Dave Mckean

Dave Mckean Social work adverts

This collage style advert created to engage and inspire people to become part of a career in social care uses a variety of different techniques to denote the qualities of social care as well as depicting the perfect candidates for this particular career choice. The title of the poster reads ‘people are isolated’ this stands out on a neutral shade background with a little icon for a house found on a map, alone. The advert itself features a specific design that has a variety of influences. For example the use of a map style background denotes a journey. Which is also established through the story that is told via imagery and small pieces of text. The first piece of imagery used is the signpost, which reads ‘Sonya is hard to reach’ having each piece of the sentence facing a different direction assumes that getting to the destination will be hard work. The imagery used in this advert is very powerful and meaningful. The use of a background story to explain the problems that Sonya faces, as well as addressing her personally makes the audience familiar and able to empathise with her.  As the designer explains her struggle along with images and symbols to illustrate the journey the audience is able to gain a better understanding of the job role and what it entails.

The imagery used consists of literal and in depth meaning for example, the locket that reads ‘funny thing love’ denotes the precious love that Sonya’s mother gave her but despite these efforts did not help in the long run. The use of consistent map icons, crosses gathered together to illustrate the death of Sonya’s mother. Literal imagery such as the closed door show that Sonya is not ready to open up. She misses her mother and doesn’t want to be close to anyone else. The use of a familiar logo, such as the coronation street sign would intrigue audiences and similar interests are shown to have bought them together. This would also inspire people to become part of social work, as they will feel it is the little things that will help them get through to those who need it.

The story that is told with the pictures is a heart warming and interesting story of hard work and dedication, ending in triumph. Sonya ends up a different person, confident and unique. The triumph of this journey inspires audiences with a touching story to look into social care. The advert itself is very successful and works well to denote a difficult yet very rewarding job in social care. The use of a defined character of which the audience empathises allows them to open their mind to social care and illustrate a great job in an interesting and rewarding environment.