London unveils 2012 Olympic logo Updated
posted at 10:00 am on June 5, 2007 by Bryan
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It might be the ugliest Olympic logo ever.
The logo for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics has been unveiled in a star-studded ceremony in London.
The jagged emblem, based on the date 2012, comes in a series of shades of pink, blue, green and orange and will evolve in the run-up to the Games.
The word London and the Olympic rings are included in the first two digits of the new logo.
It looks like an Air Supply concert T-shirt logo circa 1982. It’s that bad.
I’m not the only one saying that.
“I have vomited better logos,“ was one of the harsher assessments on 606, while others seemed willing to at least give it a go and attempt to find creative meaning in the jagged shapes beyond the “obvious”..
Just to make it uglier, in online gifs and video, the logo will flash between several colors, just like those first-generation web pages that used to give us all headaches. And it will occassionally shiver, as though it has delirium tremens. So it’s a beastly ugly, retro (but not in a cool way) logo with the shakes. Nice. At least it’ll print easily. That’s…something.
Reaction is so negative in the UK that people have taken to designing their own logos. And they’re all better than the official one. I’m partial to #3 and #11.
Update: I saw a request for my take on the London 2012 logo in the comments. Here it is.
The foreground element is the London Olympic committee’s original logo.
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The official pink is quite homoerotic, isn’t it?
Valiant on June 5, 2007 at 10:16 AM
Is it supposed to look like 2 dudes having sex?
lorien1973 on June 5, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Bryan, you should invite photoshopped alternatives, too. The ones at that site were too serious.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on June 5, 2007 at 10:17 AM
OMG! That’s awful! It makes Izzy from ‘96 look like a Rembrandt!
DCJeff on June 5, 2007 at 10:18 AM
Sweet…Miami Vice pastels and a ‘Walk Like an Egyptian’ shape. The ’80s strike back!
James on June 5, 2007 at 10:18 AM
I wonder how much they paid for that crapola?
Labamigo on June 5, 2007 at 10:18 AM
That is, without a doubt, the worst. logo. ever.
WisCon on June 5, 2007 at 10:19 AM
The 80s just flashed before my eyes.
amerpundit on June 5, 2007 at 10:22 AM
If you look at it backwards, it has a satanic message. Print one out and hold it up to a mirror.
windbag on June 5, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Guys. Stop trashing the 80’s. This logo is an afront to everything that was good about that decade.
lorien1973 on June 5, 2007 at 10:23 AM
A sad statement on the mother country. I expected better.
BNCurtis on June 5, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Which hopefully means it won’t look anything like the original.
phineas g. on June 5, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Number 11 was SWEET.
nailinmyeye on June 5, 2007 at 10:25 AM
£400,000
or ~$800,000 USD
Canadian Imperialist Running Dog on June 5, 2007 at 10:26 AM
waiting for “sike”
flipflopper on June 5, 2007 at 10:26 AM
HAHAHAA!!! The original Alternate number 5 the Beeb had was soooo much better(hint: they changed it). Hee Hee Hee.
It was extremely raunchy and gross and quite possibly NSFW or Lunch if you knew what it represented, they even showed it on TV!
Bad Candy on June 5, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Looks like the red Rockem-Sockem robot went down on a knee after taking a strong punch in the gut from the blue one.
Gottafang on June 5, 2007 at 10:27 AM
I hope they go a different direction for the mascot.
sunny on June 5, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Looks like London Bridge done fell down.
journeyscarab on June 5, 2007 at 10:35 AM
I like #1 and #6, which looks like a traditional London street sign.
chsw
chsw on June 5, 2007 at 10:43 AM
BBC London showed the video, hilarious.
Ripclawe on June 5, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Here’s mine.
Jim Treacher on June 5, 2007 at 10:47 AM
Yeesh…this logo looks like a train wreck. No, I mean an actual train wreck.
flipflop on June 5, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Oh my God, they goatse’d it! How about a Lemon Party version?
Jim Treacher on June 5, 2007 at 10:49 AM
HAAAAHAHAHAAHAHAA!!! Treacher, BoingBoing has a post on it if you want it, its not really HotAir’s kinda thing, but I can see it being at Dailygut.
Bad Candy on June 5, 2007 at 10:54 AM
Oh, and I like your entry too Treacher, they should do the whole Olympics with Yakety Sax blasting during the whole games.
