Your favourite World Cup poster design?
A public voting initiative is taking place, for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Here’s a snippet from BizCommunity.com:
“South African residents are being invited make their voices heard from today (yesterday), Tuesday, 11 September 2007, by voting for one of three designs to become the official poster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.”
Whilst only people living in South Africa can take part in the ballot, you can see the three poster designs above, chosen from 16 entries. Alternatively, go to the official FIFA website for more info.
My personal favourite is the centre option. For me, it certainly has the strongest idea. The poster on the right actually reminds me of a pregnant woman. Anyone else see that? I do love the colour and contrast though. The design on the left is probably the weakest of the three. Still, if the London 2012 Olympic Committee opened up their logo design process to the British public, I don’t think we would’ve been left with the Olympic logo design we’re currently seeing a lot of.
What’s your opinion?
Do you think it’s a good idea to open the design process up to the public? Which of the three poster designs would you choose for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa?
Thanks to Nic for flagging up the World Cup poster story.
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57 appreciated comments on “Your favourite World Cup poster design?”
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Hey David! Thanks for posting about this, very cool indeed! And thanks for the linklove.
I must say I think that the right poster is meant to look like a pregnant women, I think it symbolises how Africans believe that our continent is the birth place of football!!
Hi Nic,
Everyone knows the birthplace of football is Northern Ireland, so I guess I couldn’t understand why African designers would think otherwise. ;)
Straight away I thought it was pregnant women. I agree the middle one looks the best. First one reminds me of Brazil for some reason.
Your right, the World Cup and Olympic games are about the people, not the sponsors or corporations. The design of these posters/logo should be down to the people.
Well done South Africa.
Jamie
Euro 2008 Logo’s?
I wish they had high-res versions of the posters because the first one looks like it has some interesting patterns and little details. That said, the poster that immediately jumped out at me first was the second one. How they used the Africa continent as a person’s head is genius.
I like it when the design process is open to the public because ultimately it’s the public that is going to see the design. At least by doing this, companies/organizations can get a feel of what the masses want.
Off topic…
I know you always welcome reader feedback on improving your blog so here’s something that just caught my attention. I’ve seen on some blogs that whenever the author of the post comments back in the comments section, their comments are highlighted with either a box around it or a different color. Your avatar helps to identify your comments, but I think along with another design element to help distinguish your comments from the rest wouldn’t hurt. It’ll definitely help when there are 30 comments and a long list to sift through.
Just a thought, that’s all ;)
I really like the 2nd (middle) one. It really speaks to what the World Cup is about – football (soccer) and encompasses the continent on which it is being held. :)
Jamie,
Not sure if I’ve seen any Euro 2008 logos. If I have, I certainly haven’t been able to remember. Worth having a dig around though.
PG,
I found myself looking close-up to my monitor, trying to see the detail on the left poster. I’d also love to view high-res versions.
Thanks very much for the design feedback by the way. I’ve previously thought it’d be worthwhile separating my personal comments on each blog post, but am unsure how to go about doing it. If you know, I’d appreciate your help.
Hi Ellie,
I’m definitely with you on that one. Thanks for stopping by.
The first one is great, but i’m a vector maniac so… :-)
As well as being a clever blending of the African continent and a player’s head, the middle one strikes me as quite retro, it must be the old ball.
Africa is the birthplace of the human race, so perhaps that’s what the last one is about? Not quite right for football though….
My first thought when I saw the poster to the right was: What has pregnancy has to do with football??!! (Hopefully a lot…I’m becoming a dad in about 2 weeks so…) ;)
I think the middle one illustrates that this isn’t just South Africa’s World Cup, but the entire continents. (His head looks a bit like Africa) Hopefully it can spread little hope across the continent.
The last one is just plain boring
Like the second :)
1. I did not find it very nice – sorta scattered
2. Gives deepness in the logo.
3. Certainly looks like a pregnant woman
My vote goes to 2nd.
Hi,
Yes I would definitely go for the middle one as the best. The third one doesn’t do it for me at all, my eye is drawn to the tree in the background and I am not too sure what it has to do with footie. (sorry if I am missing something here folks!) I didn’t see the pregnant woman thing…but now you mention it….
PS don’t worry Dennis you can still watch footie when you become a Dad! (just swap the beer for a bottle of milk!)
Toni
well im drawn to the second one, as is most people. But the real question is…is that what the people will vote for?
Off topic..
Hi David,
Sorry should probably introduce my self – Toni from Deckchair UK. I only recently discovered your blog/site when a friend recommended it to me. I have to say I am mightily impressed and have found it to be an interesting read and a great source of inspiration. I have only been blogging for a month or so and have found your blogging tips etc very helpful. I also find your honesty and frankness very refreshing. So Thanks!
Toni
dos.
Although the third one is quite appealing to me now that ive read a few posts and understand the rationale of it. I think it evokes a lot more emotion.
I think it is a great idea to open voting to the public.
It gets people more involved in the festivities.
But I like the third one by far.
