Primeros is a traditional Czech condom brand, and protective products under this name were first produced in Prague in 1909. Production was gradually moved to Děčín and, after nationalization, to Hrádek nad Nisou. Condom production is now being moved to Germany.
Primeros condoms has always been an iconic product brand for me. In the Czech language, it even became a household name, moreso for the older generation, as a general term for condoms. It’s still the best-selling condom brand on the Czech market.
Personally, I was surprised at the brand’s long history, and carefully studied all available archival materials, packaging, and corporate printed matter. With an exception in the 1990s, the brand has always featured a logo based on an almost script cursive base with a distinct initial. This variation of the logo has appeared in many variations and treatments. That’s why I found it perfectly logical to tie into this form naturally.
Letterhead of the Primeros, 1928
Letterhead of the Primeros, 1933
Letterhead of the Primeros, 1936
Letterhead of the Primeros, 1936
Letterhead of the Primeros, 1937
Letterhead of the Primeros, 1940
Letterhead of the Primeros, 1946
Letterhead of the Primeros, 1950
After careful research, comparison and analysis of logotype variations, a search for ideal proportions followed, focusing on controversial and problematic moments in the drawing, tying characters together and individual details. I decided to adjust the curves of the strokes tying into the stems, to harmonize the incline of the characters and their shading, to unify the characters’ connection and to round off the ends of the outstrokes.
These days, the manufacturer is launching a whole series of redesigned and all-new condom packages. Matěj Chabera and Jakub Korouš (who, together with Jan Kloss, have revived another iconic Czech brand - Botas sneakers) handled the boxes’ redesign. In addition to a successful design, the boxes boast true polygraphic porn - they also feature embossing, partial varnish, metallic foil and luminescent printing in addition to the print.
The typefaces Gloriola and Ladislav are used on the packaging.