Bad Candy on June 5, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Looks like a pink swastika by Picasso.
Limerick on June 5, 2007 at 11:03 AM
It gives me a headache.
vcferlita on June 5, 2007 at 11:09 AM
I still have my “Whatizzit” T-shirt (that thing’s name before they held a contest for kids to rename it). I keep it as part of my own “Never Forget” campaign.
saint kansas on June 5, 2007 at 11:09 AM
Is this a joke? looks like ZOOK to me, or ZOIK?.
The top alternative and the ‘tube’ design show promise. The logo they paid for is the worst I have ever seen, and I design logos. What is it?
shooter on June 5, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Umm, it looks like the logo was blown up. Not good imagery for an international event in London, wouldn’t you think?
BrunoMitchell on June 5, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Looks like those crazy lite-bright things those wackos put under bridges all over Boston setting off the big bomb scare a few months ago. It looks like they are dancing.
TheBigOldDog on June 5, 2007 at 11:15 AM
This is a conspiracy by the Olympic Committee to determine the psychological state of mind of those who view it.
In this thread we have….
1) Gay obsession
2) Stuck in the 80’s
3) Devil worship
4) Childhood game obsession
5) Bridge engineer
6) Train engineer
7) Nazi hunter
and my personal view…
Fear of psychologists.
csdeven on June 5, 2007 at 11:15 AM
I thinks it’s a map of how Londonistan will be broken up into sects by 2012.
Brat on June 5, 2007 at 11:21 AM
It looks like a train wreck. Is that what it’s supposed to be?
BacaDog on June 5, 2007 at 11:29 AM
When I first saw it, I literally could not tell what it was until someone explained that those blocky shapes were supposed to be numbers.
Lehosh on June 5, 2007 at 11:38 AM
“…will evolve in the run-up to the Games.”
It’s good that it will change because it’s awful, but a logo is supposed to allow people to quickly identify a unique product or event.
Logos shouldn’t change (often or quickly) or it defeats the purpose of a logo.
forest on June 5, 2007 at 11:43 AM
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over? I mean, did they not ask any normal person’s opinion before they gave that thing the green light? Apparently not. And I thought “An Army of One” sucked serious *ss.
And apparently the “having b*ttsex” evolutionary process a la South Park has already started.
ReubenJCogburn on June 5, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Same here, Lehosh. Saw it on Samizdata last night and it never occured to me it was the date. I guess it is one of those pictures you need to stare yourself into a trance to see.
As for the spontaneously created alternatives, I my fav is #7. #1 is a close second but the motto is a tad too ego oriented. I suggest it be inviting, with something like “To come, you need to use the pole.” :)
Dusty on June 5, 2007 at 11:51 AM
I remember when the Olympics were about the athletes, fierce competition for the gold medal, standing up to the Nazis, extensive TV coverage of entire events, and the thrill of victory and agony of defeat.
Now it’s all about fierce competition between cities vying to host, designing bad logos, hokey mascots, multi-billion dollar venues, and horrible TV coverage consisting of feel-good human “non-interest” stories told by so-called journalists sitting around a fireplace with coverage of medal ceremonies sprinkled with highlights of the competition.
Gawd I miss Jim McKay.
Brat on June 5, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Thank God; someone may have finally topped topped my hometown of Atlanta’s disastrous choice of “Whatizit” as the official mascot of the Atlanta Summer Olympics.
RW Wacko on June 5, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Oh, I get it…
The blue version shows Bill on the left and Monica on the right.
faraway on June 5, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Everything creative to be said about the amazingly uncreative and hideously ugly logo has been said, it seems.
Not all of the alternatives are good, but not a single one is worse, or even as bad. The “Tube Sign”, #6, is a good idea if too spartan, and #7 looks like a Rorschach test with a wrongly-colored Union Jack, if you didn’t know it was a silhouette of Great Britain.
Freelancer on June 5, 2007 at 12:00 PM
I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing that logo.
Maxx on June 5, 2007 at 12:01 PM
On second thought, maybe it’s apropriate for the London games. Make one of the jagged blobs red, one green, one Union Jack and one the EU flag. It’s a multi-culti paradise.
forest on June 5, 2007 at 12:01 PM
Actually, if the so-called logo is overlaid on a correct size map of London and the points of the angles less than ninety degrees are positioned on the locations of previous terriorist activities, the planned activity locations correspond to the points of the angles greater than ninety degrees..scheduled to coincide with the timing of the changes to the logo.
