Episode 09: Goodyear’s Blimp, Pixar’s Luxo Lamp and How Objects Become Company Icons
Ever wonder why a tire company is most known for a blimp? Or why an animation studio has a desk lamp as its trademark? We did. Turns out Goodyear and Pixar didn’t invent either of these things. Learn the origin stories of Goodyear’s blimps, Pixar’s loveable Luxo lamp, and how these adopted objects transcended their initial utility to become known around the world.
E X T R A S :
The last true “blimp” in the Goodyear fleet, Spirit of Innovation, was retired on March 14, 2017.
“Aerial Ambassadors” postcard Elliot had as a child. (It started early, folks.)
Goodyear Blimp history (Wikipedia, Goodyear)
“Above and Beyond: The Story of the Goodyear Blimps” (official documentary on YouTube)
“The Good Years” (documentary about the end of the non-rigid era at Goodyear on YouTube)
Mickey Whittman tribute video (YouTube)
Battery-operated model with light-up scrolling messages
Inflatable blimp toy (1970s version)
Official blimp merch
How a blimp works (a diagram for the curious)
Amazing Blimp Movies:
“Black Sunday” (IMDb entry, movie clip via YouTube, MAD Magazine parody)
“View to a Kill” (IMDb entry, movie clip via YouTube)
Pixar logo with Luxo Jr.
The original “Luxo Jr.” from 1986
The limited edition Luxo Jr. Collectible Lamp
Luxo Jr. at Disney Hollywood Studios (since removed)