, it doesn’t seem to encapsulate the international nature of the Olympics. To me, as well, the use of the olympic colours in the words is a bit overused. That being said, where’s the black in the word “NYC2012” and where’d the light blue come from?
Of all the logos, I disliked this one the most. It seemed very childish and immature. Sure, it was kind of ingenious to include a heart in “Paris 2012”, but why make the heart green? Besides, a heart seems to be a very obvious symbol and perhaps somewhat cheesy. At least they used black in the text. As well, it was the only logo not to include a symbol of some sort, unless you count the heart.
Though I listed the logos in alphabetical order, it seems I have also ordered them in order of my preference for them.
Translations: Russian
Kim,
Interesting analysis. I feel a bit different on most of the logos.
LONDON: Not a fan of this one at all. I like the idea of the river but not the execution. It makes the word “London” difficult to read. Plus, I hate the typeface.
MADRID: I like this one, the simplicity, though the flame is a little TOO reductionist. It doesn’t know if it should be smooth and sleek or rough and handdrawn looking. I love the type on it though.
MOSCOW: Terrible. This is the worst one. It’s way too vertical, the type is terribly hard to read, and it looks like someone flipping you off.
NYC: I like this one too. I have to agree that it’s quite American, but I still like it. It’s a clever idea that’s well executed. The type is great too. And I like that they took liberties in the color. (this analysis has nothing to do with the fact that I live here, I promise)
PARIS: I like this one a lot. The type is reminiscient of famous Parisian painters (Picasso, Monet, Cezanne, Renoir) and I don’t mind the heart. The problem is that it’s a typographic solution only, without a mark.
Thanks for the comments, Rusty. Oh and hey, I like the new treatment of your blog’s name. Very cool font. I hadn’t been by for awhile, so I’m not sure how long it’s been up.
Thanks, I try to change the font every week, ya know, just to mix it up a bit.
Interesting. NYC was my favorite until you pointed out that it looked like America is the winner. I hadn’t realized it before. It’s funny, but it probably wouldn’t go over too well.
I agree with Rusty about London. I like the river, but I think it would have been better to put it below the lettering.
So are you going to referrence the magizine you ripped this from?
How about coming up with an orginal thought? Or at least give credit to people who do?
And the only thing “warm” feeling about madrids is that looks like a vagina.
BTW I highly doubt you even understood have the comments from the Print mag article you are biting off consider the shit design of this site.
What on earth are you babbling on about?
Hi! I’m fond of your blog. I have translated this post into russian and published it here: http://korova.b-mg.com/2005/09/03/olympic
I hope, you won’t be against it. Best regards!
Thanks, Demetrius.
I think you are all mistaken. These are not the official logos for the games but merely logos used by the candidate cities for their presentations. If you look around on other logo websites you will see that the logo for the 2010 games in Vancouver is very different from the logo of the candidate logo for example.
hi i am a student at brooke weston ctc in corby and was wondering if i can have permission to use the images in this section in my IT GCSE? if this is ok could you please e-mail me back ASAP thankyou
sarah holmes
hi i am a student at St Pauls High School in Wythenshawe and was wondering if i can have permission to use the images in this section in my IT GCSE? if this is ok could you please e-mail me back ASAP thankyou
Jolice Mcgee
These are not my images, so I have no authority to giver permission.
Under US law at least, however, fair use allows someone to use logos if they are low resolution.
1. London: Funny how people see different things. I saw, before reading the review, a ribbon like they have at the end of meet and the winners run through. The way the ribbon expanded in the D and O made it look like a face with a nose. 8)
2. Madrid: I liked the colors but I didn’t see the flame others saw. I saw a feather such as one that sticks out of a hat.
3. Moscow: I didn’t like this one at all. Too artsy fartsy for my taste.
4. NYC: Didn’t like the colors. Wasn’t sure where the artist was going with the twin towers which are no longer there and Americans have moved on. And, the statue of Liberty is a French statue not an American one. The graphic designer seemed to be all over the place on this one.
PARIS (love it) had the best logo, had the best potential for future use in many different applications – London will just look good on a white flag.
omg…!!! this syte is realii good for logos n has helped me alot thank you..!!!
i am currently do a gcse in dida ,the unit that we are doing is graphics and the unit is to promote the 2012 Olympics 2012 London and I would like permission to use you logo for my initial idea’s for my secondary sources please can you email me to confirm if I have permission to use it many thanks zara buhcholzer