News2Use on June 5, 2007 at 12:03 PM
I still have quite a bit of stuff myself…the media said Atlanta was too commercial but I had an awesome time!
DCJeff on June 5, 2007 at 12:19 PM
They should have something simple and classy…something reflecting their history and traditions…hell,a picture of the Queen would be better than that garbage!
DCJeff on June 5, 2007 at 12:21 PM
There must be a brand new event at the Olympics this time around.
faraway on June 5, 2007 at 12:21 PM
I just think it shows alot of Islamic influence. Actually the numbers represented are designed in a contemporary font. You just can’t see them because they are covered in burkas.
sonnyspats1 on June 5, 2007 at 12:24 PM
1. It looks like an explosion, but on what level?
2. It would be a great armband for WTO protesters.
3. Replace “London” with “Munich” – see, it’s 70’s retro!
4. Incomprehensible tends to become unmemorable over time.
shuzilla on June 5, 2007 at 12:27 PM
If you wear a “london” t-shirt like the guy in the logo, you’ll have a blast at the Olympics – just look for the chicks with all the earrings.
faraway on June 5, 2007 at 12:30 PM
PHOTOSHOP CONTEST!!!
fusionaddict on June 5, 2007 at 12:37 PM
If I had Photoshop skilz, I’d take this picture, substitute “LONDON” for RUSH, and put a zero in there. Add some Olympic rings at the bottom, and you’d have an Olympic logo that’s sure to appeal to the classic rock crowd. As opposed to the current logo, which appeals to no one.
ReubenJCogburn on June 5, 2007 at 1:14 PM
Good thing you told me it was supposed to say 2012. ?????? Looks like a plastic toy that’s been stepped on.
RushBaby on June 5, 2007 at 1:25 PM
OMG! I totally see that! LMAO
heatherrc77 on June 5, 2007 at 1:27 PM
Sorry Bryan, I think the rainbow theme belongs to the Gay Games.
Otherwise, excellent-looking logo.
mikeyboss on June 5, 2007 at 1:28 PM
Designing an Olympic logo is so easy a caveman can do it. Maybe they should use that ‘font’ for the opening credits for the new Caveman show.
BohicaTwentyTwo on June 5, 2007 at 1:35 PM
Not quite. I haven’t noticed anyone saying what it really is. A dhimmi euro bowing down and having his head cut off. That’s what the little unidentified block is in the center of the logo. A falling head.
You mean like our elites did before the immigration bill?
ScottG on June 5, 2007 at 1:41 PM
I had these shapes as earrings in the 80s. Same color, too.
Modern art just sucks, period.
Stormy70 on June 5, 2007 at 1:45 PM
The new logo for the 2012 London Olympic Games could trigger epileptic fits and should not be shown on television, an expert has said.
no kidding.
Epilepsy fears over Olympic logo
shooter on June 5, 2007 at 1:51 PM
I r teh superiorz.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/fusionaddict/london2012.jpg
fusionaddict on June 5, 2007 at 1:51 PM
In retrospect, I’m pretty sure that logo is offensive to Muslims for some reason. I think we should get the word out.
saint kansas on June 5, 2007 at 2:20 PM
my entry
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s87/Limerick_share/2012olympics.jpg
Limerick on June 5, 2007 at 2:22 PM
Limerick, I bow to your insight and wisdom.
faraway on June 5, 2007 at 2:31 PM
Nice one Limerick. This does have the makings of a Photoshop contest about it, doesn’t it.
Bryan on June 5, 2007 at 2:33 PM
Limerick,good one . In all fairness shouldn’t we petition the Olympic committee first though. I’d be for it if I thought camel racing would catch on in the middle east. Give em something to occupy their time in that godforsaken land they dwell in.
sonnyspats1 on June 5, 2007 at 2:38 PM
Not 2 dudes – Lisa Simpson – SFW video at the link.
Laura on June 5, 2007 at 2:40 PM
My entry into the contest.
TheBigOldDog on June 5, 2007 at 2:50 PM
The Sydney Morning Herald
disfigured swastika
abinitioadinfinitum on June 5, 2007 at 3:02 PM
Savage: “I have vomited better logos.”
