Variety Logo PNG
The Variety logo is a significant symbol in the entertainment industry and is associated with authority, reliability, and the quality of the magazine’s information. This historical brand element helps distinguish the publication and create a connection with its audience.
Variety began after Simon Joseph Silverman was fired from The Morning Telegraph in 1905. He had written a harsh vaudeville review of an act that had recently bought advertising in the paper. With $1,500 borrowed from his father-in-law, George Freeman, Silverman launched his own weekly on December 16, 1905. The first issue sold 320 copies, and the paper was built on editorial independence from advertisers.
In its early years, Variety covered vaudeville and theater, then moved into film as the industry grew. On January 19, 1907, it published early reviews of motion pictures, including a Pathe comedy short and Edwin S. Porter’s The Life of a Cowboy from Edison. In 1909, the publication opened its first overseas office in London.
Variety became known for its trade language, later called Varietyese or slanguage. Its writers used short, sharp industry terms, helping spread words such as “striptease,” “boffo,” “payola,” “sitcom,” “show business,” and “belly laugh.” In 1920, Silverman bought the red-brick building at 154 West 46th Street in New York, and in 1922 he acquired New York Clipper.
Daily Variety launched in Los Angeles in 1933 for the growing Hollywood film business. After decades under the Silverman family, Sid Silverman sold Variety Inc. to Cahners Publishing in 1987 for $64 million. In 2012, Reed Business Information sold Variety to Penske Media Corporation, which already owned Deadline Hollywood. Daily Variety ended its print run on March 19, 2013, while the weekly edition continued against rival The Hollywood Reporter.
Meaning and History
The Variety logo has accompanied the magazine for many years and, together with it, has experienced the rapid development of the entertainment industry – from videotapes to internet platforms, from radio to television. The visual symbol has not changed much, though there may have been some modifications to adapt it to modern trends and visual requirements. According to some sources, in 2013 Variety underwent a redesign, and American type designer Jim Parkinson slightly altered the emblem, improving the shape of the letters.
The inaugural issue of the publication was released in December 1905. Set designer Edgar M. Miller created the cover design. He sketched for less than a day and declined payment for his work, stating that he wanted to contribute to the newspaper’s development. It is possible that this man created the original Variety logo. In the initial wordmark, the serifs on the letters were thinner than they are now, the “A” significantly exceeded the glyphs behind it in height, and the tail at the top of the “R” formed a loop. Nevertheless, the modern version of the emblem is very similar to the old one: it uses the same key elements and maintains the unique style of the letters.
What is Variety?
Variety is a media company founded in the United States in 1905, and its namesake weekly magazine. The publication focuses on the entertainment industry, including television, theater, music, and literature. Its articles and reviews remain an important source of information for both professionals and a broad audience interested in show business.
1905 – today
The name “Variety” embodies diversity and the breadth of possibilities characteristic of the entertainment industry. The logo expresses this idea, making the magazine noticeable and recognizable. It consists of the word “VARIETY,” written in uppercase black glyphs on a white background. The first “V” resembles a square root in the form: a long, figurative line stretches from it to the right, forming a “roof” over the other letters. But officially, the “V” on the brand’s emblem has no relation to the square root or other mathematical symbols: it’s just a unique stylization. Such artistic design conveys energy and creativity.
The letter “R” also has an unusual shape: its rounded corners and swirls make it look as if it were drawn. “A,” “I,” “E,” “T,” and “Y” are set in an italic, bold serif font. They have a visual dynamic that reflects the constant changes in show business. This is a symbol of progress, development, and Variety’s aspiration to be aware of the latest events. Overall, the logo demonstrates the magazine’s uniqueness and helps attract readers.
Font and Colors
Most of the letters on the emblem are set in a contrasting serif font, roughly similar to Riccione Serial Bold Italic by SoftMaker. But the serifs of “E” and “T” are slanted and slightly protrude upwards, like the corresponding glyphs from Magica Medium Italic by K-Type. The most distinctive elements in the inscription are “V” and “R,” created using lettering and with no analogs.
The magazine’s logo is presented in a black-and-white color scheme, which is considered universal and easy to reproduce across different media. In addition, the combination of black and white is associated with a classic style and helps Variety underscore its authority.