I want my MTV
MTV was legendary when I was going through my youth and teens. It was different gravy! Engaging, exciting and so on point for music and an insight and introduction into pop culture. It felt like a conduit to growing up, exposure to bands at a time when it was truly groundbreaking as a platform and when in its prime (imho). Also it was ‘cool as f%*k’ because it had that American vibe which enticed our screens and own countries culture via TV shows, music and movies… Pure vibe! An array of styling, characters and content that excited and inspired. Genuine entertainment!
I was watching a show called Lioness a few weeks back and this little ident kept popping up pre show and all it had was maybe 3 seconds and the words from the Dire Straits song: Money for Nothing - where the vocalist says ‘MTV’ - pre guitars kicking in. So bloody powerful. If you know it, you know it as it’s generational but so enjoyable getting a glimpse into something that felt like history and connected. That’s a brand. That’s iconic!
To be able to conjure such memories and history in a simple moment, and that logo came shining through. The proof that brand is way more than styling and visual, it’s about messaging, language, sounds, feelings and emotions and often diverse inputs for interaction - food for thought. It’s about connection, and finding your tribe. And when you get it right you have a place stored in heads and hearts and loyalty, even only sometimes in historic terms or maybe for a set amount of time. It stood and stands for something.
Massive well done for whoever came up with this modern take for the ident👏
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The MTV logo
As far as the history goes: doing some searching I believe it was originated in 1981 by New York graphic design collective - Manhattan Design. Created by Frank Olinsky and Patti Rogoff under the creative direction of Fred Seibert. 💥
Well worth a look, 👀 the way it carried styles and adapted to content was incredible.
https://indieground.net/blog/logo-history-mtv/
If you have any memories or comments then join in, be awesome to know what it meant to you when/if it was relevant.
