Den Socialen Media

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

Introduction

A retro-inspired safety poster that compares social media to cigarette addiction; visually nostalgic, uncomfortably relevant.

This was the project:

“Den Socialen Media” mimics vintage cigarette ads to raise awareness about the addictive nature of social media. Through bold metaphors and retro visuals, it draws a clear parallel between nicotine and digital dependency.

Challenge

Design a poster in the style of mid-century public safety ads while tackling a distinctly modern issue. The goal: balance nostalgic visuals with a message that still hits hard today.

My approach

I used saturated colors, dramatic lighting, and vintage-style typography to recreate the feel of old safety posters. The tagline “Be master of your deeds and not the slave!” ties it all together with theatrical flair and a clear call to action.

Challenge

Design a poster in the style of mid-century public safety ads while tackling a distinctly modern issue. The goal: balance nostalgic visuals with a message that still hits hard today.

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

This is THE highlight section.

Full view of the final poster design, styled like a vintage safety ad with bold colors, dramatic shading, and a powerful central figure.

Sarah Schmit