London 2012 Olympics

[WaterShake]

London 2012 Olympic Branding: No More Gradients

Preamble

IâEUTMm reasonably interested in the Olympic games rapidly approaching this summer. I still remember the excitement cum impatience I felt upon first hearing weâEUTMd [obnoxiously proud Brit speaking here] won the games bid. 2012 seemed a lifetime at that moment. But itâEUTMs here now.

As such, weâEUTMre beginning to see more and more promotional material released into the public domain e.g logo, mascots, advertisements and such. As a marketeer and graphic designer, the saga of London 2012âEUTMs logo has most definitely caught my attention.

The logo has been called ugly, phallic, seizure inducing, too edgy, too try hard and a myriad of other things. But iâEUTMd like to take this opportunity to stage a rebuttal.

ItâEUTMs Not Boring

Subheading is suitable for both these paragraphs and the subject as a whole

The bright colours and distinctive design of the logo definitely do stand from out itâEUTMs cliche ridden peers. ItâEUTMs both memorable and recognizable. Can anyone draw the Beijing Olympic logo from memory? Or the logo prior? DidnâEUTMt think so.

Apathetic designers and marketers are continually attacking the monotony of the status-quo; London breaks the mould.

ItâEUTMs Different

The London logo avoids all the obvious/facepalm pitfalls of current logo design. No brushstrokes. No feathered drop shadows. No mirrored reflections. No gradients. No patriotic colours. No rainbows, ribbons, landmarks, symbols of unity, maps, swooshes or globes. ItâEUTMs different.

ItâEUTMs Reproducible

Vitally important for an Olympic logo given the variety of media forms it needs to appear upon e.g application forms, receipts, tickets, televisions, websites, posters etc.

Aside from the kerning and x-width of âEUoeLondonâEU inflating when sloppily rendered for the web (most notably the initial BBC reproduction that ended up on all websites critiquing the logo), itâEUTMs good to see a logo thatâEUTMs so easily printable, broadcastable, embroiderable and moldable.

Think of how horrible this Chicago Olympic logo conceptwould look when itâEUTMs process-printed-from-a-register with a 100 line screen on a McDonalds cup. The London logo works both in colour and B&W.

ItâEUTMs Flexible

The logo is available in a variety of colour combinations, shapes and patterns, keeping the logo fresh upon each viewing but coherently consistent. This is a godsend for corporate partners needing to incorporate London branding within their own.

ItâEUTMs Simple

âEUoeI could have drawn that/done betterâEU is a common insult of the London logo. Ignoring the fact that genius/creativity are required for creation not reproduction, some of the greatest logos of all time involve merely two to four lines (Christian cross, Mercedes etc.).

-Rant Ends-

What are your thoughts on the London Olympic logo?

[AtomicD00M]

I like it?

[WaterShake]

Oh ffs, for whatever reason the markup of the subheadings had fucked up all the "It's"s.

Sigh

[River]

i still remember how the flag and or torch was handed of to the receiver for the London Olympics at the former one..
he looked like he had just got out of the pub, had his hands in his pockets, and hair not neatly combed.. and here are the givers, who are trim, cut, smiling, professional, and almost perfect.. handing the symbol of humanities greatness to a slob..
it was a highly disappointing time
and he was fat to

[WaterShake]

Forgot to include in OP:

Its The Basis For A Graphic System

Hallmark/Mega-Events such as the Olympics require masses of signage, identification, oranmentation and architectue (both permanent and temporary). The London logo and it's associated colours, shapes, type and patterns are the perfect foundation for some fantastic signage, event icons, banners, tickets, uniforms and merchandising etc.

You can say goodbye to Union Jack bric-a-brac

Its Timeless

Complaints about the sources of inspiration of the logo range from "Never Mind the Bollocks" to Tangrams to 80's new wave to MTV. Some said it's "too current" and would look dated by 2012. Others say it's too futuristic or modern.

But in truth, all design is influenced by previous design. This design manages to rise above it's influence, yet remains simple enough to stand on its own.

It's British

By far the most prominent names within British design are Neville Brody and Peter Saville. Without being a direct reguritation, the 2012 logo is evocative of their work and everything great about the United Kingdom.

[liljim]

At 5 hours ago, WaterShake wrote: What are your thoughts on the London Olympic logo?

I share Jeff's sentiments on the matter:

• 

  Olympic Love

  by JohnnyUtah

  Why I Love the New Olympic Logo.

  Movie

  287,785 Views

  (Ages 17+)

[WaterShake]

At 3 minutes ago, liljim wrote:

At 5 hours ago, WaterShake wrote: What are your thoughts on the London Olympic logo?

I share Jeff's sentiments on the matter:
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/382869

Alas, the Achilles heel of my argument ;-(

sight

[PIED3]

I think you make a good case for it, and have one me over. It's as nice a logo as i could wish for!

[Ragnarokia]

At 2 hours ago, liljim wrote: I share Jeff's sentiments on the matter:
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/382869

Very this.

[TheRainbowZilla]

At 3 hours ago, liljim wrote:

At 5 hours ago, WaterShake wrote: What are your thoughts on the London Olympic logo?

I share Jeff's sentiments on the matter:
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/382869

This is what I immediately thought of when I saw the logo.