Why women’s football needs a fresh approach
Women’s football offers a wealth of opportunities for brands, say Matthew Bennett and Julia Denby-Jones of creative agency Zak. Just don’t approach it like the men’s game
Joren Joshua’s illustrations depict everyday life with wit and humour
Rotterdam-based artist Joren Joshua’s witty and absurd illustrations range from commercial projects for brands and magazines to large-scale public murals
A new ad from the AA aims to get you driving again
The AA introduces a charming new character, Tukker the dog, in a bid to remind us of ‘that feeling’, which driving in the summer can provoke
What Would I Change: Caterina Bianchini, Studio Nari
The designer and founder of Studio Nari kicks off our series exploring what creatives would change about their industry following this enforced period of lockdown and reflection
Viagra Connect ad focuses on love and relationships
The new campaign aims to raise conversations around the impact that stress and anxiety can have on relationships, and how Viagra Connect may be a solution
How coronavirus helped The Big Issue go digital
When the pandemic struck, The Big Issue lost 80% of its revenue overnight. As the magazine’s vendors finally return to selling on the streets, CR looks at how a combination of quick-thinking and creativity has helped them stay afloat during the crisis
Latest from CR
40 creative moments that changed culture
No major magazine birthday is complete without a list, so as part of Creative Review’s 40th celebrations, we’ve picked out 40 significant moments from across both high and low culture that we feel have shaped the work that is produced by our audience today
Vogue Italia’s new issue swaps cover stars for children’s drawings
Following on from its blank white cover that arrived as the world began to lockdown, Vogue Italia’s new issue is both dedicated to and designed by children all over the world
Mr Bingo on using humour to get through the pandemic
Known for his funny and sometimes cynical drawings, here Mr Bingo discusses people’s appetite for humour during this time and how he uses social media to test the waters
The visual evolution of Run The Jewels
As Killer Mike and El-P release their fourth album as rap duo Run The Jewels, we speak to long-time collaborators Tim Saccenti and Nicholas Gazin about how the band’s ‘stick-up’ hands logo has become one of the music world’s most recognisable emblems
How Covid-19 prompted a return of the poster
Creatives around the world have been producing posters in response to the Covid-19 crisis. We take a look at some innovative examples from Leeds, New York and Amsterdam, and explore how posters became an important tool for sharing information and lifting people’s spirits
New BFI campaign brings over 100 years of Japanese cinema to life
The British Film Institute is kicking off its Japan season with a promotional trailer and imagery that channels some of cinema’s most iconic moments into one vision
How Joe Wicks became the nation’s PE teacher
Joe Wicks has inspired millions of people to keep active during lockdowns with his live workout videos. We talk to Nikki Wicks, Head of Content at The Body Coach, and Koto, the studio behind its branding, about creating PE With Joe
How I Work: Michael Lee, Oatly creative director
Oat drink brand Oatly is at the forefront of the plant-based revolution – and it has divided audiences in the process. Creative director Michael Lee talks to us about working in this landscape, building a voice founded upon Swedish humility, and embracing noise
Natasha Jen on being creative during a crisis
For any creatives struggling through current events, Pentagram partner Natasha Jen has some calm words of wisdom – as well as thoughts on how the industry might be different post-coronavirus
Lance Wyman on using lockdown as a time to revisit and reflect
As the designer begins organising his archive, he has been sharing process shots and personal anecdotes with his Instagram followers along the way. Here, Wyman tells CR why our strange new reality is the perfect opportunity to look back at both the good and the bad
Reimagining Normal People for the small screen
As Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel gets a TV adaption, director Lenny Abrahamson discusses the challenges of translating the book’s intense emotions and internal monologues to a visual medium, and rethinking the way teenage relationships are portrayed on screen
Annie Atkins’ pandemic posters come with a twist
From avoiding hairdressing disasters to single-file romantic walks, the designer has created a new series of posters offering some lighthearted lessons for getting through lockdown
“There’s no magic formula”: what makes a show binge-worthy?
Binge-watching TV is now a perfectly acceptable leisure activity. But what makes certain shows so addictive? CR speaks to the people making the hit shows to find out why we love them
How lockdown is helping brands get creative on social
From virtual club nights to live workouts and viral art challenges, national lockdowns have prompted a wave of creative uses of social media. We take a look at some innovative examples and ask if this will have a lasting impact on how we use social platforms
Is short form content finally having its moment?
