Georg Olden
Georg Olden: The Design Genius Behind Golden Age of CBS
For Black History Month, I want to shine a light on Georg Olden, a designer whose work shaped the way TV looked during its heyday. I don’t think he gets nearly enough credit, but his impact is everywhere. I had always attributed it to the great Lou Dorfsman who oversaw almost every aspect of the advertising and corporate identity for the Columbia Broadcasting System.
A Visionary at CBS
Joining CBS in the late 1940s and quickly became a key figure in defining the network’s visual identity. He designed graphics for I Love Lucy, Gunsmoke, The Ed Sullivan Show—basically, some of the biggest shows ever. His knack for distilling complex ideas into striking, simple visuals set a standard that TV branding still follows today.
Defining a New Visual Language
Television was still figuring itself out, and Olden helped shape its look and feel. His work wasn’t just about making things look good—it was about making visuals work in an entirely new medium. He knew how to grab attention and communicate ideas fast. His graphics became shorthand for iconic shows, proving that design could be as much a part of storytelling as the scripts and performances.
In 1963, he designed a postage stamp for the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation. A broken chain against a blue background—it was simple, bold, and powerful. That’s the kind of work he did—striking, meaningful, and ahead of its time.
It’s wild that his name isn’t more widely known. He was a Black designer leading the charge in an industry where few people of color were given opportunities, let alone leadership roles. His work set the tone for generations of designers who followed.
Georg Olden’s visuals helped define an era, and his approach to design still feels fresh. He proved that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about communication, clarity, and impact. His work deserves to be remembered, celebrated, and, honestly, studied.
