Don’t sweat the small stuff (yet).
Branding doesn’t need to be a months-long ordeal filled with endless revisions and second-guessing. It can be fast, focused, and fun.
Let’s talk about Polaroids.
Remember the magic of Polaroid cameras? You’d press a button, and out popped a blank photo that, miraculously, turned into an actual image right before your eyes. While everyone else was sitting around waiting days for their film to develop, Polaroid owners were busy shaking their photos like a 1980s pop lyric (which, by the way, does not speed up development—science has confirmed this).
The beauty of Polaroids wasn’t perfect quality—it was their concentrated chemistry. Everything happened fast, right there in that little square frame.
Branding works the same way. Sure, traditional agencies can take months to deliver results, but does stretching out the timeline really make things better? Not always. My approach is more Polaroid than darkroom: focused, intense, and a little magical.
Here’s how you can bring some Polaroid magic to your branding:
1. Capture the Big Picture (Smudges Welcome)
Polaroids didn’t bother with fine details; they captured the essence—people smiling, sunsets glowing, or your cousin’s finger accidentally covering the lens. Your brand needs the same clarity. Nail down the big ideas—your values, purpose, and personality—before sweating the smaller stuff.
Takeaway: Can you describe your brand in one clear sentence? If not, grab your mental camera and zoom out.
2. Stop Fussing Over the Perfect Shot
Polaroids weren’t about flawless pictures. They were grainy, occasionally streaked, and somehow even more lovable for it. Branding, too, is about connection, not precision. Don’t let perfectionism hold you hostage.
Takeaway: What’s one thing you’re stuck obsessing over? Let it go and focus on what truly makes your brand unique.
3. Chemistry Happens in Focused Moments
Polaroids didn’t rely on endless tinkering—they worked because the right ingredients (and a bit of wizardry) were packed into one tiny, self-contained frame. Branding is no different. Deep, focused work produces breakthroughs, not endless feedback loops.
Takeaway: Dedicate time to focus completely on your brand—no multitasking, no distractions, and definitely no doomscrolling. You might be surprised how much clarity you develop.
4. Momentum Creates the Magic
The best thing about Polaroids? You didn’t have to wait. That instant gratification kept the excitement alive. Branding thrives on momentum, too—when you streamline the process, you stay inspired and create work that feels fresh, not overthought.
Takeaway: Where is your branding currently stuck? Pick one thing you can do today to move it forward—no excuses, no stalling.
Branding doesn’t need to be a months-long ordeal filled with endless revisions and second-guessing. It can be fast, focused, and fun—like a Polaroid photo that captures your essence in one snap.
Cheers!
Brad
