Top 13 Alternative 2012 London Olympics Logos
Some 113 years ago today, the first modern Olympic games kicked off in Athens. Roughly 250 athletes participated, and the city selection process was, well, not a process so much as an announcement. Every Olympic Games since then, though, bids have become more competitive, presentations fancier and flashier, visual campaigns more elaborate and audacious.
Just witness the most recent winner, London 2012, whose disastrous logo choice caused all kinds of outrage and clever remixes (like the one at right). So on this 113th anniversary of the modern Olympics, check out our Top 13 Alternative 2012 London Olympics Logos.
13. The Home-Made Ferris Wheel Logo
Granted, we can see it being cute and animated, but we also remember something we made in our first ever computer class that looked significantly better.
12. The Underground Skyline Logo
Though we’re digging the Tube reference, it’s a shame that the outlined skyline is the best-looking thing here.
11. The Flag Map Logo
This might have made sense in 1972, but now it looks retro and illegible.
10. The Numbers-Becoming-Letters Logo
We always like the visual tricks, but they don’t work on everybody. Some folks might think they were watching the Zoizdon Olympics.
9. The Hand Logo
The idea is great (if a little infantile), but as we look more closely we can’t help feeling like all of London is about to be crushed by a giant hand of fire.
8. The Scarf Logo
This was actually London’s candidate city logo (yes, even the candidacy stage warrants a separate logo), and it’s a shame nobody thought to re-use it.
7. The Big Ben Logo
It’s edgy and dynamic, but it’s also intensely nationalist and vaguely, creepily Christian-missionary-looking.
6. The 1948 Logo
London hosted the first post-WWII games, and it looks like they haven’t really had any particularly bright logo ideas since then. If it ain’t broke…
5. The Flag Logo
A little patriotic, but also happy and playful, it makes us want to celebrate. Or fly a kite.
4. The Cribbed Rings Logo
A little 1984-ish, but also sexy and clean. We can already picture the hula-hoop dancers at the opening ceremony.
3. The Pointilist Logo
We’re not sure if it’s an abstracted map of London, a snowflake, or a reference to vintage video games, but we like it.
2. The Circle Letters Logo
Maybe a little lacking in creativity, but so slick and clean. The punch line, though suggestive of doping schemes, is also excellent.
1. The Bauhaus Logo
A little similar to number 2, but more artful and less corporate-clean. We have a magical retroactive winner!
# 5. The Flag is the only one I see in many sizes and comfortable to look at.
The other designs make me dizzy and have too much going on.