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Satirical Illustrations Of Today’s Problems Drawn In The Style Of The 50s
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Satirical Illustrations Of Today’s Problems Drawn In The Style Of The 50s

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John Holcroft is a well-known British illustrator who has worked for BBC, Reader’s Digest, The Guardian and the Financial Times, among others. However, what makes him famous are not his employers, but the brilliant satire reflected in his illustrations and the retro style he uses to create them.

Everytime Holcroft publishes a new drawing, they inevitably go viral and spread all over the Internet. His style is based on advertisements from the 50’s, and he reproduces everything from their visual design style down to their aged vintage feel.

The content of these illustrations, however, is anything but old-fashioned – social issues and modern behavior drawn in a satirical way. The issues he focuses on include our dependence on technology, society’s greed and the devaluation of workers, just to name a few.

More info: johnholcroft.com | Behance | Facebook (via: BoredPanda.es)

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FayaVillar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i loved the one with the doctor and the coin.REALLY accurate.

C.Silva
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loved the one with the man watching TV, growing roots out of his a** into the chair... Also true if you sit all day in front of the computer

BērtulisBērziņš
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at least at computer the mind has possibility to learn, discover or just wander in somewhere nice. while at TV, whell you know yourself

Load More Replies...
LaraFellfrom-sky
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess no matter how much you dress it up we are all still slaves to the machine, cogs in the same wheel...there are no "individuals"

Load More Replies...
Victorbanana
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i did not understand half of that but still cool illustartions!!

Star Tripping
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think it's great. one of the biggest problems in this day and age is the overuse of cellphones and just sitting around.

StarTripping
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think it's great. a big problem for me in this day and age is the use of cell phones.

IrinaAdriana
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is about how the sistem is going WORLWIDE....if you don't practicly SEE IT doesen't meen it is NOT HAPPENING!!!!

Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

very interest... Hmmm... Are you want the finger? ^^

ClintCiroula
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure that the creator of these illustrations wanted them to be posted on a click-website aimed at earning revenue from advertisements.

Alex Murphy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i agree the world is relying on too many things that could easily make them think they are happy but in reality aren't

MollyAdams
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love those beautiful pounds dropping out of the smoke. Just lovely. I get the theme of this art, but I do love those beautiful coins.

MonicaL
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would not say it's in the style of the 50s at all but still cool

FarelleSchwarzenberg
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

....we are being controlled by money and indoctrinated social values, but we are made believe that fullfilling those will make us happy....

gleo
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The people getting all up in each other's comment boxes are hilarious - sadly no mention of Jesus or homosexuals. Loving the illustrations!

Liyana Pama
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Genius! Also proper satire not cheap-shot falsehoods masquerading. A treat for the mind and eye.

LiyanaPama
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Genius! Also proper satire not cheap-shot falsehoods masquerading. What a treat for the mind and eye.

StinaBush
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Read the comments and was disappointed. All people ever do is fight about stuff with one another good god.

Desiree'Attard
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The bank one is on point! Des | http://theanti-tourist.blogspot.com

NatalieNaron
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha, apparently he got his point across.....on so many levels

LineHansen
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I Love this ! And agree. And i am inspired to do something good to throug my own art, in my way <3 Thank you!

JamesDickerson
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one with the people at the teat of the piggy bank makes more sense the other way around. It is the bank who suckles the teats of people.

Lily Luty
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Possibly emblematic of a. doctors damaged by system, b. human error in system c. crumbling nhs d. financial problems, but whatever

JohnSchmidt
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A little overwrought in some instances - but very clever and enjoyable!!

Lily Luty
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is everyone arguing about the US healthcare system-what we have right there is a doctor being powered by pound coins, not dollars

Sred91
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do not agree with the Doctor illustrations. They still do much more than their money's worth.Try the bankers, property tycoons, politicians.

Sred91
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't agree with the Doctor illustration. They still are doing way more than their money's worth!

