2016 Summer Olympic Logos – May the best logo win!! « Graphic Design Blog – An Ultimate Resource for Graphic Designers

2016 Summer Olympic Logos – May the best logo win!!

64 Comments

Posted on Monday, August 31st, 2009

After the chaos created on internet in 2007 by the release of terrible London 2012 logo (a ‘branding’ that cost £400,000) once again Olympic logos are the hot topic. Two months from now, on 2 October 2009, the International Olympic Committee will announce the host city for the 2016 Summer Olympics at a secret ballot. Therefore, today I have compiled 7 new logos of cities applying for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Chicago, Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro are the cities shortlisted by the International Olympic Committee to host the 2016 Olympic Games while Doha, Prague and Baku were eliminated from the nominal list of potential hosts.

Before, you all start searching for the Olympic hint within these logos, I would like to mention that all these logos are “bid logos” The cities competing for Olympics game are not allowed to use Olympic rings or flame until not selected. It is said that earlier, Chicago created a logo where Sear Towers looked like Olympic flame but the selection committee insisted to change it.

Logos of the 4 auspicious cities shortlisted for 2016 Olympics:

Madrid Olympics Logo 2016:

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is among few European countries which has not yet hosted the Olympic games and this time they are trying their level best to grab the opportunity. The logo is named "Corle" and represents a hand in the colors of the Olympics, welcoming foreigners to the games. The silhouette of an ‘M’, representing Madrid, is also hidden in the hand.

Chicago Olympics Logo 2016:

Chicago is believed to be the strongest contender in terms of infrastructure, support and money. The logo is a 6-pointed star, as found on the flag of Chicago, with colors representing the sun in the sky, green parklands, and blue waters of Lake Michigan.

Tokyo Olympics Logo 2016:

Tokyo is very hopeful to host the event for the first time since 1964. The Tokyo bid logo takes the form of a traditional Japanese knot known as musubi. The five Olympic colors are used in the decorative knot; the musubi in Japan signifies blessings during times of celebration.

Rio de Janeiro Olympics Logo 2016:

Rio de Janeiro, host of the Pan-American Games in 2007, would be the first South American city to host the Olympics. The logo was revealed in 2007, during the Brazil’s Olympic Award ceremony chose the Sugarloaf Mountain (Portuguese: Pão de Açucar), a prominent heart shaped landmark of the city, as their symbol.

Logos of 3 cities which have been eliminated for 2016 Olympics:

These cities were eliminated in June 2008.

Doha Olympics Logo 2016:

The Doha logo for the 2016 bid is the al dahma, the flower of the spring. The design uses motifs from traditional henna decorations and Doha is written in Arabic in the design. Some of the IOC’s executive board members had argued that a city with a population of around 500,000 while Doha bid official Aneesa Al Hitimi says "The weather was the main reason we were left off the shortlist,"

Baku Olympics Logo 2016:

Elimination of the city Baku, capital of Azerbaijan is believed to be expected due to the under developed tourist sector, regional conflicts and no sports facilities meet global standards.

Prague Olympics Logo 2016:

With a strong sports history and excellent accommodations, Prague is said to have the potential of making a memorable host but a poll proved got in quiet low votes of favor. Prague’s bid logo features a branch from a laurel wreath, a traditional symbol of victory and celebration.

Who will be the host of summer 2016 Olympics?

I would love to know your opinion that which city you want to be host of 2016 Olympics and which one of these logos you find the best. However, don’t you think they all are a thousand times better than what we got saddled for the London 2012 logo….do you agree? To remind you of that disaster once again, have a look below

64 Appreciated Responses

Paul Singh On August 31st, 2009 at 7:28 am

1

I think the Madrid and London logos look the best.

Mehmet Satar On August 31st, 2009 at 9:42 am

2

They’re very good.
Bi s.ktir git bi boka yaramıyolar amk

Donna Watson On August 31st, 2009 at 11:25 am

3

I like Chicago and Madrid….If I had to vote, I guess I’d choose the Madrid logo.

