This is not the first time that I have watched an episode of “The Story of Stuff.” In fact, it’s not the second time either. I wouldn’t say that I’m a loyal viewer but I definitely am familiar with this type of storytelling and informational PSA outreach.
I always enjoy watching these short clips because they’re quick and entertaining yet packed with lots of enthusiasm and powerful information/statistics. The topics that are discussed are relevant and scarcely known. By the time the clip is over, I always find myself shocked and inspired. Watching “The Story of Cosmetics” was no exception.
Not only was the information presented in this short very informative, well researched, and new to my ears, but it was also presented in an appealing and engaging way – which I think makes all the difference. The topic of toxins in cosmetics is not a particularly interesting or fun topic, but the good people at The Story of Stuff, made it interesting and likable. If it wasn’t, then nobody would listen to their important and possibly life-changing story.
Story presentation is the most essential part of getting your message across. You could have the most important thing to say to the world, but if no one wants to hear it – if it’s presented in a boring way – then your word will never get out there. The bottom line is, you don’t have a story unless you have an audience. And you don’t have an audience unless if you have a compelling way to tell your story. The goal is to leave people with a lasting impression.
The Story of Stuff does this brilliantly and I can really learn a lot from them as a web designer and as a storyteller. A website needs to have the same effect on an audience. They need to be engaged and excited about your page. It has to be easily understood and user friendly. It has to make them want to come back and share your site with others. Never underestimate the power of a good story and utilizing narrative elements to tell it.
Use characters, use visuals, stick with an appealing color scheme, be relatable, use humor…the list could go on and on. From watching this video I also learned that there’s beauty in simplicity. This is not some high-budget film that uses special effects and vivid visuals and masterful editing techniques. This story uses clean and fresh visuals that are done in an effective and entertaining way. Besides the narrator, everything is drawn with stick figures, but that provides some humor to the story. Don’t let your visuals distract your audience from the true message.
For example, if I had been too bored to finish watching this cosmetics video, then I never would have learned that I am literally pouring toxins on myself everyday. I mean really, what has society come to?! Now I feel empowered to make a difference. All because of one simple yet beautifully done video clip. I hope to inspire the same type of excitement in my own work.