Tom Pigeon designs movement-inspired prints for Team GB ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Design studio Tom Pigeon has created a series of minimalist prints for Team GB in the run up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which will commence in July. The six prints show a stripped-back approach to sports, rendering the movement and form of athletes into a series of simple shapes.

The prints were designed by Tom Pigeon creative director Kirsty Thomas and celebrate some of the sports where Team GB athletes tend to shine – sailing, cycling, athletics, gymnastics, rowing and swimming. In each of the designs the athlete is symbolised by an orange circle, while their movement is represented by arcs and lines. The warm hue of the circles also nods to the rising sun in the flag of the 2020 Olympics host nation Japan.

Thomas says, “I have long been an admirer of the classic Olympic posters of the 1960s and 70s so this project is a really exciting opportunity to explore our amazing athletes through colour, line and shape, and launch our designs ahead of the games.”

The print series will be sold through the Team GB website to raise money for Team GB ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The British Olympic Association receives no annual government funding and so relies on sponsorship and merchandise to raise funds for athletes. Paul Ellis, head of licensing and retail at Team GB, said in a statement, “Kirsty’s exploration of rhythm and balance makes it a perfect fit for Team GB showcasing some of the Olympic sports in a playful nature.”

In January, the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games revealed the official posters for Tokyo 2020, with designs by Dutch photographer Viviane Sassen, British painter Chris Ofili, French illustrator Philippe Weisbecker and Manga artist Naoki Urasawa. The Olympics will begin on 24 July 2020.