Heh.
Jaibones on June 5, 2007 at 3:03 PM
I stared at it for quite some time before I realized it was the numbers 2012, maybe I’m having a slow day…
4shoes on June 5, 2007 at 3:05 PM
It does have curiously Islamic look to it as well..
Viper1 on June 5, 2007 at 3:12 PM
I get it now…it’s supposed to be the TeleLogos…the blue one just isn’t holding his purse.
James on June 5, 2007 at 3:21 PM
Yikes!
4shoes on June 5, 2007 at 3:21 PM
It took me a while to realize it said “2012,” too. (To be fair, though, the seizure accounted for most of that time.)
Blacklake on June 5, 2007 at 3:29 PM
The logo looks to me like pieces from an exloded suicide bomber.
Egfrow on June 5, 2007 at 3:37 PM
Keep it up, guys, and I won’t even have to bother when I get home tonight.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on June 5, 2007 at 3:40 PM
No, it doesn’t.
DaveS on June 5, 2007 at 3:55 PM
OT: On FOX…looks like that cyclone is headed for Iran….
Zionists and Boosh get blamed in 5…4…3…2…
Limerick on June 5, 2007 at 4:23 PM
That was what I initially saw, too.
Emilie H. on June 5, 2007 at 4:25 PM
All they need to do now is make the logo into neon signs and then stick them in the subway and under bridges all over town without telling anyone first.
mesablue on June 5, 2007 at 4:33 PM
Reminds me of the last time I stepped on a Ritz cracker.
Labamigo on June 5, 2007 at 4:52 PM
I know I speak for 6 billion other people when I ask “What the hell is ZOIZ?”
TallDave on June 5, 2007 at 4:55 PM
Limerick,
Ixay on the eatherway achinemay.
TallDave on June 5, 2007 at 4:57 PM
Damn that looks like ASS. Just another example of a group being taken advantage of by an over-priced under-talented, design advertising firm.
With so many good ones in London, how did they get stuck with this crap logo.
400lb Gorilla on June 5, 2007 at 5:03 PM
This is seriously NOT a joke? It looks like my 18 month old ripped construction paper and threw it on the floor.
Candy Slice on June 5, 2007 at 5:08 PM
It looks like swastika to me, too! Put a burka on it and it’ll be the perfect joooo-hatin’ symbol!
SouthernGent on June 5, 2007 at 6:15 PM
Gawd. This just gave me a flashback to the embarrassment that was the mascot of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
http://www.imcmascots.com/mascot-pages/olympics-mascots-izzy.htm
Does anyone remember Izzy? The only reason I do is because I was working in a theme park at the time, and we had one of these creatures walking around all summer. It took all the discipline I possessed to refrain from running up to this thing and kicking it very very hard in the shins.
juliesa on June 5, 2007 at 8:50 PM
Looks like one of Rosie’s cut ‘n paste “art” projects.
The Ugly American on June 5, 2007 at 9:25 PM
…w/o the requisite “Bush killed, dismembered and ate 10,000 Iraqi babies today” headline…
The Ugly American on June 5, 2007 at 9:29 PM
Why don’t they have it in the shape of a crescent?
Mojave Mark on June 5, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Wow, that’s so bad that I didn’t even realize that it was supposed to be the number 2012 until it was actually said that it was. I thought that they’d just given a paintbrush and easel to an idiot savant with severe tremors.
Wolfman on June 6, 2007 at 5:34 AM
$800,000?
All I know is that the guy who came up with this piece of crap must be one of the greatest salesmen of the century. Hats off to him.
.
GT on June 6, 2007 at 12:09 PM
The symbol cost around £400,000 ($A954,000) and took one year for design company Wolff Olins to think up.
The Great Train Robbery 2012…
soulsirkus on June 6, 2007 at 1:52 PM
If you rearrange the pieces, you will see it spells Allah.
Connie on June 6, 2007 at 8:06 PM
Look like the Adolf Hitler Telly-Tubby in cubist fuschia.
Repellent.
Color and design.
profitsbeard on June 6, 2007 at 8:34 PM
(stealing Gutfeld’s line): “It looks like an aerial photo of a gay mall”
RightWinged on June 7, 2007 at 4:16 AM
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