Before I ever knew “advertising” existed, I was that enormously annoying child that asked “Why?” far too often. Why did Mom shop at the stores she shopped at? Why did we always go grocery shopping on Friday evenings? Why did we drink Pepsi in a geographic location that referred to soda or cola as Coke? At the heart of all these questions was what motivates people to make the decisions they make? Are these conscious or unconscious actions? 

The reason I was fascinated by advertising, marketing, and brand management is that there is this inexact science out there that is always trying to answer these questions and an infinite amount more. Advertising isn’t just making a commercial or selling a product, it’s making brands relevant in culture. That’s why this simple video struck a chord with me. Project Stranger is a trust-based project intended to capture people’s honesty through an organic experience. 

In the end, that’s what advertising is: a conversation starter. This might not be selling a product, but when it comes down to it, what we say says a lot about us. Organic experiences like this are fascinating because it’s simply as easy as handing someone a camera, along with a little faith, that will unlock many truths.