The Top 5 Anti-Smoking Ads

By : Chris | Published : Friday December 16, 2011 | Posted in : Stop Smoking | Comments (1)

Over the last twenty years, anti-smoking laws have spread around the world and dozens of nations have banned smoking. The bans include areas such as enclosed public areas, like bars, restaurants and public transport, and even locations considered “open” such as parks and beaches. As health risks have become more pronounced and the dangers of smoking more documented, it’s only natural that legislative response would follow. But along with changes in laws and an increased understanding of the damage smoking can cause, anti-smoking advertising has stepped to the forefront.

Heavily debated and argued graphic warning labels aside, these anti-smoking campaigns aim to use artistic expression to convey the damage smoking can cause the body and the people around those who smoke. While their agenda is quite obviously clear, the promotion of tobacco avoidance, the individual manner in which they try and convey their message is very unique. And after much scouring and voting on behalf of our team, we’ve chosen the Top 5 that we feel have the most impact.

"Smoking/Deathbed"

This simple but suggestive image catches the eye because of its lack of shock value. You are intrigued because at first glance, it doesn’t give away its message and is not “shouting” anything. Only once the viewer has engrossed themselves to find out its meaning does it become clear, and then it’s unavoidable. Extremely clever and subtle, the bed represents a cigarette and hospital bed at the same time and suggests the link between the two. Source

"It burns!"

While not as subtle as the previous image, it still catches the eye. The combination of the fingers generally used to smoke along with the ash itself, portray danger by means of action. The action being smoking, and the danger is your body figuratively turning to ash as it’s damaged by the smoke. While that’s all negative, the image does also convey a sense of “things are in your hands”. And you can choose to have this happen or not. Source

"Smoke Halo"

The first of the images we felt had the most emotional impact. Apart from the halo of smoke, the child and the text both represent a lot for individuals when they read it. The text is actually secondary to the little girl, essentially the epitome of innocence. Its impact seems much stronger and the responsibility, quite rightly so, is put on parents who smoke and the effects this has on their children. People with children are probably more likely to respond to an image like this. Source

"The burning man"

The reaction this image causes is immediate because it displays everything in fantastic simplicity. It’s also an extremely artistic anti-smoking ad and this actually amplifies the retention. People are more likely to remember things that are unique, and this not only displays the message of the dangers of smoking but will be easier for recall. Source

"Hole in my lungs"

The top anti-smoking ad that we found is simple, mildly graphic but symbolises the most recognisable images that can be connected with smoking and the health risk that poses. The lungs, the main organ people associate lung damage, are made up of thousands of cigarettes and a small section is literally damaged here as the cigarettes burn (are smoked). It’s artistic, but straight forward to understand and provides all the information in a memorable image. Source

If you have found any images you believe are highly effective in conveying the dangers of smoking, please don’t hesitate to provide them below. Also don’t forget to comment on which image you found works best!

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