MTV Animators Paid in Pogs and Old Bubble Tape for Iconic Logo Design

Honey, grab your flannel and sit down because the tea is stone-cold and forty years old. We finally found out what those animation icons like Fred Seibert and Candy Kugel actually hauled in for making the MTV logo the coolest thing on the planet. Turns out, while we were all busy staring at that moonman, these poor souls were basically working for the equivalent of a lukewarm Tab soda and a pat on the back. Sources say the budget back then was so tight they couldn't even afford to buy the 'M' a vowel. J.J. Sedelmaier and the gang were cranking out masterpieces while the executives were probably counting their pennies to see if they could afford another roll of film. It’s a miracle the logo didn't end up being a stick figure drawn in crayon on a cocktail napkin given the 'prestige' of the paycheck. Honestly, I hope they at least got to keep those giant 80s cell phones as a souvenir. If I found out I designed a global cultural touchstone for the price of a mid-tier walkman, I would be throwing hands at the nearest VJ. Next time you see that colorful 'M' flickering on your screen, just remember it was powered by the tears of underpaid geniuses and probably some stolen office supplies.