John On August 31st, 2009 at 12:43 pm

4

you are right. London logo needs update. I like Chicago

Okonomi5soul On August 31st, 2009 at 12:59 pm

5

It’s funny how the cities with the best logo are the ones in the shortlist. Go Tokyo! Or Chicago for that matter, so close to home. But London… Sadly that logo is utterly ridiculous… haha

David On August 31st, 2009 at 11:21 pm

6

hehe, London needs updating but Chicago’s attempt is modern? Chicago has 80′s written all over it, well, like London’s, but there’s a massive difference. London’s logo was designed to be a container that could hold any type of expression within in. Now that’s modern. It’s extremely versatile. I’ve seen it with the union jack in it, photo’s, other designs and the framework lets the contents speak but it doesn’t disappear. If it wasn’t controversial and forward thinking it wouldn’t be London. It’s very London. Chicago’s looks exactly like the stuff I used to make with Corel Draw 3 and I thought it was cool. I have to admit London’s logo by itself looks like the stuff I would doodle in class too… but I have to give it props for being a container. That’s the main reason why I like it. You can’t do anything with Chicago’s logo, it just sits there looking dated. There’s no character, no strong expression. I bet the designer was… 43 years old at the youngest.

Regis On August 31st, 2009 at 11:58 pm

7

Go Rio de Janeiro!

nicola On September 1st, 2009 at 3:33 am

8

Oh my God!
The London logo is absolutely AWFUL like shit!

Paxson Woelber On September 1st, 2009 at 5:34 am

9

I can’t even look at that London logo anymore. Corners poking and prodding, jostling everywhere. It’s just an absolute mess. Not to mention that the hard edges and four-armed square shape almost, vaguely, make it look like a cut-up swastika.

nicopywriter On September 1st, 2009 at 7:24 am

10

I love Madrid and Chicago logos !
Tokyo is a good one too
I guess I’d choose Madrid

Wael On September 1st, 2009 at 8:08 am

11

Seriously PEOPLE COME ON, London ? What no designers in you’re place ? If I have to choose three I would pick, Madrid, Chigago, Tokyo, but London is owful ..

Sami Drake On September 1st, 2009 at 11:01 am

12

1. Chicago
2. Madrid

Isela Cordero On September 1st, 2009 at 1:32 pm

13

I like me Chicago’s logo, it looks more contemporary and fresh, just like me color of Spain logo.

STRAIGHTALK On September 1st, 2009 at 1:39 pm

14

nice logos but I think everyone should win something..

heck just making a logos idea is hard not counting actually putting it into perspective!

Norman Flecha
http;//www.twitter.com/straightalk

A u d e e On September 1st, 2009 at 6:34 pm

15

The ribbon in Tokyo Olympics logo looks excellent. Madrid Olympics Logo 2016 would probably my 2nd fav

tedi nugroho On September 1st, 2009 at 11:03 pm

16

Tokyo’s logo = Good

Nia Brown On September 2nd, 2009 at 1:02 am

17

The Madrid and Chicago logos look the best. London… What happened here????

Blog Design On September 2nd, 2009 at 1:50 am

18

I loved Rio de Janeiro Olympics Logo, very good one.

digilab On September 2nd, 2009 at 2:10 am

19

Doha and Rio are my favorites. Nice simple and modern. Good coloring.

Emily Reed On September 2nd, 2009 at 2:27 am

20

I like the Madrid and Tokyo logos. And the Doha logo is very creative

Emily Reed On September 2nd, 2009 at 2:28 am

21

as for the London logo, all I got to say is Eh??? What the…??? :s

Anna Green On September 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 am

22

I like the Chicago and Madrid logos best, they really reflect there country’s. I personal think that the London logo is a mess! I don’t get what the inspiration behind the random shapes are and it doesn’t say anything about our country. I think that its a real shame that so much money was spent on this mess when there are thousands of talented designers and artists who would have done a far better job for free.

qw78 On September 2nd, 2009 at 12:21 pm

23

Thanks for this article

In the text of the logo of Madrid there is an error.
Spain has celebrated one Olympic Games

Barcelona 1992

Nicole Brors On September 2nd, 2009 at 3:36 pm

24

London is terrible…I actually really like the Tokyo logo and Chicago. Not a huge fan of Madrid either. How cool would it be to be the creator of one of these?

