This is a little off topic for this blog, but I think it speaks to the importance of visual elements representing something. Moreover, I just find it funny. So take a look at the new logo for the London 2012 Summer Olympics.
The Washington Post did an excellent article about the logo in their Style section. The logo only cost a little over $800,000. The reaction to the logo has been extremely negative.
Organizers apparently say the logo represents “the Olympic spirit and the ability of the Games to inspire people to take part.” Do you see that in the image?
Apparently the attempt was a “graffiti-style depiction of the number 20 stacked above the number 12.” Until I read that I had no idea what it was supposed to be.
It was displayed Monday in vivid blue, green, orange and pink versions, each with a bright yellow outline, which organizers said was meant to appeal especially to young people.
Tony Blair had to chime in praising the logo.
When people see the new brand, we want them to be inspired to make a positive change in their life.
The head of the organizing committee said:
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.
Huh???? My favorite quotes from the article are:
“It’s pretty awful,” said Helen Barker, 29, a librarian. “It’s trying to be young and trendy, but it’s not quite hitting the mark. It’s a bit of a mess and looks like it’s been done in five minutes.”
but the best is:
“It’s good,” she said, “because you have to look at it a long time to figure out what it means.”
There’s a lesson here for us. I’m sure.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I didn’t konw what it was either when I saw it.
$800,000 for an image that confuses and befuddles people across the globe? I don’t think logo’s should stand for so much, but still, something a little classier and straightforward would have at least helped with the reputation of the games.