In America, studies show that children struggle to name historically significant figures, including presidents, but can easily recognize mascots of popular food chains. Did you know there’s a food chain called "Heart Attack Grill" where waiters dressed as nurses punish customers who can’t finish their meals? They even offer a 20,000-calorie burger for free if you can eat it all.

We all know too much junk food is harmful to our health and won’t make us happy in the long run. But the instant gratification of biting into a juicy burger is hard to resist, isn’t it?

This illustration series explores how we often choose "instant happiness" over long-term well-being.

Illustration 1: Childhood.
We teach our children to avoid unhealthy food, yet we don’t always model good behavior. Hard day at work? Let’s go to McDonald's, just this once...

Illustration 2: Pleasure.
We understand the difference between lasting pleasures and those that are short-lived but immediate. Which do we choose?

Illustration 3: Heart Attack Grill.
Inspired by the food chain mentioned above.

Illustration 4: Put a Ring on It.
A double spread in the magazine, paired with "’Til Death Do Us Part."

Illustration 5: ’Til Death Do Us Part.
Why do we commit to things we know are bad for us? Whether it’s an unhealthy relationship or a messy divorce, the consequences are real.

Student project created for "2015 Magazine."