Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles.
One app.

Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles. One news app.

Bored Panda

Community Panda

56 New Clever Illustrations By Stephan Schmitz That Turn Complex Issues Into Striking Images

Zurich

Stephan Schmitz illustrates complex ideas simply enough to be instantly readable, yet still leaves room for interpretation. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, the award-winning illustrator creates conceptual digital works built around clear compositions, restrained color palettes, and carefully chosen visual metaphors. Rather than spelling everything out, his illustrations often invite viewers to pause, connect the clues, and find the larger meaning behind the scene.

Bored Panda has featured Stephan's illustrations before, and this new selection offers another look at how effectively he uses visual storytelling to communicate difficult, timely, and often deeply human topics. That approach has made Stephan’s work a strong fit for editorial features, advertising campaigns, publishing projects, and scientific journals. His illustrations can explore political tensions, social issues, medical subjects, mental health, technology, climate concerns, or everyday human behavior, all while keeping the message visually sharp and emotionally accessible.

Scroll down to see his thought-provoking illustrations, and let us know which one stayed with you the longest.

More info: Instagram | stephan-schmitz.ch

#1

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#2

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#3

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#4

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#5

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#6

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#7

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#8

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#9

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#10

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#11

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#12

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#13

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#14

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#15

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#16

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#17

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#18

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#19

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#20

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#21

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#22

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#23

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#24

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#25

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#26

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#27

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#28

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#29

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#30

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#31

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#32

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#33

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#34

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#35

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#36

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#37

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#38

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#39

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#40

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#41

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#42

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#43

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#44

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#45

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#46

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#47

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#48

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#49

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#50

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#51

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#52

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#53

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#54

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#55

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

#56

© Photo: Stephan Schmitz

Sign up to read this article

Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here

Top stories on inkl right now

‘A very, very unpleasant surprise’: Meta forced to halt data center water discharges after polluting city's water reclamation system with resistant bacterium — shutdown and cleaning of two water reclamation plants expected lasted months

‘A very, very unpleasant surprise’: Meta forced to halt data center water discharges after polluting city's water reclamation system with resistant bacterium — shutdown and cleaning of two water reclamation plants expected lasted months

Meta has been named as the source of contamination for a rare metal and drug resistant bacterium that shut down two water reclamation plants.

FIFA rejects Belgium challenge over Balogun eligibility, Trump hails red card U-turn

FIFA rejects Belgium challenge over Balogun eligibility, Trump hails red card U-turn

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the sport's disciplinary process amid international criticism. He stated FIFA's judicial bodies operate independently and autonomously from external influences. President Donald Trump praised FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card ban. European football body UEFA expressed disbelief and called the decision unprecedented…

The Economic Times

Chinese government tells critics not to ‘overinterpret’ missile test in Pacific as criticism grows

Chinese government tells critics not to ‘overinterpret’ missile test in Pacific as criticism grows

The Australian government says there was ‘insufficient notice’ as details of missile path are released by Taiwan government

The Guardian - AU

USMNT vs. Belgium: Confirmed Lineups for World Cup Round of 16—Balogun Ready

USMNT vs. Belgium: Confirmed Lineups for World Cup Round of 16—Balogun Ready

The USMNT is looking to advance to the quarterfinals for first time since 2002.

Sports Illustrated

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

FIFA chief forced to defend Balogun World Cup reprieve

FIFA chief forced to defend Balogun World Cup reprieve

LOS ANGELES (UNITED STATES) - FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on Monday defended the decision to reprieve US World Cup star Folarin Balogun after Donald Trump said he had appealed directly to the head of world football's governing body over the issue.

The DOJ Challenges Virginia's 'Assault Firearm' Law and California's Glock Ban

The DOJ Challenges Virginia's 'Assault Firearm' Law and California's Glock Ban

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon argues that both laws are unconstitutional because they prohibit arms in common use for lawful purposes.

Related Stories

Top stories on inkl right now

‘A very, very unpleasant surprise’: Meta forced to halt data center water discharges after polluting city's water reclamation system with resistant bacterium — shutdown and cleaning of two water reclamation plants expected lasted months

‘A very, very unpleasant surprise’: Meta forced to halt data center water discharges after polluting city's water reclamation system with resistant bacterium — shutdown and cleaning of two water reclamation plants expected lasted months

Meta has been named as the source of contamination for a rare metal and drug resistant bacterium that shut down two water reclamation plants.

FIFA rejects Belgium challenge over Balogun eligibility, Trump hails red card U-turn

FIFA rejects Belgium challenge over Balogun eligibility, Trump hails red card U-turn

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the sport's disciplinary process amid international criticism. He stated FIFA's judicial bodies operate independently and autonomously from external influences. President Donald Trump praised FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card ban. European football body UEFA expressed disbelief and called the decision unprecedented…

The Economic Times

Chinese government tells critics not to ‘overinterpret’ missile test in Pacific as criticism grows

Chinese government tells critics not to ‘overinterpret’ missile test in Pacific as criticism grows

The Australian government says there was ‘insufficient notice’ as details of missile path are released by Taiwan government

The Guardian - AU

USMNT vs. Belgium: Confirmed Lineups for World Cup Round of 16—Balogun Ready

USMNT vs. Belgium: Confirmed Lineups for World Cup Round of 16—Balogun Ready

The USMNT is looking to advance to the quarterfinals for first time since 2002.

Sports Illustrated

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

FIFA chief forced to defend Balogun World Cup reprieve

FIFA chief forced to defend Balogun World Cup reprieve

LOS ANGELES (UNITED STATES) - FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on Monday defended the decision to reprieve US World Cup star Folarin Balogun after Donald Trump said he had appealed directly to the head of world football's governing body over the issue.

The DOJ Challenges Virginia's 'Assault Firearm' Law and California's Glock Ban

The DOJ Challenges Virginia's 'Assault Firearm' Law and California's Glock Ban

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon argues that both laws are unconstitutional because they prohibit arms in common use for lawful purposes.

Our Picks

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Wedding Branded 'Tacky' as Insiders Reveal Buffet Detail That Shocked Guests

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding buffet choice caused debate, with some guests criticising it as 'tacky' despite the event's luxurious setting and star-studded guest list.

International Business Times UK

"I said, 'Look, everyone knows you’ve got vodka in the water bottle. Get it together and get on stage'." The Rolling Stones share their memories of the late Amy Winehouse

"I said, 'Look, everyone knows you’ve got vodka in the water bottle. Get it together and get on stage'." The Rolling Stones share their memories of the late Amy Winehouse

Internet Trolls Travis Kelce For Crying During Wedding Vows With Taylor Swift: “Gonna Cry Big In The Future”

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s vows were “real, vulnerable, serious, and silly.”

Women Are More Likely to Color Their Hair or Consider Cosmetic Procedures to Look Younger—Survey Says

Looking younger has long been a multibillion-dollar industry, but a new national survey suggests women continue to feel significantly more pressure than men to fight...

Obsession star Inde Navarrette says she has met with the director of Marvel's new X-Men movie — and some fans really don't want to see her become part of the 'MCU slop machine'

Marvel fans are convinced that the breakout star of 2026 horror hit Obsession is slated to join the comic giant's cinematic juggernaut.

Where Did Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Go After Their Wedding? Viral Israel Honeymoon Claim Debunked

A viral claim about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce honeymooning in Israel is debunked as satire. The couple's actual honeymoon plans remain private, with no confirmed destination.

International Business Times UK

Fourteen days free

Download the app

One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.

Download on the AppStore

Get it on Google Play