Thụy An
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the one with the girl and the phone, it should be a smartphone with larger screen :)

ArunKumar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Blame it on the doctor..while the MBAs who ruined the country get a free pass. Sometimes I feel people deserve what they get.

VivianaArcos
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No me gustó la ilustración del médico, no representa el problema del sistema de salud. Es irrespetuoso y denigrante.

Mercedes Riaño
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somos esclavos de:la tecnología ,del trabajo,del dinero,del consumismo y nos olvidamos de hablar ,de compartir muchas cosas hermosas.

SarahGarside
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The doctor one is very true, look at him he's shattered there putting money in his back to start him up again > Robot. Have respect!

Basu Kashyap
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't get the one in which a girl is looking in her cellphone and vines growing around her

UmeshShebe
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing !!! What imagination and execution. Brilliantly done.

Blanka Nováková
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, if it wasn´t so sad, it would be great...I mean it´s too true to smile. But I admire the author for brilliant thoughts!! Real life.

NickWogatzke
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sad honestly. Reminds me of when comedians bring up actual sad yet true topics and people laugh. I wonder if they hope for less laughter.

Skot Pepper-Heath
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

on that note, I am glad I left my phone charger at work for the night and I am closing my computer...

JoshuaTaylor
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

very good comment on our social culture. The expendable workforce coupled with the idea of them 'burning out' like matches is very poignant

allieagrella
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clever commentary on our society, although a little pessimistic!

PipPin
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love all of them, very poignant. Just don't understand the one with the man in the spotty suit? Someone explain?

LisaHyman
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fantastic, do you think the youth of today would understand the illustrations? Excellent and very true!

PaulSmit
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very true. The polka dot man is the artist who can no longer survive on the non-sales of his art. He has no choice to be in a slave gang.

AnneCrippa
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fantástico ponto de vista e sensibilidade para ironizar a realidade desta forma!! Parabéns pelo excelente trabalho!! :)

GretchenCantoni
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The doctor should have been the insurance company- here in America doctors work more and more for free.

Elisa Evers
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of them look very funny but actually it's sad because it't true.

Sean Brassman
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please! What good is 1 running shoe going to do me? I AM NOT HAPPY!

C. Silva
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also loved the "coin operated" doctor: just drop the cash in, and get that sick cert for next Monday :)

ArjanvanMourik
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great content and drawings (love the 3D without any perspective), but the aged noise just feels like a really cheap and unnecessary trick.

FayaVillar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i loved the one with the doctor and the coin.REALLY accurate.

C.Silva
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loved the one with the man watching TV, growing roots out of his a** into the chair... Also true if you sit all day in front of the computer

BērtulisBērziņš
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at least at computer the mind has possibility to learn, discover or just wander in somewhere nice. while at TV, whell you know yourself

Load More Replies...
LaraFellfrom-sky
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess no matter how much you dress it up we are all still slaves to the machine, cogs in the same wheel...there are no "individuals"

Load More Replies...
Victorbanana
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i did not understand half of that but still cool illustartions!!

Star Tripping
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think it's great. one of the biggest problems in this day and age is the overuse of cellphones and just sitting around.

StarTripping
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think it's great. a big problem for me in this day and age is the use of cell phones.

IrinaAdriana
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is about how the sistem is going WORLWIDE....if you don't practicly SEE IT doesen't meen it is NOT HAPPENING!!!!

Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

very interest... Hmmm... Are you want the finger? ^^

ClintCiroula
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure that the creator of these illustrations wanted them to be posted on a click-website aimed at earning revenue from advertisements.

Alex Murphy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i agree the world is relying on too many things that could easily make them think they are happy but in reality aren't

MollyAdams
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love those beautiful pounds dropping out of the smoke. Just lovely. I get the theme of this art, but I do love those beautiful coins.

