1887 "Explainer Image" for Lamps

This 1887 illustration totally nails a marketing secret: exaggeration makes your message stick. To show why lamplight beats firelight for reading, they drew one guy practically roasting himself to prove the point.

Why It Works

• Extreme contrast makes differences obvious
• Visual storytelling beats logical explanation
• Humor keeps people engaged
• Simplicity helps the message spread

Examples

• Apple’s “Get a Mac” ads exaggerated PC’s clunkiness
• Oatly’s “It’s like milk but made for humans” pokes fun at dairy
• Old spice made “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” absurdly confident
• Dollar Shave Club’s launch video overplayed shaving frustration for fun

Big takeaway: if your point feels dull, exaggerate it until it’s impossible to miss.