LA Olympics

  • Logo and Custom Typeface
  • Direction by Chris Braden, Christa Muio, and Elliot Vrendenburg, Public Address

MCKL developed custom typography for the upcoming LA28 Summer Olympics, giving a bold and distinctive voice to this iconic international event.

The branding for each Olympics must capture both the essence of the host city and the spirit of global competition. To achieve this, we refined the “L28” lettering for the LA28 logo system, which features unique “A” designs created by Olympians, celebrities, and other notable figures, and developed a versatile family of text and display fonts that will be used across all aspects of the Games.

Inspiration for the LA28 typeface, including signage and artwork around Los Angeles.
Inspiration for the LA28 typeface, including signage and artwork around Los Angeles.

The typeface draws inspiration from the octagonal letterforms synonymous with the Hollywood sign, one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable symbols. These angular shapes also appear in sports numerals, the work of artist Ed Ruscha, and signage throughout the city, reinforcing their deep connection to LA’s visual identity.

In studying the original Hollywoodland sign, we noticed a unique detail: the angles of its letters subtly diverge, creating a sense of depth and movement. This forced perspective is also a hallmark of Ruscha’s artwork, further linking the typeface to the city’s cultural and artistic heritage.

By weaving these influences together, we crafted a typeface that not only embodies the visual language of Los Angeles but also tells a compelling story – one that excited our clients and reinforced the distinctive character of the LA28 Games.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at night during LA28 Olympics track and field event, with custom MCKL typeface in signage and branding.
White all-caps custom typeface on black background, designed by MCKL for the LA28 Olympics in a centered, stacked layout.
Two sports jerseys with ‘USA’ lettering and numbers ‘28’ and '32' in neon green custom LA28 Olympics typeface by MCKL displayed on a white background.
Black all-caps custom typeface on bright green background, designed by MCKL for the LA28 Olympics in a centered, stacked layout.
Green all-caps display type on white background, using MCKL’s custom typeface for the LA28 Olympics in a centered, stacked layout.
LA28 Olympics gymnastics arena with bright pink floor, athletes performing, and custom MCKL typeface on banners and branding.
LA28 Banners in green and black on grey background, featuring Olympic rings and MCKL custom typeface.
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg performing for crowd celebrating LA28 Olympics with colorful smoke display and LA28 logo featuring custom MCKL typeface.
Runners bibs featuring MCKL custom typeface for LA28 Olympics.
Black and white text featuring Summer Olympics sports for the LA28 Olympics in the MCKL custom typeface.
Split image of Billie Eilish performing with the LA28 logo, and a schematic medal with the olympic rings and the LA28 custom typeface by MCKL.
Black text on green background featuring "#1" in MCKL custom typeface for LA28 Olympics.
Delta plane featuring LA28 Olympics logo with Olympic flag in foreground, MCKL custom typeface.
Octagonal sans serif custom typeface for LA28 Olympics designed by MCKL.
Octagonal sans serif custom typeface for LA28 Olympics designed by MCKL.
Octagonal sans serif custom typeface for LA28 Olympics designed by MCKL.
Octagonal sans serif custom typeface for LA28 Olympics designed by MCKL.
Octagonal sans serif custom typeface for LA28 Olympics designed by MCKL.
Octagonal sans serif custom typeface for LA28 Olympics designed by MCKL.
Octagonal sans serif custom typeface for LA28 Olympics designed by MCKL.
Octagonal sans serif custom typeface for LA28 Olympics designed by MCKL.
Octagonal sans serif custom typeface for LA28 Olympics designed by MCKL.
Octagonal sans serif custom typeface for LA28 Olympics designed by MCKL.
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  • Photograph of the upper portion of the Atlantic magazine issue from December 2019. A handprint is depicted in red and blue paint. The Atlantic acronym logo in the top left, seen large.Custom project logo
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  • LA Olympic Memorial stadium in background with lens flare and LA28 Olympics custom typeface by by MCKL / Jeremy Mickel.Custom project logo
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