Comments on: Polaroid Packaging, the Apple of its Day

Polaroid Packaging, the Apple of its Day

Chinese Jet Pilot — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:38:51 -0800

The Branding of Polaroid 1957-1977: How we beat Eastman Kodak and its little yellow boxes at point of purchase despite a clunky product and an irrelevant corporate name. Graphic designer Paul Giambarba blogs about his experience creating Polaroid's iconic corporate identity, product packaging and print advertising while freelancing for Polaroid through the company's rise and fall.

By: carter

carter — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:23:49 -0800

Fascinating. Thanks.

By: tommasz

tommasz — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:42:36 -0800

Too bad they couldn't beat their inability to adapt to digital. Not that Kodak did much better (just enough better, actually).

By: tachikaze

tachikaze — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:04:26 -0800

yeah, I found this site via kottke 2-3 years ago and thought it would make a good FPP.

By: Spacelegoman

Spacelegoman — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:06:03 -0800

Great read.

By: Popular Ethics

Popular Ethics — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:16:29 -0800

Actually Kodak did pretty well. They are number 1 or 2 in the worldwide CCD supply business if I recall. It's pretty amazing actually that they managed the transition from basically a chemical supply company to a chip fab.

By: localroger

localroger — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:38:59 -0800

PopEth: Yep, Kodak mainly snuck in where the much better armed competition wasn't looking. I'm expecting Microsoft to do at least as well when they switch over to making mini refrigerators for the third world.

By: The Salaryman

The Salaryman — Fri, 23 May 2008 06:36:52 -0800

Given this design heritage it is criminal that Polaroid boxes today are covered in early 90s stock photos of gurning oafs. It really didn't need to fall apart completely as a company and trash its legacy. I so hope that someone buys up the tech, or just copies it, to keep the film coming.