Title: Shattered Dreams Billboard

Challenge: This project began as a passion project during my time at Eastern Connecticut State University, inspired by my personal connection to the tragedy of drunk driving-related accidents and deaths. My goal was to create a high-impact billboard design that would evoke strong emotions and raise awareness about the negative consequences of drunk driving. I wanted the design to be bold, immediate, and unforgettable—something that could capture attention from a distance, especially for drivers on the highway.

Process: The design process began with the selection of a stock image of broken glass, a powerful symbol of destruction. I manipulated the image in Adobe Photoshop to enhance its emotional intensity by adding blood splatter and adjusting the lighting to create a nighttime, somber atmosphere. The color palette was intentionally desaturated to emphasize the severity and sadness of the message.

For the typography, my focus was on readability from a distance. I wanted the message to be clear, simple, and impactful, knowing that highway drivers have only a few seconds to process the visual. The initial version went through several iterations, with feedback from peers and mentors helping me refine the design for maximum emotional impact and legibility.

Years after the original creation, I revisited the project to further enhance it. The message still resonated deeply with me, and I wanted to make the design even more powerful. I incorporated MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) branding, adding their logo and contact number as a faux project element. This was purely for conceptual purposes; I am not affiliated with MADD, nor did I design their logo. This allowed me to create a more realistic, professional touch while maintaining the project's authenticity.

To ensure the typography remained effective from afar, I revised it for better visibility and alignment with the powerful image, strengthening the connection between the visuals and the message.

Impact: This design serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of drunk driving. It’s intended to evoke an emotional response from viewers, encouraging them to think twice before getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. The combination of impactful visuals, a clear message, and MADD’s branding helps create a sense of urgency and community responsibility. Although this is a faux project, the design aims to inspire change and raise awareness, demonstrating how design can be used as a tool for social good.

Tools & Techniques: Adobe Photoshop: Used for image manipulation, color correction, and adding the blood and lighting effects to create a more impactful atmosphere. Placeit: Mockups to showcase the billboard design in real-world scenarios, simulating its placement on highways for visual impact.