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We Are What We Create: Reframing Polaroid

Consumer research yields Polaroid's "We are what we create" narrative, launched with the Polaroid Go.

Polaroid

Brand Storytelling

The Client

Polaroid
Company
Polaroid
Industry
Consumer Electronics
Headquarters
netherlands
Employees
501-1000

About Polaroid

Polaroid, a historical player in the photography industry since 1937, focuses on creating analog instant photography tools that capture meaningful moments. In a world that tends to disconnect people, Polaroid aims to reconnect its users with the beauty of real-life experiences through tangible memories.

The Challenge

Polaroid, a beloved legacy brand, balanced brand recall on par with Coca-Cola against a perception as a nostalgic party gimmick. Its heritage and values resonated with younger consumers, and exciting new products were on the way, but the challenge was to weave those elements into a compelling, untold story that could rejuvenate the brand for a modern audience, all during a global pandemic.

Our Approach

Chameleon Collective ran deep consumer research to understand the desires and values of Polaroid's current and potential audience. We found a clear overlap between the brand's historic values, a belief in equal creation and the power of self-expression through creativity, and what resonates with today's youth. From that, we crafted the brand narrative "We are what we create," which became the guiding principle for every product and collaboration. We gave each product in the portfolio its own story tied to that narrative. The Polaroid Go, the first wearable Polaroid camera, launched it with the call to action "Go Create" and "Create Big. Smaller." Collaborations like the one with Keith Haring reinforced the message that art is for everyone.

The Impact

The Polaroid Go launch and the new narrative were a clear success. Future products, including the Now+ camera set to release in late 2021, which brings digital integration to instant photography for the first time, continue the story and offer the audience new creative possibilities. More products and accessories are rolling out under the same narrative, with creatives worldwide acting as relatable, inspiring storytellers. Polaroid's reinvigoration shows that even amid challenges, legacy brands can stay relevant with today's youth.

The Work

The Team

The Chameleons who delivered this engagement.

Practice Areas

Brand StrategyUser ResearchBrand ArchitectureBrand Style GuidesStoryboardingBrand MessagingCreative Direction

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