The Final Major Project builds on the Visual Research Proposal module, where I explored subjects that interested me and began shaping a project concept. Through a three-month research phase, I examined potential topics, initially considering “Modern Masculinities” and “Mental Health.” As I delved deeper, I discovered a meaningful intersection: men’s mental health, a topic often overlooked despite alarming statistics, such as men being three to four times more likely to die by suicide.

My research focused on understanding mental health broadly, examining men’s experiences, and investigating how societal expectations of masculinity influence their willingness to seek help. I explored solutions, media representations, and visual projects, noting a lack of initiatives specifically targeting men’s mental health. This gap inspired a creative approach to engage men in meaningful conversations and offer alternative ways to manage well-being beyond traditional talking therapies.

The project aims to be inclusive, addressing men of all ages, from young adults navigating identity and peer pressures to older men experiencing isolation and loss. Its goal is both informative and action-oriented, providing insights, strategies, testimonials, and a curated media library.

The project is presented in three formats: Editorial: Uses pink as a challenge to gender stereotypes and comic imagery to explore evolving societal perceptions of masculinity. Digital: Features a website and social media presence to share resources, personal stories, and news. Printed: Posters and stickers carry the message, “Talking is good. But X is better,” inviting personalization and encouraging engagement with mental health in diverse ways. By intertwining masculinity and mental health, the project seeks to break stigmas, open dialogue, and provide practical support, emphasizing that there are multiple paths to mental well-being.