ABOUT
«Behind the Smile» — a social poster
Inspiration can strike in the most unexpected moments. For me, it happened during a quiet ride on public transport.
I noticed a phrase scribbled on a nearby surface: «He hits you — that means he loves you»
Those words stayed with me. Not because they were true — but because they revealed a painful reality: the way violence can be hidden behind twisted ideas of love, and how easily such messages are overlooked or ignored. That moment became the spark for this poster.
«Behind the Smile» is a reflection on the silence that often surrounds domestic abuse.
Many people suffering from violence don't show it. They smile. They go to work. They post happy photos. They continue with daily life — while carrying invisible wounds.
I wanted to create an image that invites a second look.
At first, you see a bright, smiling face. But with time, you notice the quiet signs of distress — the small details that reveal something is wrong. That contrast between appearance and reality became the heart of this work.
As a visual storyteller, I believe design can do more than catch attention — it can create impact. It can open space for difficult conversations.
This project is not about giving answers — it’s about raising awareness, encouraging empathy, and reminding us that not everything is as it seems.
«Behind the Smile" is my way of saying»:
Look closer. Listen deeper. Some stories are hidden in plain sight.
MADEIT CREDITS
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Marina Saprykina Graphic designer








