Travis Young is an artist and photographer living in Kansas City. In 2018, Barkley invited Young to speak at their advertising agency to share his perspective on the creative process. That presentation quickly became something much more important for both Young and Barkley. As Young didn’t just share a glimpse into his process, he told his personal story for the first time - chronicling  a childhood of abuse, two failed suicide attempts and a lifetime of pain now processed through the act of processing 35 millimeter film.

This presentation deeply impacted Barkley, and inspired the agency to create a short film telling Young’s story entitled “Waste of Film.” The piece was launched during National Suicide Awareness month and brought global attention to Young’s story.

Immediately, “Waste of Film” began to create positive and thoughtful conversation throughout the social space.  A topic that typically is brought into the headlines by tragedy, this film inspired so many with its message of life saved through art.