Classification: The MTV logo is done using a custom sans-serif font. It is a three-dimensional "M" with a custom t & v layered on top. The sub-heading "Music Television" is done with what looks like Univers or Helvetica condensed, with negative tracking.
Object/Audience: The type in this example is used by MTV as their logotype. It has been utilized as their logo since their launch, where they sought to do something that hadn't been done before: bring music to the new technology of the television.
Their audience at that time was more rock and roll, reaching out to multiple different communities depending on the music they were promoting. Their audience ranges widely, from a punk rocker to a rapper to different artists and/or music enthusiasts.
Communication: This logo not only represents music television for the first time in history, but the logo itself also is utilized in a way that (at the time) had never been done before. The logo was designed to never have the same look or color or pattern twice. It was shown hundreds of times a day, and it was never duplicated as far as the design or print goes. Each was done uniquely so no viewer would see the same version of the logo twice.
Influence: This logo was a groundbreaking evolution in the world of design. Not only does it influence my personal logo work, but it has influenced many to try and duplicate the same effect. It has helped me create different versions of the same logo, making it presentable in several to many different ways. It sure won't be the last time this is done, but MTV did it for the first time, setting a base that many designers and artists would reproduce with different branding identities.
