2011 Winners & Shortlists

Brief Explanation

The mascot had to reflect the legendary side of the city and at the same time appeal to the new generation. Cliché phoenician silhouettes were out of question. More than a simple character: Bybo had to reflect a confident creature, always smiling, inciting people to live, to laugh but most importantly to dream!

The Brief

Byblos is the first mediterranean phoenician city founded around 5000 BC. Today, Byblos is a modern coastal city and remains one of Lebanon's biggest tourist attractions, mainly because of its rich history and scenic beaches and mountains. Yachts cruise into its harbor today like they did in the sixties and seventies when Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra were regular visitors to the city. Bybo (Byblos Boy) is destined to be the ambassador of Byblos and its chief host, participating in its major events and outings and happily spending his life in his beloved hometown.

How the final design was conceived

Byblos is known for its ancient port and coast where phoenician boats used to sail. The reason why the representative mascot will be a sailer, muscular body, head proportioned like a baby, wearing a tyrian red (significant phoenician color) cape and holding a telescope to achieve his wide vision. Bybo's logo typography was inspired from the Greek letters.

Indication of how successful the outcome was in the market

Even though Beirut is the official capital of Lebanon, Byblos city is today the main destination and attraction in Lebanon specially for the young generation that is attracted to colors, activities, sports, culture... etc. Bybo helped Byblos achieve this positioning and was a major player in reflecting the dynamic and lively side of this historical city: simply a new legend in this world's old city.