Mindset is a magazine about mental health. The first issue is focused around social anxiety and explores and increases awarenness through fine art photography and playful spiral/flip book.

The publication aimed to represent mental health struggles - specifically social anxiety - in visually striking ways to combat the stigma associated with this. I directed stark and garish imagery to represent the brutality of struggling with mental ill health. This publication prioritised imagery over text because being ‘seen’ is often the cause of anxiety while internal struggles often go unseen. The publication of these images on glossy magazine pages highlights a juxtaposition between how people might be expected to present themselves and the way they actually feel inside. This contrast is exemplified in photographs which depict a shredded self image, even while one might try to wrap oneself in cotton wool.

The images serve as metaphors for the fears experienced by people with social anxiety: overthinking, fear of answering calls, being watched, being a center of attention. I used textures and images which made viewers feel discomfort yet reassurance that their internal issues are recognised by someone else; the rough textures are contrasted with the vibrancy and optimism implied by the colours. The imagery was designed to be symbolic and abstract so that viewers could interpret and personalise its meaning. Are you the knife or the egg?