Seems like the second one does it for most people and I have to agree. I’m no great football fan but at least the second one clearly shows that football and Africa are the subject so should be easy for people to get the connection
I’ll have to agree and go with the middle design; the left design reminds me somewhat of World Cup promotional material from twenty years ago, and the right certainly looks like either a pregnant woman or someone with a distended stomach, and I think that’d carry negative connotations with western countries who generally see South Africa as starving anyway.
Its a great idea to allow public voting though, and yes I was thinking of our horrendous 2012 Olympic logo when you mentioned that.
I expect the centre design to win.
I saw a pregnant woman in the third poster, even before reading your article! I would vote for the second one, too. I love the brilliant idea of making the outline of the African continent form the head of the athlete. I also like the style of illustration and the colors used. I wish they’d get the title more towards the center of the shape, though. It creates too much tension on the edge like that!
As to opening up design to the public.. that’s a good question! I think most people have a decent sense of what is good design, even if they themselves can’t create it. But they won’t dig any deeper than their first impression and I’m sure the vote would be fairly split among options 1 and 2 for this piece. They are both good and it comes down to personal preferences.
Now the 2010 logo… yikes! That should’ve gone to vote (so that it would’ve been vetoed!)
Er, the 2012 logo… dang IE doesn’t work with the edit comments plugin… I hate working for a big company. Can’t install Firefox *cries*
I like the third one the best, I like the colours and contrast!
The second ones head being Africa is very cleaver but its not Africas world cup but rather SA world cup.
I also like the idea of getting the public to vote on what they think is best.
those are awesome posters!
None shine from the rest, but the middle one is what I choose. This is only because the third one reminded me of pregnancy – and I thought that before I read what you had said… although looking at it that may well be the idea of the poster.
i actually like the one on the left. they better get it right since it’s the world’s most popular sport! i agree with the pregnant woman comment.
I think the second one is the best. The third one… hm… What feelings is that supposed to trigger?
I from South Africa and I’d go for the second one. I like the simplicity and clean lined nature of it. It seems so much better than we usually come up with – it’s also amazing that there’s this much buzz around.
Makes one proud. Now hopefully if any of you guys come you won’t get mugged ;P
I always want to ask – what are you perceptions generally of our country?
Funny – I had exactly the same thoughts, I was drawn to the central one, the right-hand one does look like a pregnant woman – surely can’t be intentional??
The left-hand one has nothing that grabs you – also suffers from the ball pulling your attention in one direction whilst the dynamic of the player is in the opposite direction.
Cool poster designs. I like the third one best!
The Swiss_Mouse votes for the left most.
The right most is interesting, but …
I think it’s a great idea to open the voting up to the public. I can’t believe that they chose the London Olympic one that they did!
Aesthetically I like the third one (I agree, pregnant lady) the best. However, the middle one portrays the relevant info more quickly. The first one is okay I guess, but it’s even more obscure again, you have to read closely to figure out what it’s about.
Wish I could help you, David. I don’t know squat about these WordPress blogs.
Seems an excellent idea to have the public vote. After all the world cup will ultimately benefit the South African public so why not have that same public vote on the images to be presented as well
Thanks for all your comments!
Toni,
Good of you to introduce yourself, and I’m humbled by your compliments!
Chris,
Funny that they all show retro styled balls. Maybe that’s to portray street football more, as I guess there’s a lot more of it in South Africa, instead of the ‘no ball games allowed’ signs you see everywhere here.
Dennis,
A dad eh? It’s a little late, sure, but congratulations! Have you chosen a girl / boy name? David has a nice ring to it.
Zane,
Regarding my perceptions of South Africa, I’ve never visited so can’t say first hand what it’s like, however, whilst I know there have been social issues, worse in the past, everywhere has social issues, and I’d love to visit at some point in my life.
I spent the first 19 years of my life growing up in Northern Ireland, and I know a thing or two about how the minority can spoil things for the majority.
Mig,
I’m curious about the reasoning for number three. It’s a shame there’s no more info on the designs where the public can vote (or perhaps I’m just missing it).
Kris,
I’m still disappointed at the London 2012 logo, but hey, what can you do? ;)
Jermayn, interesting point about it being SA’s World Cup. Perhaps the 2nd poster idea is an attempt to unify the continent in some respect?
PG,
No worries at all. It so happens that my good friend Michael, from Pro Blog Design, just published a post on how to change the look of author comments.
Thank you very much, David :-)
In Danish David doesn’t sound as “cool” as in English. In Denmark David is pronounced Dahvith….
Hey David,
I like the middle one too, C, the one on the far right is actually a little disturbing…
Love the idea of opening to the public.
I was drawn to the far right poster most initially. But now that you said it resembles a pregnant woman, I realize that is probably why I was drawn to it having had 2 myself!! I also didn’t look long enough at the middle one before I started reading to see there was a face… I saw the continent. Once you mentioned the idea behind it I looked again. That is definitely very cool. Summary- The far right grabbed me first, but I like the symbolism, dual meaning image the best. the left does nothing for me.
