MTV is one of the world's most well-known television networks, as well as the recognizable logo. The network launched is 1981, however, the development of the corporate identity began one year prior. 

 

The first logo concept was merely a poor one (in my opinion), with a hand holding a music note/tomato (see right). This design was done by Frank Olinsky, a graphic artist at Manhattan Design, whom was hired by Fred Seibert. But the logo raised a problem: the company wanted the logo to include "The Music Channel", which was raising concerns within the business. The two childhood friends went back to work. As Seibert was rummaging through the reject pile, he picked up a sketch and knew it was the one, disregarding the fact that some claimed the "M" was "too fat." But soon they realized the the M could be very versatile; it would still look attractive with any pattern they threw in there (zebra print, checkers, polka dots, etc.) There was debate, whether or not the color/pattern should change. It was risky, but it worked.

 

That's what made this logo so great. Viewers were even able to be involved; sending in their interpretations of the MTV logo, with the chance of it being used. After some getting used to, logos can be overlooked, but the MTV logo will always catch a viewers attention with its constant altering renditions.