Good Reads: The Signal takes a different approach to current affairs
We hear how the media brand’s debut print publication, The Long Game, draws inspiration from Soviet era graphic design and the alternative spirit of underground publishing
Illustrator Solji Lee on perseverance
The creative shares why it’s good to push through the struggles and why practice has become the most important element of her work
J Hus releases split music video set in parallel worlds
Created by multidisciplinary studio Picnic, the 2D animation follows two characters communicating through the ether, which is neatly presented in an interactive experience that shows both perspectives
How marketing for TV and film has evolved
The rise of social media has led to an uptick in the use of stills photography and video clips to help promote new shows and films. CR examines the impact of this approach
Asda launches a cheerful and “conversational” identity
The supermarket’s new branding will be seen across its Serious About Summer campaign, both of which were developed by Havas London
Bringing cultural insights to the fore
We Are Social’s global director of cultural insights discusses how the agency is looking beyond rapidly changing trends to help brands from adidas to Starbucks embed themselves in digital culture
Latest from CR
Our guide to the 2024 UK degree shows
Find out details for the UK undergraduate art and design showcases taking place this summer
Talking career evolution with David Wilson
Stunning cabaret performances at the Playgrounds and Offf festivals are taking director David Wilson’s work in a new direction. He explains how everything he does is interconnected and why not every director’s ambition is to make movies
Why is everyone hating on Apple’s new ad?
Apple’s new iPad Pro ad sees a series of items crushed, to demonstrate the creative power of the new tablet. It has provoked ire across social media – Ben Kay examines why
How should brands deal with unwanted fans?
Influencer wrangling is now a crucial part of any brand management role. And this bit is relatively straightforward: find people who people like who can spread the word about your product. But what happens when the wrong people get in on the action?
Creative Review’s podcast looks at pitching
The latest episode of Creativity Sucks! is taking on the contentious issue of pitching in the advertising and design industries
The Monthly Interview: Jessica Hische
In our latest monthly interview we speak to designer and illustrator Jessica Hische, who has built a hugely successful career spanning commercial work, books and even retail. Here, she reflects on her life and work and how the industry has changed during her career
Is the advertising industry rigged?
House of Oddities was set up to challenge the more problematic elements of the traditional agency model. We speak to its founders about why they think the odds are still stacked against small indie agencies
Bumble reveals new campaign and key changes to its app
The dating app is launching its new design and features with a campaign that addresses the exhausting admin involved in finding a match
A deep dive into the complexity of brand purpose
Nick Asbury’s new book examines how brand purpose intoxicated the marketing world, and the negative impact he feels it has wrought. Here he introduces the book’s central themes and implores us all to think differently about the trend
KFC embraces the reality of the British summer in new campaign
The new Ultimate BBQ Burger launches with a campaign by Mother that offers a taste of summer no matter the weather
Accessibility and Creativity
We explore how the worlds of design, advertising, gaming and illustration are responding to accessibility needs
A new campaign spells out the reality of the sewage crisis
AMV BBDO’s campaign for COPI shines a light on sewage spills in UK waterways with the help of a faecal-inspired font
Adam Morse on his journey to directing
Since losing his sight at the age of 19, the filmmaker has gone on to write and direct his first feature film, shoot a Super Bowl ad for Google, and set up a non-profit to help the next generation of disabled creative talent
How can brands play with controversy in risk-averse times?
In a consumer landscape that favours virtue, with audiences that will call out bad behaviour at the drop of a hat, courting controversy is a risky move. But brands can still use it to their advantage
Creative Inspiration
Images and ideas to feed your imagination
Advice for Creatives
Expert tips on how to navigate a creative career
Creative Insight
Analysis of creative projects and trends
Creativity Sucks!
