Medicating Models

Controversial Pill-Popping Portraits for Vice Magazine

When Ed Zipco whipped out his lens to photograph models popping pills, he sought to make this controversial stereotype of a habit look beautiful.

The spread was featured in—what else?—Vice Magazine and features young models shoveling blue, turquoise and red capsules into their mouths by the handful.

No doubt these photos were taken by Ed Zipco in an effort to evoke controversial debate among viewers, and arouse opinion they have.

Implications - EXPLORE THE CONCEPT OF MEDICATION IN RELATION TO DRUGS

Taking medication was once considered a geriatric problem, limited to older adults. However, many people use medication, it is simply not taked about, and with such, references to medication may be controversial but they are intriguing at the same time. The glamorization of medicine is an interesting development that businesses should be considerate of when creating products that are meant to enhance consumer's lives.

Glamorizing Medication
Exploring the concept of medication in relation to drugs and the glamorization of medicine can open up disruptive innovation opportunities in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
Controversial Stereotypes
Examining controversial stereotypes around pill-popping and the portrayal of habits can lead to disruptive innovation in the media and advertising industries.
Taboo Conversations
Addressing the taboo nature of conversations around medication and drugs can create disruptive innovation opportunities in the wellness and mental health industries.

Who This Affects Most

Healthcare
The glamorization of medication and exploring its relationship with drugs can disrupt the traditional approaches in the healthcare industry.
Pharmaceutical
Understanding the controversial stereotypes around pill-popping can open up disruptive innovation opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry to create medications with alternative forms and packaging.
Media
Examining and challenging controversial portrayals of habits like pill-popping can lead to disruptive innovation opportunities in the media industry to create more nuanced and responsible narratives.
SCORE
2.5 out of 10
GENDER
10% Men90% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 51%
Activity 17%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X