Why Play Matters
Play has value in our lives beyond being a tool for relaxing: in fact it is key for creativity. Here CR looks at the brands, designers and creatives that use play most effectively, and how it can help in our work
The Old Spice guy is back – and he’s brought his son along too
Just in time for his 10th anniversary, Old Spice guy has returned, and this time he’s sharing grooming tips with his son, Keith Powers
Can banking apps change our spending habits?
NatWest has launched a new digital banking service, Bó, which aims to help people spend less and save more. We explore how the brand was created – and what its launch tells us about the future of banking
DK strips it back to the bare minimum for its new visual identity
DK (the publishing company formerly known as Dorling Kindersley) has ditched its 3D book logo in favour of a pared-back version of the symbol as part of an identity update by Pentagram
Is gaming the most undervalued creative influence of them all?
Gaming’s creeping influence is being felt across the creative industry, particularly in immersive entertainment. We find out why there’s so much to learn from it, and how a generation that’s grown up playing games is now rethinking the way narrative works
Radiohead launches Radiohead Public Library, an online archive
The band has transformed its website into a treasure trove of live footage, music videos, artwork and merch – complete with your very own downloadable library card
Catherine Balet’s translucent, mixed-media scenes
The French photographer has released a new book, Moods in a Room, which blends her early paintings, art history references and photographic cuttings
Design Indaba announces speakers for 2020 anniversary edition
The annual creative conference returns to Cape Town from February 26 – 28, celebrating 25 years with speakers including Pentagram partner Sascha Lobe, design guru Debbie Millman, graphic artist Patrick Thomas, and more
What makes a hit mobile game?
Mobile gaming has come a long way since the days of Snake. But with so many titles now competing for attention, how do you create something that stands out? We explore what makes for a great experience – and what we can learn from successful titles
Shake off your January work blues with Laurence King’s self-help career cards
The publisher is releasing a set of career-focused cards featuring tips on how to improve your 9-to-5 grind. Here are five of our favourites
How to create a playable city
Technology may be reshaping how we engage with urban spaces, but does it risk sucking the life out of them in the process? We explore some of the creative projects that are making our cities more playful
Nadine Ijewere and Jawara spotlight Jamaican communities in new show
The project, titled Tallawah, is a collaboration between photographer Nadine Ijewere and hair stylist Jawara, who together explore their personal and shared experiences of Jamaican identity
Luis Usón’s animated short tells the tale of a cartoon rabbit losing his way
Groompy the rabbit is the lead in a big TV cartoon series, but is the life of a star as glamorous as it sounds?
Dougie Wallace aims his flashgun at Brick Lane in a new photo book
East Ended places the area’s chaotic backdrops in dialogue with locals and visitors alike – all captured in Dougie Wallace’s trademark paparazzi style
How Hornbach’s playful take on DIY made tools cool again
German store Hornbach has established itself as the cathedral of DIY, with years of tongue-in-cheek advertising that’s appealed to home improvers’ sense of humour. We delve into why it works so well, and what it can teach advertisers about the current mania for purpose
Why Ikea decided to let kids design its soft toys
With Ikea’s annual soft toy drawing contest as popular as ever, CR speaks to Bodil Fritjofsson about how they’re making dreams come true one soft toy at a time
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
Great Work: WWF’s Black Friday Twist
The wildlife charity put a new spin on Black Friday sales promotions, with a series of Facebook ads urging consumers to adopt animals which are endangered or at risk
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
On Brief: Help Refugees x Luis Mazon
Our On Brief initiative pairs emerging talent with startups, charities and community groups to create scroll-stopping visuals for Facebook and Instagram. Here we take a look at Luis Mazon’s work for Help Refugees
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
Great Work: Specsavers, Don’t Lose the Picture
The optician chain used AR to illustrate the effects of common eye conditions in a campaign to promote free eye tests
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
Charlotte May on her vibrant still lifes
Our New Talent series highlights visual creatives who are sharing great work on Facebook and Instagram. Here we talk to photographer Charlotte May about her colourful images
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
On Brief: Freddie’s Flowers x Charlotte May
Our On Brief initiative pairs emerging talent with startups, charities and community groups to create scroll-stopping visuals for Facebook and Instagram. Here we take a look at Charlotte May’s work for Freddie’s Flowers
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
Oliver Sin on his playful animations
Our New Talent series highlights visual creatives who are sharing great work on Facebook and Instagram. Here we talk to Cheltenham-based animator and former designer Oliver Sin about his work
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
Great Work: Mark Ronson’s interactive music video
Made for Instagram Stories, the video for Mark Ronson’s track Pieces of Us combines vertical creative with playful stickers and AR effects
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
On Brief: Yes Tribe x Oliver Sin
Our On Brief project pairs emerging creative talent with startups, non-profits and community groups to produce scroll-stopping visuals for Facebook and Instagram. Here we take a look at Oliver Sin’s animations for Yes Tribe
