As Equals

The dangers of mercury in skin whitening products explained

Animated Explainer

Skin whitenening affects diverse cultures globally, and our goal was to create visual representations that allowed audiences to see themselves in the narrative. The design process began with a monochromatic palette, reflecting the tonal focus of skin lightening products. By combining collaged skin textures with hands guiding viewers toward facts and figures, we aimed to provide a tangible connection to the subject matter. These thoughtfully crafted characters were designed to be indistinct yet relatable, offering a decolonized and accessible perspective that resonated with a diverse audience. Frame-by-frame animated particles further enhanced the authenticity, representing the data while maintaining visual engagement.

To learn more visit cnn.com

Editor: Meera Senthilingam
Senior Production: Ladan Anoushfar
Art Direction: Elisa Solinas
Design and Animation: Agne Jurkenaite, Emma Beinish, Jue Gong Additional Animation: Patrick Gallagher, Taylor Su
Sound Design: Sofia Couciero

Awards:
2023 Emmy for Outstanding Graphic Design & Art Direction

2023 Society of Publication Designers Gold Medal