Is Minimalism the Secret to Hello Kitty's Success? | Idea Channel | PBS

With her cute pink bow and huge noggin, Hello Kitty is one of the most recognizable characters in the world. She sells billions of dollars worth of merchandise, but what is it about this simple cartoon cat that makes her such a beloved piece of pop culture? Ahead of her time when first created in 1974, we think that Hello Kitty used minimalism's bag of tricks to become the world's best salesgirl.

New Idea Channel episodes every other Wednesday!!!

Let us know what sorts of crazy ideas you have, about this episode and otherwise:
Tweet at us! @pbsideachannel (yes, the longest twitter username ever)
Email us! pbsideachannel [at] gmail [dot] com

Hosted by Mike Rugnetta (@mikerugnetta)
Made by Kornhaber Brown (http://www.kornhaberbrown.com)

Want some more Idea Channel?

Watch our previous episode: "Is Instagram The Best Thing To Ever Happen To Photography?"
http://youtu.be/nBw589H2XwI

Here's another one: "Are Lolcats & Internet Memes Art?"
http://youtu.be/b9Zyswk07vg

Want more fun? Watch: "Is Miku Hatsune A More Authentic Pop Star Than Lana Del Rey?"
http://youtu.be/r3c8STXjQ20

You still want more? Awesome! Watch our first episode: "Super Mario Brother is the World's Greatest Piece of Surrealist Art"
http://youtu.be/a2bAN9pPeiE

• Category

  Education

[Seth Iacangelo]

Isn't this the same reason the Twilight series was so successful? From my understanding, Bella was basically a blank slate that young girls(and moms I guess) could easily project themselves onto. It's often cited as bad writing, and it is, but it's the whole reason it sold so well.

[KillahKain]

I like sponge bob stuff better than hello kitty stuff

[Randomstuffsofcourse]

who the hell dosent



[ouaiscestvrai]

Hello kitty always made me very uneasy when I was a kid, and I think part of that was because I never knew how she was feeling.... hmm....

[Brad R]

I like you, and I considered subscribing. Then I did.

[Sam Guy]

SOO racist

[NingenExp]

Homicidal Kitty xD

[jazzyjaz blue]

Cause she is evil

[cutegirl2366moshi]

i hate people who say hello kitty is evil

[CliffJumpingProd]

FIST?

[Ohmeko Ocampo]

Hello Kitty is very popular since the art is simplistic and cute, and it triggers your minds affinity for order and beauty. Just think about MLP:FIM the artwork is simplistic, but it's so appealing to people of all ages and gender and combine that with awesome story and personality you got an instant hit. I feel when it comes to art the more simplistic the better, as long as it still carries the message you want to show.