MTV

Rock the Vote

Inspiring the Next Generation

Watson contributed to MTV's iconic Rock the Vote campaign, working on a typography refresh and campaign design to modernize the initiative’s visual identity. By blending bold, energetic type treatments with impactful messaging, the refresh amplified the campaign’s call to action, inspiring young audiences to engage in the democratic process. This work reenergized Rock the Vote’s connection with its audience, aligning the campaign’s style with its mission to empower the next generation of voters.

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The Solution

Our solution focused on leveraging Rock the Vote's strengths—its brand equity in music and culture—and expanding its digital footprint. We developed a multi-platform campaign that combined engaging educational content, celebrity endorsements, and strategic use of social media to reach young voters where they are. Innovative tools like mobile polling and mock elections, alongside collaborations with artists and influencers, played a pivotal role in making political participation more accessible and appealing.

Our Approach

  • Legacy Deep Dive and Workshops: Beginning with a comprehensive analysis of the organization's rich history and past campaigns, we engaged in targeted workshops with stakeholders to identify innovative outreach strategies. These sessions focused on integrating music, pop culture, and digital platforms into voter engagement efforts, ensuring that the messaging resonated with young Americans' values and communication preferences.
  • Internal Interviews and Surveys: Insights were gathered from across the organization and its vast network of partners to align on key messages and strategies. This collaborative effort helped identify the most effective channels and content types for engaging the target demographic.
  • Brand & Competitor Audits: A thorough audit of Rock the Vote's brand presence and its alignment with youth culture was conducted alongside an analysis of similar organizations. This helped in differentiating the campaign and ensuring its unique appeal.
  • Audience 360 and Consumer Journey Mapping: Understanding the young voter's journey from awareness to action was key. By mapping out touchpoints, we could tailor communications to educate, inspire, and mobilize them at each step.
  • Research: A mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods provided insights into young voters' behaviors, preferences, and key issues. This informed the development of targeted, relatable content and outreach strategies.

RESEARCH

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Results

Rock the Vote's case study exemplifies the power of strategic innovation and cultural integration in mobilizing young Americans to participate in the democratic process. By understanding and tapping into the interests, behaviors, and communication channels of young voters, Rock the Vote not only increased voter registration but also fostered a more informed and engaged electorate. This journey underscores the importance of adapting to changing landscapes and demographics, proving that with the right approach, it's possible to turn apathy into action.

Benefits

  • Increased voter registration and participation among 18 to 24-year-olds, significantly impacting election cycles.
  • Enhanced digital engagement through optimized platforms, resulting in higher interaction rates and campaign reach.
  • Positive feedback from participants and stakeholders, highlighting the effectiveness of combining pop culture with political education.

Not Everything. Just What Works.

Strategy

Build from insight. Strategy isn’t guesswork—it’s groundwork. We listen, research, and distill what matters to guide smarter decisions and set a solid creative direction.

Content

Make it meaningful. From naming to narratives, we create content that speaks with purpose—rooted in truth, tuned to your audience, and built to connect.

Digital

Design for behavior. We craft digital experiences that are intuitive, scalable, and aligned with how real people move, click, swipe, and search.

Experiential

Bring brands to life. Physical spaces, moments, and memories matter. We design experiences that feel human—and stay with you long after the lights go out.

Marketing

Drive connection. Our marketing approach blends data and instinct—getting the right message to the right people, in ways that actually move them.

Consulting

Partner on progress. We work alongside your team to solve real problems, shift thinking, and build internal alignment—without the agency ego.