Social Change Poster
This social change poster, themed around mental health awareness, was created in Adobe Illustrator to evoke empathy and insight through symbolic illustration. Using the concept of forced connection, the poster layers intertwined visuals to symbolize the complex, often hidden nature of mental health struggles. The color palette is intentionally calming yet contrasting, drawing attention to the message while fostering a sense of support and unity. Entirely digitally illustrated in the flowing, organic style of Art Nouveau, this design emphasizes the importance of connection and understanding in mental health.
Process
1. Defining purpose and target audience: The objective of this project was to design a graphic poster that effectively communicates a topic of social change through the use of illustration and typography. I chose to address the issue of poor mental health, a subject that I am deeply passionate about due to its personal and societal significance. The intended audience for this poster is broad, encompassing both individuals who may be struggling with mental health challenges and those who are supporting others facing similar difficulties. The primary goal of the design is to raise awareness about mental health in a visually compelling and accessible manner, encouraging conversation and fostering a greater understanding of this critical issue.
2. Inspiration: As part of this project, one of the key requirements was to select a historical style of art or design that would complement the social issue we were addressing. I chose Art Nouveau for its intricate, organic, and flowing aesthetic, which I felt would lend itself well to the delicate and emotive nature of the mental health topic. This style presented a unique challenge, as it is quite different from the design approaches I typically favor, and I saw it as an opportunity to push my creative boundaries. I conducted thorough research through various platforms such as Pinterest and Bēhance, as well as reviewing informational articles and design resources. My research process began with identifying symbolic elements related to mental health, such as the brain, tears, and storm clouds. These symbols formed the foundation of my concept, and I gradually expanded upon them to develop en engaging visual narrative for the poster.
Illustration, typography, and design: To create this poster, I utilized both Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Given the Art Nouveau style I was working with, Illustrator was the ideal tool due to its extensive illustration capabilities and precise control over color and opacity, which allowed me to achieve the level of detail I desired.
For the color palette, I selected a combination of primary colors, as I felt they would create a bold, attention-grabbing effect, especially if the poster were to be displayed in a public space. These primary colors were complemented by secondary hues that added depth and visual interest. While Art Nouveau traditionally features a flat design, I incorporated subtle shadows and highlights to enhance the illustration’s dimensionality and add a layer of sophistication. To further elevate the design, I introduced a grain effect in Photoshop, which gave the poster a vintage, textured feel that harmonized well with the overall style.
For typography, I chose the “P22 Art Nouveau” typeface, which aligned perfectly with the illustrative style and further contributed to the cohesion of the design. After multiple revisions and valuable feedback from my professor and peers, I refined the poster to create a cohesive, visually compelling piece that both adhered to the project’s guidelines and effectively communicated the social message.