Jonathan On September 2nd, 2009 at 5:13 pm

25

As regards the London logo, as someone who lives there and has to endure that abomination on a day to day basis, please people don’t saddle yourself with a shapeless and meaningless turd like the London logo… It’s already dated and hackneyed. It’s not a container, it’s a mess. It bears no connection or link to the olympic project – it even needs the words London and the olympic rings plastered across it to tell you what it is… #fail.

It’s not London at all, unless you mean it represents a city with an expensive transport system that cooks it passengers every summer? If you have to rely on repetition and being stubborn in order for your logo to strike the public consciousness then maybe you should look again. Let me plant this idea in your heads, squint at the London logo, think Lisa Simpson kneeling, performing an intimate act. Thank you.

No post rationalisation please. Don’t tell me that its some abstract version of ’2012′. It’s a meant to be a celebration of the city not the date! Its angular, uncomfortable and painful. Sometimes good designers just plain get it wrong. Sometimes branding committees pick the wrong design and get a complete dog that they then have to live with and brazen out. End of.

I like Tokyo, I can see the ribbons. I like Madrid, I like the youthful energy, the way its waving or greeting, and the way the white space forms a ‘M’ in the middle of the hand.

Doha I don’t get, its a flower? I suspect its me that’s lacking some information to appreciate it. (ok so its given in the blurb I know) Should I have to go away and study in order to ‘get’ a global logo?

Chicago is perfectly acceptable, safe, predictable, not going to set the world alight.

Praha, is lovely, delicate, conjours all the ideas of victory and peace with the laurel branch but doesn’t excite me or fill me with the energy and potential that an Olympic event needs to.

Rio is ok for a first draft, but needs critique and retooling back in the studio.

May the best logo win, and let common sense prevail, not reactionary and grandstanding by committees trying to make a name for themselves.

S.Oni On September 3rd, 2009 at 12:22 am

26

Chicago! and Madrid! and Japan Logos are best!
In no particular order.
also Rio’s is beaitiful as well.
All logos are very very well done though.

Roberto Blake On September 3rd, 2009 at 11:10 am

27

I’m actually partial to the Tokyo logo design, something about the way in conveys movement maybe.

danni On September 3rd, 2009 at 11:47 am

28

I like the Madrid and Rio´s logo the best. Both are colorful as to represent the celebration that for most people are the Olympics but not too colorful so that it looks like carnival. And I find the London logo really bad, just no balance in it, even though the color is not quite bad; but it looks like an exercise from a 1st year graphic designer student

Kristina On September 3rd, 2009 at 3:51 pm

29

I personally like doha’s.. but since they are out of the running, I also like Rio de Janeiro’s and Madrid’s. If I had to choose, I would vote for Madrid- it has the Olympic feel with the colors and countries unified.

Anna Green On September 8th, 2009 at 7:57 am

30

I completely agree with Jonathan. And if you do squint at it i totally see what he means! I think the designer got lost working on this, it breaks every rule of good logo design there is and the results are shocking. It give England a bad name.

David On September 8th, 2009 at 12:06 pm

31

Tokyo’s is by far the best logo, but Chicago is a better choice of location.

CrystalWalker On September 9th, 2009 at 5:47 pm

32

London= horrifying. May have worked in 1988. Madrid’s logo is the best I think… Doha’s is nice as well. None of these really stand out though.

Marnix van Dixhoorn On September 11th, 2009 at 1:52 am

33

That London logo is very interesting. I would love to see how the designer came to this result. Does anybody know if there are sketsches or other background on this logo.
I love the Madrid logo. But it’s also a bit infantile for the purpose.

CMYK On September 11th, 2009 at 3:42 am

34

Madrid 2016 The best logo and the winner!!!!!

michael On September 13th, 2009 at 3:46 pm

35

well they are all much much better then the london one

wsbartlett.com On September 14th, 2009 at 8:37 am

36

I think Tokyo has the best logo but Madrid should host as its mad that they haven’t already!

As for the London Logo I’m embarrassed with it! Its mad to think that a city which is renowned for some of the best graphic design and creative industry has that as our logo.

