What’s Hot and What’s Snot

What Timbuktoons aims for and avoids in visual storytelling

At Timbuktoons we have a few visual story telling guidelines that push us when we develop media for children. HOT and SNOT are two acronyms that remind us what to be aiming for (HOT) and what to avoid (SNOT).

HOT (Hype Of Tomorrow!)
H: High energy
Kid’s love fast paced, multi-layered, visually overloaded content.

O: Over-the-Top
Take risks and go BIG…don’t play it safe with style or story!

T: Teaser
Don’t explain every detail. Leave some things up to the imagination to keep kids engaged.

SNOT (So Not Of Today!)
S: Sensory Deficient
The more senses and learning styles you incorporate, the more likely they are to remember the story and message.

N: Narrowly Focused
Create something children can relate to. Kids come from all types of backgrounds so widen the focus to account for that.

O: Outdated
Stay current! Know what visual styles kids are responding to today. Read about what shows are popular and learn the latest visual trends in mograph and animation.

T: Tried and Tested
Think outside the box and be unpredictable with your story and style. Unpredictability keeps things fresh and helps make it come to life.