I think opening the process at this stage could cause some problems. Maybe to whittle down from 16 to five or three. Anyways the middle one should win.
the picture’s a little small, it’ll be easier to judge if they can be enlarged. nevertheless, from what i can see, the first is a rather direct approach while the third, yea, is rather disturbing. What is it trying to say? Personally, i’ll go for the second. I think the african map integrated on a face is pretty cool!
i like the second one as well. As for the idea of having people vote… I’m on the fence. On one hand, the poster is supposed to be geared toward the people so it’d make sense to have a vote. But on the other hand, it makes the art and profession of design into a constant contest. I personally think the event committee and design officials should assess the best solution and make the decision themselves. Plus, when the actual event comes around, the design will be less attractive since people will have already seen it years prior. Obviously, they’ll probably continue to make changes to the winning design (cough* the middle one), but it’ll be less and less spectacular the more and more you see it.
Hey David,
I am also from SA, read Biz-Community and found out about the posters on your blog. Shows you that the source of content is more relevant than just the content alone.
Great posters but I gotta say I really like the simplicity of the second one.
Cheers
Hi David.
Just foudn your blog for the first time – like it
Have to say I think the 2nd design is the best – very clever idea and something about it puts me in mind of the 1970s style of designs such as for the Mexico World cup. Dead simple and very iconic.
Dennis,
Quite similar to how the Spanish pronounce my name then. I didn’t know that.
Hi Dave,
Thanks for coming over, and there is something about the third option that isn’t quite right, in my opinion.
Zabs,
I agree with you that the first option is the weakest of the three, mainly because it lacks an idea. The third has an idea that I don’t quite like, but it’s an idea nonetheless. Cheers for commenting.
Dave B, Cory,
Good of you to take the time to comment. It would be nice to see the posters in larger detail, although I couldn’t find them online anywhere.
Vincent,
I think you’re right that opening the design up to the public has its pros and cons. Still, if all the public are presented with are strong options, then you can’t really lose (not that I believe these three examples are all strong).
Hi Adrian,
You found out about my blog post through a Biz Community? That’s interesting. Will you be purchasing any tickets for the World Cup? I know it’s years away, but just curious. I’d love it if it were to come to Scotland – slim chance to none. ;)
Stuart,
Glad you like my blog. Wasn’t Mexico in ’86? That’s when I first took any interest in football, with my Panini sticker album for that event.
Spain 82 is one of my favorite pieces of visual art ever! http://expertfootball.com/history/world_cup_posters.php
I like the one at the far right.
I think it symbolizes the early stages of an unborn wonder.
I’m sure you guys have to admit alot of african footballers are great footballers. Most of them grew up from poverty but they proved themselves by showing what their feet can do.
Erwin
Great post, DA.
I think I’m in the minority in that I really really really like the poster on the right. How perfect that would be for the Women’s World Cup! The contrast, as you mentioned, is gorgeous.
However, even though it’s my favorite, I’d choose the middle one as far as getting the job done. For us designers, that’s pretty much what it comes down to yes?
Just discovered you yesterday, by the way, and have avoided any sort of meaningful production since:)
Charlie
Charlie
Erwin,
There are so many talented African footballers, and one who scored some amazing goals was Tony Yeboah. I wonder what he’s doing now.
Charlie,
Glad you enjoy the blog! Thanks for reading, and for commenting too.
Thanks for the awesome site David…I refer my graphic Design students to it on a regular basis. The second poster is the official 2010 World Cup Poster. Although I’m not fond of the 2010 logo myself – it does include the South African flag in a graphic shape of Africa. The figure is based on San or bushmen rock paintings that are found in the mountains, and depicts the ‘bicycle kick’ which our players are apparently well known for.
To add to Erwins comment…I think the third is meant to be a pregnant woman…I think he’s right, it symbolises the birth of new hope. Maybe not entirely appropriate in the global context.
Hi Sharon,
That’s great you refer your students here! Thanks very much, and I hope your current crop are respectful of your teachings.
The Right one all the way love it it would turn my head.
I understand the third poster, and the idea behind it. But I dont understand the idea behind the first poster and the second one. It looks nice, but I cant seem to understand the idea.
I like the middle one because it’s easier to read, and the continuity is more clear than the other two. I also like the the bright yellow African feel, and to tone it down the use of brown is perfect with some cool hues.
The first one could be cool, but I just can’t really tell what’s going on because it looks like the guy is about to kick a ball that’s behind him.
The third one is definitely a pregnant lady.
Can’t wait bring on the world cup…these posters are great – this would be my dream job creating designs for the world cup amazing…..if you’ve not heard the offical anthem for the World Cup check it out – its by a guy called K’Naan – amazing artist – liked him for a long time and deserves this exposure. I like the second one having travelled to west africa myself it reminds me of the paintings on the side of buildings – the real africa!
I’m looking forward to it, too, Ryan. A bit gutted the Irish didn’t make it, so it’s back to supporting the English again.
That is really good – thanks.
I worked with a guy (many years ago) that designed one of them posters – I think the same agency came up with the africa band aid guitar logo.
Brian