MonicaL
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would not say it's in the style of the 50s at all but still cool

FarelleSchwarzenberg
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

....we are being controlled by money and indoctrinated social values, but we are made believe that fullfilling those will make us happy....

gleo
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The people getting all up in each other's comment boxes are hilarious - sadly no mention of Jesus or homosexuals. Loving the illustrations!

Liyana Pama
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Genius! Also proper satire not cheap-shot falsehoods masquerading. A treat for the mind and eye.

LiyanaPama
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Genius! Also proper satire not cheap-shot falsehoods masquerading. What a treat for the mind and eye.

StinaBush
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Read the comments and was disappointed. All people ever do is fight about stuff with one another good god.

Desiree'Attard
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The bank one is on point! Des | http://theanti-tourist.blogspot.com

NatalieNaron
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha, apparently he got his point across.....on so many levels

LineHansen
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I Love this ! And agree. And i am inspired to do something good to throug my own art, in my way <3 Thank you!

JamesDickerson
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one with the people at the teat of the piggy bank makes more sense the other way around. It is the bank who suckles the teats of people.

Lily Luty
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Possibly emblematic of a. doctors damaged by system, b. human error in system c. crumbling nhs d. financial problems, but whatever

JohnSchmidt
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A little overwrought in some instances - but very clever and enjoyable!!

Lily Luty
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is everyone arguing about the US healthcare system-what we have right there is a doctor being powered by pound coins, not dollars

Sred91
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do not agree with the Doctor illustrations. They still do much more than their money's worth.Try the bankers, property tycoons, politicians.

Sred91
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't agree with the Doctor illustration. They still are doing way more than their money's worth!

Thụy An
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the one with the girl and the phone, it should be a smartphone with larger screen :)

ArunKumar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Blame it on the doctor..while the MBAs who ruined the country get a free pass. Sometimes I feel people deserve what they get.

VivianaArcos
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No me gustó la ilustración del médico, no representa el problema del sistema de salud. Es irrespetuoso y denigrante.

Mercedes Riaño
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somos esclavos de:la tecnología ,del trabajo,del dinero,del consumismo y nos olvidamos de hablar ,de compartir muchas cosas hermosas.

SarahGarside
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The doctor one is very true, look at him he's shattered there putting money in his back to start him up again > Robot. Have respect!

Basu Kashyap
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't get the one in which a girl is looking in her cellphone and vines growing around her

UmeshShebe
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing !!! What imagination and execution. Brilliantly done.

Blanka Nováková
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, if it wasn´t so sad, it would be great...I mean it´s too true to smile. But I admire the author for brilliant thoughts!! Real life.

NickWogatzke
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sad honestly. Reminds me of when comedians bring up actual sad yet true topics and people laugh. I wonder if they hope for less laughter.

Skot Pepper-Heath
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

on that note, I am glad I left my phone charger at work for the night and I am closing my computer...

JoshuaTaylor
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

very good comment on our social culture. The expendable workforce coupled with the idea of them 'burning out' like matches is very poignant

allieagrella
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clever commentary on our society, although a little pessimistic!

PipPin
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love all of them, very poignant. Just don't understand the one with the man in the spotty suit? Someone explain?

LisaHyman
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fantastic, do you think the youth of today would understand the illustrations? Excellent and very true!

PaulSmit
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very true. The polka dot man is the artist who can no longer survive on the non-sales of his art. He has no choice to be in a slave gang.

AnneCrippa
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fantástico ponto de vista e sensibilidade para ironizar a realidade desta forma!! Parabéns pelo excelente trabalho!! :)

GretchenCantoni
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The doctor should have been the insurance company- here in America doctors work more and more for free.

Elisa Evers
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of them look very funny but actually it's sad because it't true.

Sean Brassman
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please! What good is 1 running shoe going to do me? I AM NOT HAPPY!

C. Silva
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also loved the "coin operated" doctor: just drop the cash in, and get that sick cert for next Monday :)

ArjanvanMourik
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great content and drawings (love the 3D without any perspective), but the aged noise just feels like a really cheap and unnecessary trick.

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