Studio IV is a mid-century inspired jazz and music venue located within Manchester’s iconic Old Granada Studios. Part of the Mollie’s Motel & Diner development, originally conceived by Soho House founder Nick Jones, the project required a brand identity as rich as its surroundings.
As part of the branding team, I worked on the project from the initial naming phase through to the development of the full visual identity.
Studio IV
Brand Strategy, Identity, Development, Guidelines,
Print & Digital Collateral
The Concept
The name ‘Studio IV’ pays homage to its historic location. Old Granada Studios is a Manchester landmark with an unparalleled musical heritage; it famously hosted The Beatles’ first live television performance and set the stage for iconic acts ranging from The Sex Pistols and Iggy Pop to David Bowie and Joy Division.
The numerals were chosen for their dual significance: they signify the studio number and, when viewed together, form the ‘M’ of the Mollie’s brand. This subtle connection grounds the venue within the wider hotel ecosystem, bridging the building’s storied past with a modern, nightlife-led experience.
The Identity
The logo features four distinct stripes, serving as a visual nod to both the 4/4 time signature and the retro-striped ITV logo that once adorned the building. These stripes evoke the twelve-bar blues, a rhythmic structure that underpins the history of jazz and rock 'n' roll. By blending these 1960s and 70s influences with contemporary design, the identity bridges the gap between the building’s storied past and its modern, upscale interior.
The brand palette is anchored by a deep, heritage green, a direct reference to the original exterior paintwork of Old Granada Studios, which remains a defining feature of the site today.
The Impact
Since its launch, Studio IV has been recognised as a premier nightlife destination in Manchester. It has been widely praised for its successful fusion of historic site heritage and mid-century aesthetics, with critics noting the venue as an authentic, high-energy space that perfectly complements the wider Mollie’s experience.