The Evolution & History of Olympics
Even if you’re not into sports, chances are you can recognize Olympic logos. What makes Olympic logo design services so captivating is their ability to be both incredibly unique and universally recognizable. While each Olympic Games logo incorporates the iconic interlocking rings, symbolizing the event’s unity, every emblem also embodies its own distinct essence and character.
When a new city hosts the games, they’re given the opportunity to infuse their culture, heritage, and values into the designs of superhero logos. This creative freedom has resulted in a plethora of visually striking emblems, although some have not met expectations. Today, we explore the evolution of Olympic Games symbols, pinpointing the most creatively successful superhero logo designs and those that fell short.
In the realm of logo design and branding, few symbols rival the Olympic rings in recognition and significance. Graphic Springs, a provider of custom logo design services, eagerly presents a journey through the rich history and symbolism of Olympic logos. Whether you seek to craft your own logo or seek inspiration for a professional logo design, this article offers invaluable insights and tips applicable to your logo design ventures.
The Olympic Logo Redesigned
The 2020 Olympics showcased the intricate designs for Olympic-associated events, including a unique sweater designed by UK diver Tom Daley. Other notable logo redesigns include the Montreal Olympic Park, the Montreal Olympic Museum’s Heritage Exhibit, and the LA 2028 Olympic Games, which featured unique branding and logos for various organizations, sites, and events. These designs continue to inspire and captivate audiences.
Meaning and history of Olympics Logos
The 1896 Summer Olympics logo is one of the earliest modern Olympic emblems. It revolves around the theme of Ancient Greece. The same visual theme was chosen for the emblem of the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris.
1912–1986
The original iconic five rings logo of the Olympic Games was introduced in 1912 and featured thick lines of the five colored elements. The badge looked solid and bright, yet in comparison to the current logo, it was a bit heavier and darker.
1986–2010
The redesign of 1986 refined the contours of the rings and added some thin white lines to the place of their intertwining. The colors were also refined and made more delightful. This logo definitely looked more professional and stylish than the original version.
2010 — today
In 2010, the empty areas between the rings were painted over. The artists returned integrity to the Olympic symbol and brought it close to the original, which Pierre de Coubertin created in 1913. The modern version differs from the old one in thin and neat lines. The colors have not changed — the designers have updated only the shades.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics Logo
The Olympics emblem is adapted for each game, with traditional rings appearing under the host city’s symbol. The original logo for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was presented in 2015, but was never used due to a lawsuit.
In 2016, Asao Tokolo’s winning logo, featuring a checkered pattern and indigo color, conveys unity and diversity. The inscription “TOKYO 2020” is inscribed between the graphic part and the Olympic rings.
Paris — Summer Olympics 1924
Lake Placid — Winter Olympics 1932
Los Angeles — Summer Olympics 1932
Garmisch-Partenkirchen — Winter Olympics 1936
Berlin — Summer Olympics 1936
St. Moritz — Winter Olympics 1948
Oslo — Winter Olympics 1952
Helsinki — Summer Olympics 1952
Melbourne and Stockholm — Summer Olympics 1956
Squaw Valley, California — Winter 1960
Font and Colors
Intertwining rings symbolize connection and continuity in international events, as noted by Carl Gustav Jung. These rings are based on the Vesica Piscis mathematical form, which intersects two identical discs. The logos change every four years, representing the five continents represented by the five-ringed symbol, red, green, black, yellow, and blue.
Pierre de Coubertin chose colors without specific global meaning, aiming to represent flags of all countries without exception. The six colors symbolize individual states, like rings representing inhabited continents.
Color
The palette includes red, yellow, black, grey, blue, green, and white for the background.
FAQs
What do the 7 Olympic rings represent?
There are 5 rings, not 7. They represent the inhabited continents: America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
What do the 5 Olympic rings stand for?
The rings symbolize the continents competing in the Games: Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
What is the 2020 Olympic logo?
The Tokyo 2020 logo features a checkered circle pattern, “ichimatsu moyo,” inspired by Edo-period design.
Who designed the 2020 Olympic logo?
Tokyo Zokei University graduate Asao Tokolo designed the logo, drawing from ancient Japanese culture.
Why are there different colors in the Olympic rings?
The ring colors — blue, yellow, black, green, and red — are used to match the flags of all participating nations.
Conclusion
The Olympic symbol, or ‘Olympic Rings,’ is a globally recognized symbol. The 2000 Sydney Olympics inspired a passion for design and a career in logo design. The challenge of creating an iconic logo, especially if the Olympics return, led to the creation of a logo design company that resonates with global audiences.
The International Olympic Committee announced Australia’s successful bid for the 2032 Olympic Games, with Brisbane as the host city. This excitement sparked a brainstorming session with a renowned logo design USA, aiming to create a symbol that captures Brisbane’s unique culture.
During Sydney’s lockdown due to COVID-19, the author contemplated redesigning the Olympic logo for Brisbane 2032. They explored logo design history and the significance of representing a nation on the global stage. They envision collaboration with a top-tier custom logo design company to elevate the logo and leave a lasting impression.
Throughout my exploration, I realized the immense responsibility and opportunity that comes with crafting a logo for such a prestigious event. As a designer deeply invested in the craft, I’m eager to see how the legacy of the Olympic logo design company will evolve and contribute to the narrative of the Brisbane 2032 Games, leaving a lasting impression on both the local and international stages.
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