Film shorts and bitesize content have often been overlooked in favour of Hollywood feature-lengths. We explore whether new platforms and evolving viewer habits mark a new era for short form video
Here We Are: adapting Oliver Jeffers’ children’s book for TV
Jeffers’ illustrated bestseller has been reimagined for the screen in a 30-minute film created by Studio AKA. We talk to director Philip Hunt about the making of the film, and the challenges of adapting a popular picture book
How I Work: Jimmy Turrell
The graphic artist talks to CR about creating enigmatic album art, trawling charity shops for inspiration and putting a contemporary spin on collage
Behind the scenes with a Hollywood casting director
Jennifer Venditti, casting director behind Euphoria, Uncut Gems and Honey Boy, talks to us about finding the right person to convey personal stories, and the balancing act of casting first timers opposite Hollywood stars
The challenges of data visualisation during coronavirus
Data journalist Mona Chalabi and Information Is Beautiful founder David McCandless tell us what it’s been like creating infographics during these uncertain times
How I Work: Ian Pons Jewell
Director Ian Pons Jewell shares his thoughts on becoming adland’s go-to director for everything weird and wonderful, and why he writes back stories for every single character – yes, including Skittles’ yoghurt boy
Cartoonist Tom Gauld on drawing the humour out of science
Ahead of the release of his forthcoming book of New Scientist cartoons, Tom Gauld talks to us about his creative process and why he gets a kick out of the science community
Lou Downe’s guide to good service design
The UK government’s former design director has published a book outlining the fundamental principles of good service design. We talk to Downe about defining what makes a good service – and the reason why so many companies fail to deliver one that works
How a huge Minecraft library is fighting global censorship
The Uncensored Library is an enormous Minecraft build that’s allowing people from across the globe to safely access banned articles
The truth about racism in the UK
In December, grime artist Stormzy caused a media frenzy by pointing out the UK’s racism. Here, Jude Yawson, co-author with Stormzy on his book Rise Up, calls out the hypocrisy that exists in UK media and explains why we urgently need wider representation in our culture
Why advertising needs to stop the shaming
Most advertising makes us unhappy: it’s designed to set unrealistic standards that make us feel ashamed of how we look and live, in order to sell products. But change is coming, says We Are Pi’s Mark Lester
Amstel’s new identity is designed for beer drinkers all over the world
Created by Elmwood London, the refreshed identity hones in on the lager brand’s distinctive red and white roundel emblem, and is intended to be flexible enough to work across local markets on a global scale
Custom Air Max designs come to life in AKQA’s AR experience for Nike Japan
Create with Air Max lets sneaker fans put together 3D footwear designs and edit them in real time, via a printed colouring book and an AR tool
Meet the brand putting an adult spin on cereal
Pentagram’s Astrid Stavro has created the identity for OffLimits – an all-day adult cereal brand with zombie and rabbit mascots designed by Shepard Fairey’s studio
Designing The Luminaries
Eleanor Catton’s bestselling novel, set in New Zealand during the 19th century gold rush, has been reimagined in a six-part drama for BBC and TVNZ. We talk to production designer Felicity Abbott about the joys and challenges of bringing Catton’s epic story to life
Lauren Martin’s groovy illustrations add lightness to the world
From food-filled spreads to more politically charged pieces, Martin’s digitally-created illustrations pack a characterful punch
Vasava uses hand-drawn type to reimagine children’s classics
Barcelona-based agency Vasava takes a trip down memory lane by reimagining classic children’s book covers in a bid to encourage a new generation of readers
Behind the scenes at Shangri-La’s VR festival Lost Horizon
With Glastonbury’s cancellation leaving a gaping hole in the music calendar this summer, Shangri-La creative director Kaye Dunnings was determined to create a virtual experience that festival-goers could enjoy from their homes. We speak to her about bringing Lost Horizon to life
How Covid-19 has changed the future of esports
As physical sports across the globe were grounded by the pandemic, esports continued to thrive, and captured the attention of traditional sports fans along the way. This provides unique opportunities for brands to get involved, says Landor’s Rebecca Benson
Justine Kurland reflects on Girl Pictures
Between 1997 and 2002, Justine Kurland travelled across the North American wilderness, capturing teenage girls in a series of staged images that express freedom and a new kind of utopia. She looks back on the project’s significance here
D&AD announces New Blood ones to watch 2020
The annual festival launches its digital edition with a showcase of student work across graphic and communication design, advertising, illustration and animation
A trippy new music video for synth-pop veterans Sparks
Animator Cyriak is behind the mind-bending visuals for the duo’s latest track, The Existential Threat, which grapples with the thorny issue of our “inevitable impending death”
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
On Brief: Museum of Happiness x Hannah Jacobs
Our On Brief project pairs creative talent with startups, non-profits and community groups to create scroll-stopping visuals for Facebook and Instagram. Here we take a look at Hannah Jacobs’ collaboration with Museum of Happiness
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
Great Work: Defected Records’ virtual music festival
The house label surprised dance music fans with a series of live streams – starting with a 12-hour performance broadcast from Ministry of Sound
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
