Design in the 80s #1 - Emerging computer graphics & music videos

Designing the 80s, a 6-part mini series exploring design within media and entertainment. Placing iconic productions in film, gaming and music in context to the digital revolution and contemporary visual trends. Each pair of episode will cover a different era of the decade. This first episode will be the introduction of the rising art-forms at the dawn of the 80s: computer graphics expanding into media and entertainment and the phenomenon of the music video which ties into events happening in pop-culture and design.
///Support the channel
All your views, likes comments and shares are really appreciated!
I set up a patreon for those who would like to financially support my videos: / strafefox
//Narration by Betsy Winchester
//Music and Sources
For the complete track-listing with time-codes skip to the end of the video. Sources used for this video are also listed there.
//Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:17 Arcade Icons
04:06 Computer Graphics in Media
09:12 Computer Graphics in Entertainment
12:30 Music Videos into the 80s
14:12 New Trends
18:58 MTV
21:01 Duran Duran & Patrick Nagel
23:05 Outro

[@strafefox]

"Designing the 80s" is my new mini series to be featured on this channel next to Splash Wave. The production is already largely done so I will be able to upload episodes in-between the regular Splash Wave videos this year. It's a bit of a deviation from my video gaming centered series but I hope you'll find it entertaining anyway :)

[@JJMcCullough]

Did you write the script?

[@typreegamingtpg2198]

I love this era. I’m already very excited. Good way to kick off the new year!

[@venomtang]

Cool man! just stopped to hit Like, but I'll be watching after work!

[@westernfrontproductions]

It's a good subject, but honestly I think you could do a video on anything and it would be enjoyable to watch, if only for the production values

[@strafefox]

@@JJMcCullough Yes I write the scripts for my videos.

[@AllTimeScary]

I just don't understand how this channel isn't bigger? These videos are always so insanely good!

[@aRBy125]

No kidding. These videos could air on TV and it wouldn't look out of place. The production is THAT good, haha!

[@corycourtney8923]

No channel gets a faster click from me than this one. Some of the BEST content on KZbin.

[@powercage]

Truth.

[@englishwithphil42]

Yes! Very underrated, still

[@patricioc6883]

Preach!

[@EffySalcedo]

BBC material presentation

[@matamarcianos7596]

Not only the look of the video is superb, but also the explanation is very interesting and completely new. I love this videos and you deserve a medal for teaching and entertaining us

[@strafefox]

Awesome to read! Thanks so much!

[@Lord_Deimos]

Lensman... I haven't watched that film in ages

[@tolust]

I don't understand why you don't have 1 Million subscribers or a Netflix Special "Designing the 80s is the best ever !!! keep making it .

[@ScottWozniak]

16:24 That Howard The Duck piece by artist LEE was the paddleball wall of my school, JHS 56 on Madison Street in lower Manhattan. I lived one block away.

[@justingoers]

Seriously. This is my favorite channel on YT. These docs are so good, so pleasant to watch. I can't get enough of them. Thank you so very much.

[@vidman5000]

Love the 80s design as I was an 80s kid. This takes me back to my childhood.

[@SpinyPuffs]

A very welcome addition to the channel. I'll never get tired of early CGI, especially with how much more sophisticated it's become. I had no idea how interwoven music videos were to what "80s culture" is.

[@thecunninlynguist]

will never trade anything in the world to have been able to grow up in the 80/90's. I'm sure my parents say the same thing about the 60/70's...but the 80/90's were really magical, especially for media, and kids stuff.

[@gaylordfocker7990]

The rise of videogames. The rise of computers and the internet. The best toys and cartoons. The best music. The best movies. Trendsetting and iconic fashion and aesthetics that people try to replicate to this day. On and on.

[@matamarcianos7596]

Every decade has its own "this was the best ever" anthem but the 80s/90s were pioneers of something we do today: giving power to the teenagers. Videogames, movies, computers, internet... before you had to become an adult and reject your past. Now, you can be an adult and still do the same hobbies as before.

[@JanetStarChild]

@@matamarcianos7596 The best years were mid '70s to mid '90s; that was the time to be alive.

[@PXAbstraction]

Wow, a big step up in terms of project scope! This is gonna' be good. Also, you hired a fantastic narrator. She does a great job.

[@strafefox]

Thanks! It's a huge but fun passion project. It allows me to spend a lot more time on topics that I was only able to briefly mention in my Splash Wave videos and yeah Betsy did an awesome job narrating the video!

[@ZombieRommel]

I was born in '86. This was a brilliant time capsule. Thanks for the immaculate work you do, as always.

