Utah 2034 Logo Designer Defends Design, Explains Transitional Nature Following Public Criticism
SALT LAKE CITY – The designer behind theโฃ recently unveiled Utah โ2034 Olympic โขand paralympic logo is addressing public criticism and โclarifying the reasoning behind โits current black and white aesthetic. Katheryn Mazzolini, speakingโ about the logo’s initial reception, acknowledged the conversation surrounding the design but emphasized its temporary nature and โฃthe โคaccessibility considerations informing its creation.
Theโฃ logo, revealed last week, has drawn mixed reactions online. Mazzolini explained the colour scheme was intentionally chosen based on feedback โfrom Paralympic representatives, prioritizing high-contrast visuals toโฃ aid athletes with visual impairments navigating competition spaces.โค “We hadโ meetings with Paralympic representatives,” she said. “They educated us on how to make the logo better for all.”
However, the logo isโฃ not a permanent fixture. Due to Los Angelesโข 2028 holding branding and marketing rightsโฃ for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic effortsโข until โafter their Games,Utah is currently utilizingโ a โคtransitional logo. This โpractice,recently approved by the International Olympic and Paralympic Commitee,allows Utah โto establish an identity while planning for the 2034 Games,which were awarded inโฃ summerโข 2024 – nearly a โคdecade before the Opening โCeremony.
“It is vrey crucial that we represent accordingโข to the guidelines that theyโค give to us and that โขthey have also approvedโ of what we call a transition logo, because we are just starting โas an organizing committee,” Mazzolini stated. “We are guardians of these โฃstunning marks, the Olympics rings, the Paralympic โฃagitos, on behalf of theโ international Olympic committee and International Paralympic Committee.”
A finalized logo, incorporating color, is slated for release in 2029 after the conclusionโ of LA28. Mazzolini indicated the permanent design may also differ from the current iteration, allowing forโฃ a “slow and steady โrole to evolve the look of Utah 2034.”
Despiteโข the โcriticism, Mazzolini expressed optimism, viewing the public discourse as a valuable part of the creative process. She noted observing positive engagement with the logo firsthand, particularly among younger generations unfamiliar โwith the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.โ “Iโข was giving out stickers to the kids,and โฃitโค was so beautiful to see everyone had โthese moments,” she said.โฃ “It really is important โฃthat people want to connect with it and make it their own.”
Theโข transitional logo isโข currently featured at public events,the airport,and Utah 2034 committee meetings,with merchandise alreadyโฃ availableโค at several Utah Olympic venues. The online discussionโข surroundingโ the logo is expected to continue as planning forโข the โฃ2034 Games progresses.
