The iconic “I Love NY” logo that has been emblazoned on t-shirts, mugs, and all sorts of memorabilia just got an update. Originally designed by Milton Glaser in 1977, the logo has been adapted for a new campaign spearheaded by Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams. “We ❤️ NYC” is a campaign “to showcase the city’s strengths and mobilize New Yorkers to make sure this remains the greatest city in the world.”
The new campaign aims to support the post-pandemic resurgence of the city and its neighborhoods, a goal similar to what brought about the initial “I Love NY” campaign. When Glaser created the logo, New York City was suffering from an economic crisis and a lack of tourism. President Ford had recently denied federal aid to the city, prompting the famous Daily News headline: “Ford to City: Drop Dead.” Glaser’s logo was part of a wider campaign to boost tourism and clean up New York’s image.
The new “We ❤️ NYC” logo can be seen all over New York City at bus stops, on billboards in Times Square, in the subway, and on storefronts. The simple text and heart emoji are accompanied by other symbols of New York City including slices of pizza, the Staten Island Ferry, Greek coffee cups, taxis, bagels, pigeons, the Cyclone, and the Statue of Liberty.
On the “We ❤️ NYC” websites, you’ll find profiles of NYC “Do-ers,” New Yorkers who are making a difference, and various ways you can get involved with the campaign’s initiatives. The campaign will run for eight weeks and include a variety of activities and partnerships with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Some of those activities include celebrations of Earth Week in New York City Parks, community cleanups, and neighborhood business promotions in partnership with the NYC Department of Small Business Services.
While the campaign is meant to promote positivity and inclusivity, it’s been met largely with negative feedback. Much of the criticism is directed at the logo’s design. Artist Ryan McGinness offered his own version of the logo, which more closely resembles the original, to the New York Times. Other detractors have pointed out that New York City needs to see more effective measures put in place to help combat crime and other issues. What do you think of the “We Love NYC” logo?
Next, check out The History of NYC’s “I Love NY” Logo
