Dallas Olympics Logo
This logo design project was from a Design II course that I had taken at the University of Texas at Dallas in the Arts Technology and Emerging Communications program, where I was to create an olympic logo for my hometown, Dallas.
While driving through downtown Dallas, one notices a red winged horse that is presented here and there. This winged horse happens to be the unofficial, unsaid mascot of the city. Although it was never intended to become a permanent monument of the city, it became a significant structure to Dallas, much like how the Eiffel Tower is to France. This pegasus sits on top of an old oil rig, symbolizing the flight to higher heights for many of the residents in the city.
Earlier Iterations
At first I wanted the symbol of Dallas to be more recognizable, so I tried to do a logo with both the pegasus and the Texas Star Ferris Wheel. I thought that the ferris wheel would help to add clarity to the city since the State Fair is located in Dallas, but then it didn’t seem to balance well with the pegasus. It also made the design itself look busy and it was hard to add vibrant colors to the red portion of the flag as well as the pegasus itself without the two blending in with one another.
Re-Design
Rather than go for lineless art with both the pegasus and wheel, I went for a more geometric aesthetic for the pegasus. Although it gave it a more finished look, I felt that it could go further in terms of design.
Final Design
This final iteration combined the colors of the Olympic logo along with the symbol for Dallas I designed with the geometric pegasus with implied lines. With the symmetry in the design it gives off a sense of harmony and unity with the variety in colors. I chose red for the main portions of the wings and head to still tie it back to the original Red Pegasus that I used for inspiration for the design.
Feedback
“The very first time I drove to Dallas way back in 1972, I remember seeing the neon Pegasus on the skyline. From that moment on, the Pegasus has always represented Dallas to me, even after it was overshadowed by all the new buildings and growth. For me, it is a perfect icon for the city.
I love how you've taken the pegasus and re-imagined it, and given it an Olympic flair. The red color is still there, but incorporating the multi-color elements gives it a "mother hen protecting her young" look, suggesting unity and welcoming to the international community. It's a beautiful mark, Anna!”
—Professor Norm Cox, The University of Texas at Dallas