CR’s podcast on life in the creative industries
Why brands need to embrace loss
Brands need to frame the changes required for a sustainable future in positive terms, in order to bring everyone from audiences to CEOs with them, says Alex Bee of creative agency Space Doctors
Nigel Shafran’s book makes art out of archives
The photographer’s new publication, Workbooks, is an ode to the ritual of meticulously cataloguing work, thoughts and ideas, and gives a glimpse into the last 40 years of his creative production
Charli XCX unites ‘hot internet girls’ in new video
Regular collaborator Aidan Zamiri has directed the music video for 360, which features a boardroom meeting of the internet’s favourite leftfield stars
Marcus McDonald on how freelancing has helped his images evolve
Formerly staff photographer at New York Magazine, the creative talks to CR about the freedom of going freelance and the importance of valuing your work
Lola & Pani’s book captures the contrasts of youth
The duo’s latest project, Bumps, recalls the devil-may-care attitudes of adolescence, and a period defined by fun, freedom and a search for understanding
Shelter campaign underscores the importance of social housing
The housing and homelessness charity’s new campaign reinforces the value of social housing to the nation, and calls for more homes to be built
Birmingham Design Festival returns with a focus on process
The design festival is back this June with a line up of over 80 speakers across three days, including Annie Atkins, Sesame Workshop and Christopher Doyle
Speedo goes back to its Aussie roots in cheeky new ad
The swimwear brand encourages us to ‘Go Full Speedo’ in a spot that features Stranger Things actor Dacre Montgomery and is a rallying cry to get people swimming
PF Flyers returns to its Americana roots in new branding
Creative agency Bokeh has created a nostalgia-infused visual identity for one of America’s original sneaker brands, which dates back to the 1930s
Lynx takes a darkly comic approach to show the power of fragrance
Lola MullenLowe and director duo Lionel Goldstein have created a set of campaign films that add an unexpected twist to the classic Lynx Effect
How PG Tips hopes to redefine itself
The brand’s first campaign since 2016 is aiming to refresh its image. We speak to PG Tips and creative agency Calling about the power of a light touch, and what director Steve McQueen brought to the campaign film
PG Tips returns with an ad by Steve McQueen
The artist and Oscar-winning filmmaker has directed the brand’s first spot since 2016, which stars Top Boy’s Ashley Walters giving himself a pep talk over a brew
TikTok
How to cut through with creativity on TikTok
How the most successful brands on TikTok drive performance through ground-breaking creativity
In-House Agency Leaders Club
Want to change it? Measure it!
Ineffective work often stems from bad behaviours. To change things, you need to measure where it’s all going wrong
UAL Awarding Body
Why Further Education needs more love
Low on the pecking order for policy makers, the FE sector is nonetheless vital to help nurture the next generation of creative thinkers
TikTok
How travel brands can inspire wanderlust on TikTok
TikTok’s thriving #TravelTok community are hungry for travel brands to inspire and advise them for their next adventure
In-House Agency Leaders Club
The case for account management at in-house agencies
The five qualities that great account management people bring to in-house agencies, and why their impact can be transformative.
TikTok
How to build fandom on TikTok
TikTok communities are always hungry for fresh entertainment: here’s how to make sure your brand is part of the conversation
In-House Agency Leaders Club
Why in-house agencies’ ambitions are growing
To achieve their goal of being seen as lead agencies, in-house creative agencies need to fill gaps in strategy, planning and process
TikTok
Why creativity and performance go hand in hand
Entertainment builds brand awareness, but according to TikTok it’s also a vital ingredient in performance marketing.
Falmouth University
Fulfil your creative potential through online study
Don’t let your location or work commitments hold you back: advances in remote learning have made even practice-based courses like Fine Art much more accessible.
Figma
Why non-designers must understand design better
Appreciation of the design process should permeate an entire organisation, not just its in-house creative team
Depositphotos
Depositphotos names seven powerful concepts driving creative trends in 2023
Via its latest visual trends report, Depositphotos predicts an emphasis on wellness, joy and magic this year
Meta
How the metaverse could transform brand engagement
Early adopters in fashion and entertainment are blazing a trail, but how could brands in other sectors embrace the potential of the metaverse?
Meta
Unlock more immersive brand experiences in the metaverse
Brands must dream big to push the limits of experience design in the metaverse.
In partnership with Adobe
Speed is of the essence for video production success
Don’t waste time shuttling drives around: get the edge on the competition by shooting straight into the cloud.
ART.art
Digitisation is the future of artistic authenticity
Context is king in the art world, and digital twinning is an exciting new way for artists to establish provenance and boost the value of their creations.
Peerspace
Get the most from any shoot location
Once you’ve found the ideal location for your campaign shoot, be sure to make the best of every corner of it
Figma
Why businesses should be led by designers
At an executive level, design thinking can transform an organisation from the inside – and this kind of cultural shift may prove vital for many brands’ survival
TikTok
How brands can be authentic on TikTok
Insider advice from Burberry, Rimmel and Duolingo to thrive in TikTok’s world of democratised creativity
ART.art
Build your personal brand online
A strong digital presence is increasingly vital for any successful artist – and it starts with the right name