�ڹϳ���

It’s human nature to be fascinated by the peculiar – those phenomena or instances that we can’t quite explain; the content that makes us look twice. Series like The Twilight Zone �ǰ���Black Mirr�ǰ���rely on the uncanny to court suspense and intrigue, while history has always dabbled with the strange, occult, and unexplained mysteries.

This shows how these shadowy or more out-of-the-way themes can be harnessed to captivate an audience. If you’re a creator who weaves narratives, emotions, and ideas through imagery, there’s vast potential for the use of idiosyncratic content to stir up your visual storytelling. Instead of relying on the familiar, venture into the world of obscure and esoteric imagery:

Elicit Emotions through Symbolism

Deciphering new symbols 

One of the most potent aspects of the strange and occult is its rich symbolism. These symbols, whether borrowed from ancient myths, alchemy, or other traditions, carry profound meanings that can evoke strong emotions in the viewer. For example, the inverted pentagram, commonly associated with the occult, can convey a sense of rebellion, darkness, or chaos. The trick is to seek out symbols that are less commonly used in mainstream media: you might search for sigils, enigmatic hieroglyphs, symbols associated with little-known folk legends, or even abstract shapes with hidden meanings to tell a story that feels fresh and captivating. Audiences are more inclined to explore narratives built around symbols they’ve never encountered before.

Unseen conventions 

Uncommon symbols often represent aspects of life that are hidden from the ordinary world, and they encourage deeper exploration, which equates to greater engagement. For centuries, creators and innovators across all types of media have found success by drawing attention to the unseen: whether it’s mystical realms, the subconscious mind, or the mysteries of the cosmos.

If you want to create stories that question norms and provoke thought, unconventional symbols will allow you to challenge conventional narratives. This can lead to a more profound connection with the material you are introducing, as your audience may well be prompted to re-evaluate their beliefs and assumptions. 

Cultural riches

The more you uncover, the deeper cultural and historical roots you’ll find. Not only will your storytelling be enriched, but doors will also be opened for viewers to explore new cultural perspectives and understandings. Incorporating out-of-the-ordinary stock content allows you to tap into the hidden, the mysterious, and the less-explored aspects of symbolism – and trust us, there’s much to be explored.

Engineer Atmosphere and Mood

The strange and occult often go hand in hand with elements of mystery and mystique. There’s a richness to imagery that’s capable of transporting the viewer into a world that feels familiar yet unknown; vaguely recognisable but otherworldly. In the realm of content creation and marketing, just as in other storytelling mediums, unconventional or captivating stock content can infuse your materials with an air of inescapable intrigue.

Location, location, location

What’s strange and occult can be tied to specific locations that convey a sense of being mysterious, unsettling, or historical. These settings, whether real or digitally created, can provide a solid backdrop for your storytelling. Abandoned, decaying buildings, forests steeped in legend, or ruins are what you can expect around the time of Halloween. However, have you thought about using content from the more recent past? More contemporary, even home or found footage photography can be unexpected and highly effective.

Unsettling juxtapositions

The uncanny, bizarre, and unsettling can add layers of complexity to your content. There’s potential in visuals that are peculiar, surreal, or even chilling that can sometimes be overlooked. We’ve always celebrated the left-field and would encourage embracing oddities from time to time – inviting your audience to examine the boundaries of what’s conventional and leaving a lasting impact on their senses and emotions. Don’t be afraid to provoke thought or be unforgettable if the situation suits you.

Embrace Complexity

There are plenty of dualities to existence that make for compelling content: light and dark, good and evil, order and chaos. You can always go down a more disruptive route through the imagery that you use to challenge perceptions, and expectations and invite questioning. The great and arguably most compelling thing about the strange and occult realm of visuals is that it’s rich with personal and universal themes that prove timeless. Themes of transformation, inner exploration, and the search for hidden truths will always resonate with viewers.

When to Use Strange and Occult Content

Used effectively, these themes can add depth, provoke thought, and create memorable experiences across various creative and business domains. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Content creation for audiences interested in paranormal investigations, ghost stories, or alternative spirituality.
• Building communities around shared beliefs and interests.
• Use by museums, historical sites, and educational institutions to engage visitors in exploring ancient traditions, beliefs, and mysteries.
• Incorporation into artwork, music videos, and stage performances to create a  unique visual identity.
• Organising themed events, such as Halloween parties or escape rooms to create more immersive and memorable experiences for attendees.
• Targeting niche markets.
• Crafting atmospheric, visually rich films and videos.
• Building worlds and realms across genres such as fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction.
• Providing inspiration for those looking to push the boundaries of conventional aesthetics.

When approaching the use of this style of content, it’s important to do so thoughtfully, respecting cultural sensitivities and ethical considerations – especially when dealing with religious or spiritual symbolism.

Using such content for visual storytelling can not only be entertaining but also challenging – offering an inviting proposition for many creatives. So, whatever you are producing, consider embracing the strange and occult to unlock the full potential of visual storytelling and take your audience on a mesmerising journey into the unknown.