ILLUSTRATION
In collaboration with Deutsche Depressionshilfe, studio tülü developed visual content under the title ‘Alles gut in der Schule?!’ to educate pupils about depression in a sensitive and solution-orientated way.
CLIENT
Deutsche Depressionshilfe
SERVICES
Development of an illustration style with the following elaboration
TIMELINE
2024
CLIENT TEAM
Lisa Bäuerle, Janine Zehner & Jugendrat
THE CHALLENGE
The project “Alles gut in der Schule” (translates to: “Everything okay in School”) by Deutsche Depressionshilfe aims to educate students about depression, helping them recognize potential signs in themselves, friends, or classmates. The goal is to empower young people to actively engage with the topic and find appropriate support if they experience their own struggles or notice concerns regarding others. The challenge is to create an approach that speaks to both affected and non-affected youth without creating an atmosphere that feels too heavy or burdensome.
To address this challenge, a visual style was developed that communicates on a meta level, using abstract images and metaphors. The goal is to represent the feelings and symptoms of depression in a lighter, more accessible way, which can resonate with a wide audience. The style intentionally avoids depicting sad or depressed people to ease the heaviness of the subject. Instead, the focus is on communication and connection, providing young people with a positive, solution-oriented approach to the issue.
In collaboration with the youth council of Deutsche Depressionshilfe, which includes individuals from the target group, the illustrative style and overall visual concept were developed. The emphasis was placed on solution-focused imagery, highlighting the power of communication and mutual support rather than isolating the problems.
We started with an initial round of sketches, which we discussed with the youth council of 'Deutsche Depressionshilfe.'
For example, in the illustration of sleep disorders, the council pointed out that the aspect of sleeplessness could be emphasized further, with a stronger focus on restless thoughts, lying awake, and feeling trapped in a cycle. In the second round, we presented the revised version, which was then finalized in color.
We started with an initial round of sketches, which we discussed with the youth council of 'Deutsche Depressionshilfe.' For example, in the illustration of sleep disorders, the council pointed out that the aspect of sleeplessness could be emphasized further, with a stronger focus on restless thoughts, lying awake, and feeling trapped in a cycle. In the second round, we presented the revised version, which was then finalized in color.
The figures in the illustrations are intentionally not colored, symbolizing the sense of emptiness often felt during depression, while also representing a blank canvas for personal growth and healing. This approach conveys that the "blank page" can be filled, and the imagery aims to foster a sense of shared support in overcoming depression.
