black and white mtv logo

black and white mtv logo

It is interesting to note that in the field where logo designs have more freedom in form and color, black and white logo designs are making their mark in the entertainment and media industry. Why is this so? The answer to this will be closely seen in the overall effectiveness of the design and on whatever technique their respective designers did to these popular names.

Let us study why these logos are effective, eye-pleasing and on the whole, brilliantly executed. There is a certain appeal in black and white logos and there is definitely a logic behind that appeal.

Black and white logos are easily recognized.

Entertainment logos that uses only black and white stands out from the rest of the logos and the colors that they have. The absence of extra colors do not confuse and divert attention, therefore it maximizes instant readability and recognition to the viewer.

Take for instance, the Sony logo. The current one as we know it is still the 1973 design. We all know that the Sony logo is one of the most insanely simple yet recognizable logo in the world. Its effectiveness lies in the smooth and easy execution of its letters, the spacing and the easy pronunciation of its name, instantly registering through the brain and mouth. The name plays an important role here. Its brilliant simplicity makes up for the lack of color, that is why it is still praiseworthy today.

Black and white logos CAN be modern and contemporary.

And why not? look at the gray, smooth silver polish of the new Apple logo, the new Lycos logo and the Apple Newton logo. These designs are almost refitted to appeal to the entertainment customer, jiving in with the latest gadgets of today. They look just as effective on their websites too.

Putting a logo on the surface of a product is not unheard of, and when the original logo is known to be neutral, the effect and recognition is more effective. Imagine a logo design that is all red. I would definitely recognize it more quicker when embossed on a red surface of a product, since the original concept is red. If the original entertainment logo is neutral, then the embossed logo fits into every color, the unnecessary clash of color concept is eliminated.

A black and white logo can be reinterpreted in different colors.

Imagine that your black and white logo is your home base, your, lets say, default setting. In the entertainment industry where colors where color is important, you could always put your logo in another color or two without damaging or diminishing its overall impact.

A good example of this effect is the MTV logo. The well-known logo is notorious for different renderings of their logo design but it all boils down to the recognition of the shapes set by the default in black and white. The Mickey Mouse icon is also a great example. The classic black can be redesigned with red, blue, whatever you fancy but the impact remains the same because the classic version has set its presence in your mind already.

What it lacks in color can make it up with design.

And sometimes, it is well worth the approach. In a logo design where there is only a limited choice in colors, the elements that could compensate for it are the letters and the images. For example, the logotype approach of Cartoon Network’s logo design is aptly conceived for its target audience, the children. The letters are large and readable and what it lacks in visually arresting colors it makes up with the font type and orientation.

The approach can also be augmented with icons and images too. The logo of game company Parker Brothers is still used in its black and white form. Here, while the fonts are not that particularly eye-catching, its trademark “limbo” icon makes up for it. The popular image is more effective and memorable in black and white.

For an entertainment company, it is well-worth the consideration in taking a black and white approach. While you would gain the positive points mentioned above, you would also not have first-rate concerns in logo guidelines, website-to-paper versions and initial printing to media costs. All it takes is an excellent logo concept, a brilliant logo design company, and of course, a great entertainment company to bring all the promises of a logo design to life.