Victor Borb On September 14th, 2009 at 7:54 pm

37

I wish Rio de Janeiro win because i live in Rio and the Panamerican games proove me that we (the city and citizens) can make a event with that proportion very well. Surprised even me. In second place, no doubt: Madrid.

Ash Menon On September 15th, 2009 at 3:32 am

38

I have to say that after reading a comment above on how London = controversial and forward, and that how the logo doubles as a container in future applications, I have a new respect for the London logo.

For 2016, I think Madrid’s one is the most spirited, and while Tokyo’s one is classic Japanese minimalism, it has a nice meaning behind it, plus I can easily see the design elements being stretched across the entire event.

Roberta On September 15th, 2009 at 1:39 pm

39

I think that the Madri logo is the best one. I also like the chicago logo.

David Millar On September 20th, 2009 at 3:19 pm

40

Every time I see the London logo I get the insatiable urge to cut my wrists.

Evangeline On September 25th, 2009 at 9:28 am

41

The Chicago logo looks like gay parade sheriff’s badge!
It so retarded!

Holly On September 28th, 2009 at 11:10 am

42

Tokyo is awesome! It really grows on you. Each time you look at it, it shows a new aspect of it’s self. By far the best out of the bunch

Alex P On September 28th, 2009 at 12:58 pm

43

I like them all except for Chicago’s. There is nothing particularly “wrong” with it but it is extremely rigid and backward! Looks way too retro to belong to the 21th century. I remember Atlanta 1996 having the same problem (could be the most boring one in the history of modern Olympic). Somehow it is always the US who can’t really let go and have fun with their logos?

Matt Baranowski On October 2nd, 2009 at 8:56 pm

44

Well even though Chicago didn’t win. Chicago should run in the 2016 olympics. The reason i think Chicago lost is that Mayor Daley wanted to have all the events spread out around the 3 states(Ilionis,Indiana,Wisconsin)not just in Chicago. That is why they chose Chicago, NOT the Midwest. The wanted to have the biking in Wisconsin and other events in other states and it wouldnt be the Chicago olympics with the great scenery of Lake Michigan. The other thing i don’t think Chicago didn’t win was because President Obama did not back the bid as much as the other countries did. It as if he didn’t want the olympics in America. Obama went their for not even a day in Copenhageon and left right after his speach and didn’t even stay for the results. The other thing i dont think Chicago did’nt win was that we are in war with irag and Olympics are united with all countries partiscipating and with war war going on bettween us two, the IOC communittee did not like that. Well thats all i got. GO CHICAGO 2020 congrats Rio

Anne Baik On October 3rd, 2009 at 6:13 am

45

Chicago looks like the one the stodgy boy did. London is the one that got knocked off the desk and put back together by some admin bod while the designer was out of the building. Doha and Prague are beautiful but too frail for sweaty sport and Baku is just tourist for Baku. Madrid is magnificent – it’s just meant to be out there on the street and on people’s hands. Tokyo is a great weaving together of two visual ideas – the knot and the five olympic colours. Rio is perfect – the one we are going to get to love.

Rodrigo On October 4th, 2009 at 10:57 am

46

Sorry, but the best logo and the winner go to RIO DE JANEIRO!!
Coming to incredible and amazing summer games of the history.
See you in Rio!!!

the best olympic bid videos, according to me! : NO QUARTER On October 5th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

47

[...] would do something in the end, but thought they would combine to form the rings, instead they form the logo. The ribbon is a traditional Japanese knot known as musubi. The five Olympic colors are used in the [...]

yeah On October 5th, 2009 at 10:46 pm

48

Rio is definitely the best, the colors are awesome, and if you look at the heart more closely, it looks like a blue ocean, with some beaches and small mountains, just what Rio looks like. vibrant orange sky as well.

About the London logo….it’s so awful I’m almost speechless

Clippingimages On October 6th, 2009 at 6:51 am

49

II would request everyone not to make a comparison between London and any other. It would be like comparing the taste of honey and shit.

The Madrid one is simply superb. And all the other ones are also very fascinating ….

