ME, THE CONSUMER Poster Series
Project Overview
In 2021, as part of my coursework in "Theory of the Artistic Image" under Prof. Laura Dimitrova and Senior Assist. Prof. Ventsislava Stoyanova, I created a series of seven vector posters titled "Me, the Consumer." This series was designed to provoke thought and raise questions about consumer society and its habits. Each poster plays with objects, invokes the motive of slavery, and highlights the new addictions of contemporary society, presenting a modern take on the seven deadly sins.
Objectives
The primary objective was to create a series of provocative posters that challenge viewers to reflect on their consumer habits and the broader implications of a consumer-driven society. The posters needed to use humor and subtle irony to engage viewers and encourage them to think critically about their relationship with material possessions.
Role and Contributions
As the designer, my responsibilities included:
- Conceptualizing the theme and message for each poster.
- Creating vector illustrations that effectively communicate the intended message.
- Utilizing humor and irony to provoke thought and reflection.
Design Process
1. Research and Concept Development
The project began with research into consumer society, contemporary habits, and the concept of modern enslavement. I studied various forms of addiction and how consumerism influences behavior and societal norms. This research informed the development of the central theme: the new seven sins of consumer society.
2. Poster Themes and Design
Each poster in the series addresses a different aspect of consumerism, represented as a modern sin. The design process involved:
Theme Selection
Identifying seven key themes that reflect contemporary consumer habits and their negative impacts.
Visual Metaphors
Creating visual metaphors to communicate themes using objects and symbols of consumerism to depict new sins.
Humor and Irony
Integrating humor and subtle irony to engage viewers and encourage deeper reflection.
3. Illustration and Execution
Using vector illustration techniques, I created each poster with a clear and impactful visual style. The posters were designed to be visually striking and easily understandable, while also containing layers of meaning that reveal themselves upon closer inspection.
Poster Themes
This series of posters explores modern addictions through powerful imagery. A poster portrays our dependence on smartphones, highlighting the pervasive mobile device addiction. Another emphasizes the digital spending spree with visuals of online payment overconsumption. The allure of e-commerce is depicted through online shopping addiction. Video game culture's grip is captured with a joystick symbolizing gaming addiction. Financial dependence is illustrated as chains, representing money addiction. Society's beauty fixation is reflected in a perfume bottle, while fashion cravings are symbolized by shoes chained to a hand, showing the bondage of apparel addiction. Each poster tells a compelling story of contemporary vices through everyday objects.
Outcome
The "Me, the Consumer" poster series successfully challenges viewers to reconsider their consumer habits and the broader societal implications of consumerism. Each poster uses humor and irony to create a thought-provoking visual narrative that encourages viewers to step out of their comfort zones and reflect on contemporary enslavement to materialism.
Provocative Themes
Addressed critical issues related to consumerism through modern interpretations of the seven deadly sins.
Critical Reflection
Successfully encouraged viewers to reflect on their own consumer habits and the impact of consumer society.
Engaging Visuals
Created visually compelling posters that attract attention and provoke thought.
Reflection
This project was a significant exercise in using visual art to provoke thought and engage viewers on important social issues. It reinforced the power of humor and irony in communicating complex messages and demonstrated my ability to create impactful visual narratives.