Team GB and ParalympicsGB 2024 Meet the Maker – Charis Tsevis

The Olympic Games have been a significant tradition connecting sport and culture for millennia. Through numerous inscriptions and literary sources that have survived from the early festivals organised by the ancient Greeks, we have access to the names of around 800 ancient Olympic champions and records of diverse artistic competitions, such as music, singing, art, poetry and theatre.

Officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, Paris will host the Olympic Games for a third time in 2024. Covering the Games in London, Rio and Tokyo, we have continued this tradition of connecting sports and culture in recent years, collaborating with designers and artists to produce coins for Team GB, a tradition which began with the London 2012 Olympic Games. 
 
Created by visual designer Charis Tsevis, the reverse of the Team GB and ParalympicsGB 2024 UK Coin honours both Team GB and ParalympicsGB in the same design. Featuring mosaic artwork that fittingly includes an athlete and para-athlete from both Team GB and ParalympicsGB side by side backed by the Union flag, the design symbolises their united goal of pursuing sporting glory.
 
We spoke with the visual designer to learn more about his work for the Team GB and ParalympicsGB 2024 UK Coin.

Both the Olympics and the Paralympics represent the pinnacle of athletic excellence on a global scale. How did you approach creating a coin for the nation whilst representing these significant worldwide events?

“The concept of the Olympics is truly magnificent. As a Greek, it holds a profound significance for me – it’s not just a matter of identity but also a steadfast lens through which to explore the world. The Olympics provide us with a unique opportunity to delve into the essence of the hosting country and uncover its identity while simultaneously fostering a shared space where diverse national cultures converge, exchanging experiences and ideas."

“Then, there are countless cherished memories stretching back to my earliest days. I vividly recall my first encounter with the Olympics, watching the Montreal 1976 Games unfold in captivating black and white on our family TV. As I grew older, the film Chariots of Fire left an indelible impression, offering a profound insight into the essence of the Olympics. It wasn’t just about the spectacle of the Games themselves but rather the deep journey of preparation, dedication and the forging of champions."

“Attending the same Athenian school as Vangelis Papathanasiou, the renowned composer, elevated him from a mere role model to an almost mythical figure, particularly among those of us with a passion for the arts. Witnessing the film’s soundtrack claim the prestigious Academy Award® further underscored the symbolism embedded within – capturing the very spirit of the Olympics, the unwavering dedication of the athletes and the triumphant scenes etched on the shores of British beaches."

“The prospect of contributing to this legacy was nothing short of awe-inspiring. To have the honour of designing a coin for such a revered institution as The Royal Mint felt like a momentous opportunity to leave my mark on a global stage steeped in history and tradition.”

Can you walk us through your creative process when starting this coin design?

“Embarking on coin design without prior experience in such a compact format was a significant challenge. I deliberated over the ideal subject matter, favouring the high jump and relay events. While the final decision rested with The Royal Mint [Advisory] Committee, I secretly hoped for the relay, reminiscent of ‘Chariots of Fire’ moments."

“My creative process began with carefully crafting the composition around two pivotal figures – the Olympic and Paralympic athletes, symbolising both genders. Inspired by the dynamic symbolism of the Union flag, I embraced its powerful imagery, resonating with my artistic influences like futurism and cubism. Experimenting with gradients, I simulated varying angles and inclinations to replace colours with surface illumination and shadows."

“Throughout this journey, the unwavering support of The Royal Mint team was invaluable. They expertly transformed my initial two-dimensional design into a striking three-dimensional masterpiece, enhancing its visual depth and impact.”

What techniques did you use to create the intricacies of the design?

“As a primarily digital artist, my process typically begins with a rough sketch on a tablet or a piece of paper, later transitioning to my desktop computer for a more immersive experience on a larger monitor. Delving into the intricacies of lines and shapes, I meticulously study until I discover the ideal forms. Constantly oscillating between maximalism and minimalism, I continuously add and subtract elements, refine lines and adjust corners to achieve the perfect balance in my compositions.”

How do you balance artistic expression with practical considerations such as scale?

“Designing on such a small scale is always a daunting task. While I hadn’t previously ventured into coin design, my experience crafting icons for computer and mobile apps, particularly during the pixelated eras of the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s provided valuable insights. Despite typically working on larger artworks, such as mosaics where attention to detail is paramount, I drew upon this experience to navigate the challenges of coin design."

What was the most challenging aspect of designing the Team GB and ParalympicsGB coin?

“One of the most challenging aspects was ensuring that my artwork effectively conveyed a clear message to the British people. As an artist, creating something for another nation entails a delicate balance – you strive to remain honest, sincere and true to yourself while also articulating the culture, identity, pride, values and aspirations of the nation you’re representing. It’s a responsibility that requires navigating a common language of expression that resonates deeply with the audience while staying authentic to your artistic vision.”

Are there any particular design elements that you are incredibly pleased with?

“Indeed, I am particularly pleased with the interplay of light across the different surfaces of the artwork. The metallic material captivates me, engaging in a mesmerising ‘dialogue’ with light that adds depth and dimension to the overall composition.”

Can you share any particularly memorable moments or experiences while designing this coin? 

“I recall every exchange with The Royal Mint team vividly. Before each conversation, I felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation, but afterwards, I was consistently inspired by our discussions. However, one moment stands out: the call notifying me of my competition win. I was driving along a scenic coastal road outside Athens when I noticed the incoming call from The Royal Mint. Pulling over to the side of the road, I answered, and when I hung up, my wife and I erupted into celebration – it felt like winning our own gold medal.”