Den Socialen Media

Procreate (illustration), Adobe Photoshop (texture and color grading), Adobe Illustrator (typography and layout)

Introduction

Inspired by vintage safety posters, this project aims to raise awareness about the addictive nature of social media. Using strong visual metaphors and retro design cues, it delivers a powerful message that’s both nostalgic and relevant today.

This was the project:

“Den Socialen Media” is a visually striking poster that mimics the aesthetic of old cigarette ads to highlight the parallels between nicotine addiction and social media dependence. It draws attention to our digital habits with a bold call to action.

Challenge

To design a poster in the style of mid-20th-century public safety communications, while tackling a modern digital issue. I needed to find a balance between visual nostalgia and an urgent, thought-provoking message.

My approach

I dove deep into the visual language of retro safety posters, studying color palettes, typographic styles, and composition. I then translated the chosen theme, Addiction, into a metaphor that resonates. The balance between familiarity and critique was key: the piece had to feel like a vintage poster at first glance, but slowly reveal a darker message beneath.

Challenge

My approach

RESULT

The result is a bold and captivating poster that transports viewers into a retro world only to confront them with the uncomfortable reality of today’s social media addiction. By referencing classic cigarette ads and propaganda design, I created a visual metaphor that compares the compulsive nature of social scrolling to smoking. The tagline “Be master of your deeds and not the slave!” anchors the message with dramatic flair. With vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, and vintage-style typography, the poster captures attention and provokes thought. It urges viewers to reflect on their digital behavior and reclaim control over their online time.

Project showcase

Behind the scenes shots.

Sarah Schmit