[@strafefox]

Thanks so much! Glad to hear, and more time capsules are on the way :)

[@pandurlolgg5780]

How long does it take you to finish one of those videos? This seems like an insane amount of work.

[@strafefox]

I began production 3 years ago, I mostly handled it as one big project instead of individual episodes. Funny enough some 3D models and designs I made for these episodes have already appeared in Splash Wave videos :)

[@largus1134]

The most underrated channel of KZbin.

[@MoonSpiritChannel]

Man, there was nothing like the 80s aesthetic, and now I got a new technical word to be engrained into my head: SCANIMATE! Now, I'm gonna be obsessed with looking at retro analog animations! Keep this series going! I want more! You hear me!? More! Bring in the synths! Bring in the grids! Bring in the vector lines!!!

[@Gambit771]

That early 80s CG and the similar video effect devices are just beautiful to watch. I love that look. Another excellent video.

[@datamanmachine]

I wonder how many viewers actually lived in the 80s? ;-) Cool idea! Best Decade of my Life.

[@jasonblalock4429]

80s kid checking in. So much nostalgia here. Especially the 80s car commercials. I lived retrowave the first time around. 🙂

[@JanetStarChild]

I lived through the '80s as a child; though I wish I could experience it again as an adult.

[@jasonblalock4429]

@@JanetStarChild OTOH, as adults we'd also be aware of the social inequality, the unstable economy, Reagan's likely dementia, Iran-Contra, etc etc. The magic of being a kid in the 80s is we saw all the fun stuff, while the dark side flew right past us.

[@JanetStarChild]

@@jasonblalock4429 Most excellent point! I never thought of that. ...Wow, I kinda feel privileged to have been a kid in the '80s now; more so than usual (it really was a great time to be a kid).

[@lilelbee423]

What an amazing video! The primitive computer graphics I grew up with in 80s/90s media inspired me to pursue 3D modeling in my career.

[@KLegyyn]

This was so 80s, I gave this to my old man. . I got a kick outta this! . .

[@aRBy125]

As someone born in the Early 80s, it's very cool getting to see behind the scenes of what shaped the art and media of my childhood. Yet another awesome video and series by Splash Wave! 😁

[@ricardocantoral7672]

I love the music at the beginning and I look forward to future installments!

[@strafefox]

Thanks so much!

[@supercyc10]

hell yeah dude, lookin forward to more Loved the Patrick Nagel section

[@kenny9648]

This is one of the best and well-produced game channels on whole YT.

[@jbmaru]

Took the time to watch this at last. So good 😭 I've been so fascinated by 80's CGI, thank you for explaining how its particular look came to be. And a great mix of sub-topics overall. Can't wait for the next installments!

[@ImCurrentlyNaked]

Watching this just reminds me of how we are so lacking in colour and vibrancy in your media and fashion, and interior design these days. Why does everything have to be so "clean and minimalist". I want the bright colours and cheesy patterns back, and I want them NOW!

[@patricioc6883]

Yes, we need more frequent videos from you. And the 80s was the best decade.

[@digitalchewie]

What a brilliant additional to an already incredible channel. Great stuff 💪

[@strafefox]

Wonderful to read! Thanks so much :)

[@radwolf76]

2:50: This Donkey Kong Cabinet does not have an original joystick.

[@klax001]

The infamous, red, Billy Mitchell joystick 😮

[@radwolf76]

@@klax001 Billy's was entirely red, and taller. This one seems to resemble the form factor of original Donkey Kong hardware, just in a red ball with black shaft instead of black ball with silver metal shaft.

[@Rationalific]

Haha... I've seen a few Karl Jobst videos, so I know how important that is. :)

[@antonlouthander7748]

This is my absolute favorite KZbin channel. It ticks all the boxes.

[@Kaztrofy]

Watching this makes me feel we're living in a post-apocalyptic world. There was so much potential, where did it go so wrong? Sure technology is always evolving but the artistic component got lost somewhere in the late 90s.

[@GameArts1]

Indeed. Every generation has their own ''technology''; growing up in the 90's getting the whole fast track development from the 80's is a period I personally wouldn't trade for. I think 80-90's kids seen the most crazy transformations back to back, and got used to/adopted it rather quickly.

[@the-NightStar]

Having seen Pixar steadily evolve after the 2000's, I can only shake my head at this kind of ignorant gatekeeping bullshit.

[@MegaJessness]

Honestly, I think 9/11 was the real catalyst. The late 90s wasn't bad, and the very early new millennium wasn't looking too bad either. Dark and grunge hadn't quite gone out of fashion yet lol. September 11th, 2001 really did change a lot with the hard shift in focus.

