Today's guest post is from Brittanny Taylor, one of the founders and leaders of the Branding Edit and editor-in-chief of the Lady Project Blog. She's constantly immersed in the world of both visual and verbal storytelling, and has made it a priority to pass the proverbial mic to those who don't often have a turn at it — a truly innovative feat. How does she manage to make sure light is shed on as many different experiences as she can, in Rhode Island and elsewhere? What does innovation in storytelling mean to her? Brittanny explains in this phenomenal piece. -CG
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As a photographer, co-founder of a visual storytelling studio and editor-in-chief of a blog that celebrates women’s voices, I am happy to see more and more people connecting with the art of storytelling.
It’s not just for ad agencies and marketers. Storytelling is how we connect with each other. It’s how we share information. It’s how we learn about people not like ourselves. We have stories that are shared down through the generations, but sometimes never make it outside the family — until someone takes the time to write it down and share it. Different communities and cultures’ stories may never get heard if they aren’t shared with others.
As a Black and Native American woman, I notice when other voices get elevated above others. Above mine. When I became the editor of The Lady Project Blog, I made it a mission to make sure all women’s voices were heard. I highlighted Black and Arab women and LGBTQIA+ folks voices in February for Black History Month, April for Arab-American Heritage Month, and June for Pride. I would be remiss if I didn’t use that space to highlight the voices that get marginalized. I wanted to share their stories with people who may not have heard them otherwise. It is so easy to be stuck in a vacuum and only hear voices like yours. The connections made through this forum has made connections with people who would not have met otherwise. More and more women are becoming both vulnerable and empowered by being able to share their story with not just other Lady Project members, but the world.
"Innovation in storytelling comes in all forms, and we all have a story to share here."
Recently I photographed a campaign for Crossroads Rhode Island in collaboration with Nail Communications, a Providence-based advertising agency, to highlight people who use Crossroads services. The campaign says, “There are no homeless people. Just people, without homes.” We sat and talked with people and they shared their stories with us. We were complete strangers to them, but they trusted that we would tell their story and show them as the people they are. This campaign was special because it showed the humanity of people that often have it stripped away.
I use photography and social media brand consulting as a way to share my clients' story. So many people are out there trying to make a name for themselves and the only differencing factor between them and the next person is their unique story. My partners and I highlight what makes them special visually through images and social media marketing. Consumers are more likely to connect with a brand they trust, and that trust is built through storytelling.
Providence is a thriving art city. It’s not called the Creative Capital for nothing. Storytelling is ingrained in Providence. Art is all over the city, from guerrilla art found on a street pole, to history's greatest artists featured in the RISD Museum. There are musicians from every genre you can think of and a show you can go to every single night of the week. Plays in the local theater scene are getting picked up by national publications.
It’s not just artists who have a story to share. Activists have been speaking out for those who are being marginalized. The community has banded together to fight for those whose voice is being silenced. Innovation in storytelling comes in all forms, and we all have a story to share here. I’m proud to live in a city where storytelling is embraced and we all have a platform to use our voice.
