Austin West Nile Information Billboard.

This Austin Public Health billboard won’t win any design awards, but it nails one thing: clarity. A cartoon mosquito lounging in a kiddie pool instantly communicates the problem—standing water equals mosquito breeding grounds.

Why It Works

• Big, clear message: You can read it while driving by.
• Visual metaphor: The mosquito in a pool makes “standing water” easy to remember.
• Humor lowers resistance—people actually look.
• Simple next step: “Remove standing water.” No confusion, just action.
• Official backing adds credibility.

Real-World Proof

• The “Got Milk?” campaign used humor and simplicity to boost sales 7% in its first year.
• “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk” sticks because it’s short and visual.
• Australia’s “Slip, Slop, Slap” sun safety phrase cut skin cancer rates by over 50%.

Clarity beats pretty every time.