[@Xloi63]

The annihilation of the USSR by the US eliminated any reason for neoliberal governments in the West to maintain attractive living standards, and so wages and disposable time and income have declined, as well as life expectancy, and symptoms of general despair have exploded (homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse and related deaths, increasing poverty and debt, etc.). When people are squeezed, the quality of innovation and artistic production decline, naturally. Even George Lucas has stated that film production under capitalism is worse than what could be achieved under socialism, it isn't hard to understand why.

[@wearegeek]

Capitalism happened

[@wederwelton]

WONDERFUL... AWESOME!! 🏆❤🎼🎸👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Zazalahyene]

Still the best content in the internet, a pure joy to watch. All my love from Senegal! ❤

[@limhour]

I recognized BGM of Ulysse31 ! Thanks for sharing your excellent video as usual.

[@strafefox]

Thanks so much! Ulysses 31 was such a cool show :) I've included a few clips in the next episode.

[@edsonnavarrus7379]

An innovative perspective of looking at the 80s, let's hope that more and more continue to emerge until a global 80s is finally appreciated, there is endless material.

[@SpaceyZee]

My favorite era of music

[@strafefox]

Mine too! I still vividly remember which songs I recorded from the radio in early 85 when I was getting into music :)

[@TrueNeutralEvGenius]

Bad taste.

[@TipperProject]

The song at 00:42 is 'Friends & Strangers' by Dave Grusin a cover of the original song by David Oliver and the song was popularised by Ronnie Laws amazing saxophone version.

[@JanetStarChild]

Good ear! I was listening to that song a few weeks ago, and lo and behold; it played in this video. The '70s and '80s produced the best music.

[@MikeChimeri]

Oh, I didn't know David Oliver did the original. I just assumed it was Ronnie Laws and Dave Grusin covered Ronnie.

[@MikeChimeri]

@@JanetStarChild Dave's "Friends and Strangers" was on "Mountain Dance," recorded digitally in real time in 1979, bridging the gap between the '70s and '80s.

[@StoneCresent]

Bravo. I was born after the 80s, but I've come to appreciate some of the aesthetics of the era. I wonder if we will return to Japan in this mini-series be it for video games, anime, manga, or even model kits.

[@strafefox]

Thanks! and yes there will certainly be more work feature by Japanese artists in future episodes.

[@KitNibbles]

Absolutely stunning production quality as always, and wonderfully fitting theme for the channel - bless you for the amount of work you put into these, you deliver some of the most incredible content on this site!

[@strafefox]

Thanks so much! That's wonderful to read!

[@jasonredwine5270]

Love the ET Atari nod at the end lol

[@SonnyBone]

This is just the BEST channel. JUST THE FRIGGIN BEST, MAN

[@FrazzaJazz]

This is a very interesting new direction for the channel. I've heavily admired the way you respect video games as an art form, you have deep knowledge and appreciation for the game creation process. I think it's a wise decision to expand your style into contemporary media production and I am very excited to see the rest of the series.

[@duckhive]

Please take me back to the 80s... I'm beggin ya!!!!

[@Katana2040]

What an absolutely brilliant series you have started! I grew up in this era, so it was fun to see where we were. Good stuff, guys! Cheers!

[@SatNightShasta]

Love the new series! The rise of new technology influencing the aesthetics of the decde is an interesting topic to dive into.

[@FCEngine]

I always wondered if Strafefox would ever get a female narrator....not disappointed at all!

[@jaylin76]

Very cool! I thoroughly enjoyed this and am looking forward to all future releases. Thank you!

[@MikeChimeri]

10:23 I had no idea of NYIT's involvement in CGI innovation. I went to summer camp there twice as a kid, although we had to go to SUNY Old Westbury for swimming. I ended up going to college just to the east of NYIT at LIU Post, known at the time (1999-2003) as Long Island University-C.W. Post Campus.

[@ultravioletcombat5933]

This is perfect. I'm gonna have to keep up with this series as best as I can from now on.

[@SynaMax]

Eagerly awaiting for the next episode, this is truly phenomenal work!!

[@854Z]

I love the new video and narrator

[@inceptional]

I can already tell this is going to be a great series. :D

[@Supa.Nintendope]

Your catalog continues to increase with quality content! Keep them coming!

[@darktetsuya]

0:20 maze of galious? well I guess it IS a strafefox video, haha. super cool to see how all this stuff shaped the 80s, especially dug the early CG stuff and why everything was bright neon grids on dark backgrounds. totally rad video.

