For years I've felt just a little bit proud that British creativity has been well respected around the world. Many global organisations have turned to UK companies for inspiration and insight to aid the development of intelligent corporate identities and quirky campaigns. 

Sadly, this picture of the affable but largely inept Boris Johnson indicates that we are in the depths of an 'aesthetic downturn'.  I'm not a fan of knocking copy, preferring whenever possible to consider the positive side of things, but in this instance I have to agree with the majority of commentators in the chorus of "WTF?"

The layman might consider this logo to be just plain ugly. Actually, I don't think there's anything offensive about it. It's little more than a row of colourful shapes. Not great typography, nor a very balanced composition, nor a particularly exciting piece of work. But it's certainly not hideous. What infuriates me about this  corporate identity is that it's vacuous and ineffective. A trademark or logo should communicate clearly the attitude of a brand, describing its core characteristics and differentiating it from alternatives.

What does this 'design' tell me about the Mayor?

What qualities does it convey?

Erm...

Oh. I see.

God bless British design and all who fail in her!