2016 Olympic Applicant City Logos :: No Wonder Rio Won « fight bad design.org On October 6th, 2009 at 10:08 am

50

[...] Yes, I know. All of the logos were conceptual and tied in nicely to their city’s culture. But for me, Chicago’s use of a star seems like, well, it’s been done before. Madrid’s welcoming waving hand is cute, but not enough (even with the hidden M for Madrid). And Tokyo’s blessing knot is a nice concept, but a weak execution (IMHO). Rio’s abstraction of their landmark mountains with unique colors is sophisticated and classy. And the clever way they tied in the “i” in Rio with the “1″ in 2016 used as an exclamation mark is conceptually exceptional and truly ties it all together. (More about each logo’s meaning.) [...]

guilherme gonzaga On October 7th, 2009 at 4:30 pm

51

IMHO Japan one is the best. There is something about the Japanese culture on it, tied with the Olympic colors. Very placid. Very inspiring. At the first sight you can say that it represents something coming from Japan.

I really like Madrid one. Nice colors, nice shape. It brings happiness and friendship.

Rio – my opinion here is one sided. I like the 3d effect of it. The logo has a nice perspective. Every time you look at it you can find a new element of the nature.

All those are excellent and represents the games in those country’s

The worst

Chicago – Bad one. Lets see….. there is a star in it? Oh a star!!! What else? I’m sorry they could have done something better.

London. What can I say about London 2012. Wtf !!???? Is this a joke? There is nothing about the city, the country or Olympic game on it.

It would be nice to represent something like a KIZZ show in the 80´s.

I´m sorry. Thre I something worse then a bad ideia => to insist on that bad idea . No matter how much you insist.

Kristin On October 8th, 2009 at 4:23 am

52

I absolutely love the Madrid logo! Well done! Full of fun, happiness and an invitation to friendship and games in good spirit! Additionally, I can see and feel the flamboyant artistic life in Madrid – love it. All the best to Rio though, I am pleased that South America got it – however, it will be an expensive experience, lets hope it will serve them well!

Bob On October 12th, 2009 at 6:29 pm

53

Tokyo ribbon is best. Immediate color recognition…The ring is in the ribbon. I would refine by dropping the rings below the type and clarifying the ring in the ribbon with 3D effect.

Logon suunnittelu On December 2nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm

54

Logo of Madrid is the best

Logon suunnittelu On December 2nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm

55

ok.. Tokio is good too… =)

Uberdude Fus On February 18th, 2010 at 5:57 pm

56

Well, before the London 2012 logo was the word, “SHIT” so dont freak out that it looks like lisa simpson giving bart simpson a B.J.

Cheerio.girl.16 On March 1st, 2010 at 1:06 am

57

I like the Madrid logo best

Canadian Right Here =) On March 1st, 2010 at 11:37 pm

58

London’s logo makes my eyes hurt, no joke!

Chameleons On March 4th, 2010 at 5:11 pm

59

I like Rio and Praha.
What to hell is the logo of London??!?
It´s the absolutely ugly ….

Jonathan Keller On June 30th, 2010 at 9:04 am

60

Ever since reading one blog about the 2012 Longdon Olympics logo which stated that it looks like Lisa Simpson giving fellatio that’s all I can see now.. it doesn’t even look liken numbers anymore. LoL

~J

jade macdonnald On September 15th, 2010 at 9:00 am

61

i vote the madrid one yeah

Ludus Tours On January 10th, 2011 at 6:10 am

62

All the logos are unique on their own way and may the Olympics be held at the best of places. No matter where the Summer Olympics will be held Ludus Tours will always be there to help tourists have their bestest of time during the Games.

The Simple Truth About Logo Design « Metropolis Creative on Branding and Marketing On February 9th, 2011 at 12:26 pm

63

[...] drop shadows, textures and overly complicated designs in an effort to stand out (note all Olympic logos as of late). It is true that originality is harder and harder to achieve in a world with millions [...]

eliAs On March 14th, 2011 at 10:18 pm

64

if i had to pick one of them as an olympic logo and the city is immidiatly known i pick TOKYO,
and it’s something diffrent.
but if not olympic the doha is diffrent too.
i am an interior and industrial designer.