[@phantasticant]

Wow what an awesome video. Love this kinda content. I hope there will be a 90s and even maybe going into frutiger aero? Anyways, thanks for the video!

[@CHRISPYakaKON]

The 🐐 is back 🔥🔥🔥

[@ahpuro]

Oh lawd, thank you Strafefox for all of this!!!

[@Choralone422]

A+ content and production along with a wonderful trip down memory lane!

[@roblayton3190]

Yes! Always excited to see a new strafefox episode.

[@MoneyHungryPig]

Nostalgia overload 🤖 🤯

[@krystianhinz4575]

Absolutely incredible, can't wait for more to come out for this series!

[@deltakid0]

I would really love to see tye continuation of this video, just about the 90's

[@DUHRIZEO]

Absolutely stunning. I love the branch out into other media!

[@Lageno]

Always a pleasure to see one of your uploads in my notifications!

[@PrometheusSansei]

Outstanding production and editing as usual. Long time fan from Italy here! 🖐🏻

[@mateusmorais3176]

Your videos are so pleasant to watch, it is easy to start following any content series you start.

[@luisguillermojg]

Exciting! Really looking forward to this series.

[@override7486]

FASCINATING................

[@peacexlove]

22:09 A Nagel Appears 😂

[@mraaronhd]

Such an underrated channel!!!

[@madamantiou]

Such a great video. You always deliver the amazing production quality and interesting, unique topics. Thank you!

[@GreatWesternSpirit28]

I Don't have words on how these videos are so informative well made keep up these amazing inciteful vids.

[@strafefox]

Thanks so much!

[@oreopoj]

Fantastic retro retrospective!

[@iansmith8783]

These videos are always so good

[@powercage]

Love your production value.

[@jeremyhyler]

Love this series.

[@LeatherIceCream]

Gotta say, it's handy if you need a time machine to go to the 80s in a pinch.

[@DEADLINETV]

Geweldig werk Jeroen! Erg gaaf, inhoudelijk en visueel!

[@strafefox]

Dankjewel! :)

[@ClaudioFirsoff]

Ohhh nice job!!! Great start to this series!!

[@jacobvankempen9405]

I want so much more of thia.

[@pendragnx]

Amazing work as always, Strafefox!

[@FoxerTails]

This is a video series I was not expecting but absolutely thank you for creating! Your research and visual representation is always top notch. Can't wait to see more!

[@FatehBenMerzoug]

Great job Jeroen!

[@MarioFromMario]

Absolutely love this and very excited for the next one

[@RrowdyBeast]

Expected "boombox", got "ghettoblaster" and my eyebrows shot thru the roof

[@MaidenHell1977]

Absolutely stunning first episode!! Looking forward to more. I was born in 77 and lived throughout this era as it unfolded, a little too young to truly appreciate it but looking back thanks to you I can relive it.

[@strafefox]

Thanks, that's really cool to hear!

[@karide_tcm]

amazing work as always your videos are one of the few things that make live worth living

[@NineArc]

great narration and writing.

[@bradystardust7708]

Loved this. Can't wait for more

[@WarriorTier]

I honestly say you and your team are the most underrated channel on KZbin. You ever want a VO please let me know.

[@marshallmcluhan33]

Very cool retrospective

[@PrimitiveOs]

Awesome spinoff

[@RobGMun]

This video is a blam to my soul. I wish I could go back

[@briken8119]

Wonderful video! Thank you!

[@AirKangLocker]

A new year, a new strafefox video have a great year, everyone working in this channel

[@mirroredduality8315]

Love the dedication that you put into the research and quality of your videos. Your videos are something that I find myself wanting to see more of. Not only to watch but as a sort of an 'archive' of not only video games but the things that inspire them. Also I'm a Teena Marie fan, loved the instrumental at 12:30 lol

[@strafefox]

Thanks so much! Teena Marie was absolutely one of the greats in the 80s, so I like to include her music in my videos from time to time :)

[@Ronprower]

Gosh loving this! Can't wait to see the other parts! Great production as always!

[@strafefox]

Thanks and that's awesome to hear!

[@MegaJessness]

Love this series already :3 I'll never turn away something you produce, strafefox. For real. All your stuff is top notch. Can't wait for more!

[@CarletonTorpin]

This is already a favorite series. Amazing retrospective and insights.

[@azjazo]

awesome!! I'm gonna need a full series dedicated to the evolution of each genre of music videos While I was still a child during the 80s most of my experience was watching music videos from the 90s