Sydney Olympics logo gets a mixed response

The Sydney 2000 Olympics logo has been launched to a mixed response from the Australian public, some of whom have compared it unfavourably with the original bid marque.

The logo was designed by FHA Image Design after the consultancy won a pitch against several local consultancies, including Cato Design and Emery Vincent, both in Melbourne.

The red, yellow and blue marque has been contrasted unfavourably in some national newspapers to Minale Tattersfield Bryce’s bid logo design (DW 1 October 1993).

The logo has been likened in the press to a number of derogatory images, including Woody Woodpecker’s profile and a pair of mating toucans.

But Michael Bryce, creative director at Minale Tattersfield Bryce and official design advisor for the games’ visual identity, supports the new marque: “The bid logo represented Sydney, but the new logo is a more international symbol with which everyone can identify.”

Bryce adds of FHA’s controversial boomerang images: “We had official Aboriginal advisors who gave it a clean bill of health. If it were accepted by every body, wouldn’t that mean it’s too bland?” he asks.

FHA’s logo for the Paralympics is about to be launched. Minale Tattersfield Bryce handled the Paralympics bid logo (DW 26 March 1993). And an appointment is yet to be made for the design of the games’ mascot.

Minale Tattersfield Bryce is currently redesigning a signage system for Sydney Airport to be implemented for the year 2000. The group is also creating a new identity for Darling Harbour Authority in the city.