olympic graphics

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I'm fully into Olympic-watching mode….assuming you are too. The opening ceremonies were theatrical, colorful, and fabulous. Those dancing onion domes that became balloons were my favorite. I love that in recent years both film and lighting have enhanced the performance. As I observe the various venues for skiing, skating, snowboarding, and other winter sports, I am amazed by the immense planning and building of each, and how graphic design is present and prevelant. The screenprinted banners are everywhere – on location, in town, on transport vehicles, jackets, athlete's numerical vests – it's a visual feast. I had to do some research to find out the history of the emblem and the "look of the games".

The emblem, Sochi.ru, is by Christoph Marti, a Swiss member of the design team at Interbrand Agency. I love that it is so simple, that it directs you to a comprehensive website, and that the "4" is a rotation of the "H". Clever. Read more about it HERE. Below is the philosophy behind the graphics we are seeing everywhere. You can see for yourself HERE. More HERE. I love that Bosco is honoring the tradition of folk arts and crafts with this quilt-like design.

I found this amazing video clip. There was no sound, and the text is Russian, but you are treated to a look through previous Olympic graphic details, then it goes on to WOW you with the evolution toward 2014. Very cool.

I'm looking forward to watching more of the competitions, plus all the sidebar pieces that will highlight all things Russian. My friend Anne told me Mary Carillo has an upcoming feature on Faberge eggs, and I read there will be additional features on Vodka, and the TransSiberian Railway! Loving this visit to Sochi. Go team USA!

Comments

11 responses to “olympic graphics”

February 9, 2014

Julie Prichard

This blog post has been read by Julie Prichard.

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February 9, 2014

Andrew Borloz

This is brilliant!

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February 9, 2014

Marlynn

Loving the visual feast also! Amazing. Great post. Hugs.

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February 9, 2014

Lisa Hoffman

Wonderful. I love the patchwork look and I feel like it has a rich and deep historical reference while staying modern. The mark of any well designed graphic. You’re a graphic designer and who better to take us by the hand and lead us to The Back Story. Now, where do we get the jackets?

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February 10, 2014

Sue

Sadly, I haven’t been able to see the Olympics yet as I’ve been working. But, I did get to read your blog post! I totally love the graphics! And thanks for educating us, Michelle – It carries so much more meaning when you see some of the history. And I am loving the patches too and it all makes me just want to go make art! I love the flags too – it’s all so colorful and happy! Thanks for sharing! I don’t watch much tv, so I really do appreciate this post.

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February 10, 2014

Maryanne

Thanks for the research, Michelle! Of course, being a fabric and quilt lover, I love the banners! I love how they drew on so much Russian folk art from all media. And, the bright colors are wonderful, too.

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February 10, 2014

karen cole

I was thrilled to see so much color this time around, while watching the events. THANK YOU THANK YOU, for opening my eyes to the background of the visuals and what they mean.

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February 12, 2014

barbara

Loving the graphics too, and the first thing I noticed was the clever use of the h for the 4. I was squinting, pausing the recording to try and get a closer look at the patchworks. All while hubby kept saying, can we please watch the EVENTS! Your research explains it all so nicely. Now looking at them with new understanding! Thanks.

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February 12, 2014

Carrie

How cool! I haven’t seen any of the Olympic coverage so far. Looks like I should be tuning in just for the graphic design if nothing else! Thanks for the crash course! I love the patchwork motif.

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February 15, 2014

Joan

Thanks so much for your research – loved reading about the Russian motifs and how the emblem was designed. I am loving the Olympics!
Quick question – where did you get all that lovely cardboard??
Joan

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February 17, 2014

Chris

I haven’t seen the Faberge egg feature, but I loved her feature on the nesting dolls! wonderful wonderful

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