Clémentine Schneidermann traces George Brassens’ legacy in Sète
Captured during a residency in the French port city, the photographer’s latest body of work builds a portrait of Sète peppered with cues referencing the late singer and poet
How Oxfam kickstarted Second Hand September
Oxfam has inspired people across the UK to swear off fast fashion and embrace a more sustainable approach. Here’s how the charity got its Second Hand September pledge off the ground
What to do when the plagiarist strikes?
On discovering that a piece of work he had created had ‘inspired’ a project from another studio, Richard Holman went through a range of emotions before realising that plagiarism can have its benefits
Ikea adds to its sleep campaign with a series of striking posters
The posters follow the brand’s recent ad, which provided a prequel to the classic tale of the tortoise and the hare, and continue its message of the value of a good night’s sleep
My Breakthrough Moment: Kevin Cummins
Having shot some of the biggest bands in the world and worked as the NME’s chief photographer for a decade, Kevin Cummins reflects on why his 2009 book Manchester: Looking For The Light Through The Pouring Rain marked a distinct turning point in his career
The Sustainability Issue
Creatives can play an important role in promoting sustainability and addressing climate change. Here we look at those who are leading the charge with new ways of thinking about technology, branding, city design, and more
Latest from CR
Trevor Paglen on AI, surveillance and art
The artist talks to us about his artworks that reveal the “jaw-droppingly appalling” methods underpinning AI datasets, and why he’s turning the lens back on the public in his new exhibition
Mandy Barker on documenting an ocean of plastic
Through her beautiful images of manmade waste, photographer Mandy Barker has highlighted the ugly truth about plastic pollution. Rachael Steven talks to her about her creative process
Alec Soth’s venture into the great indoors
As his photo series I Know How Furiously Your Heart is Beating goes on show at Foam in Amsterdam, Alec Soth discusses the intimacy of photographing people at home and how the project has taken on a new metaphorical meaning in these times
It’s architecture … but for dogs
Japan House London’s latest exhibition is a showcase of doggie-friendly architecture, featuring kennels and beds created by some of the biggest names in design
The great logo debate
We’ve recently seen the launch of two major event logos – for the LA 2028 Olympics and the Osaka Expo 2025. The identities have received both jeers and cheers – here we examine why logos evoke such heated debate, and what it says about our relationship with design
My Breakthrough Moment: Flo Ngala
Fresh from her BTS shots of internet-breaking music video WAP, Flo Ngala discusses how an early commission to photograph Cardi B helped her earn her stripes as the artist’s go-to photographer for everything from the Met Gala to her daughter’s first birthday party
How to showcase your work and grow your profile
You’ve done the work, but now what? We speak to illustrator Olimpia Zagnoli and Julie Cook, head of art at Mother London, to get the freelancer and commissioner perspective on how best to get your work and name out there
Stormzy’s new music video is a powerful tribute to real-life superheroes
Directed by Taz Tron Delix, the animated video for Superheroes nods to the Black Lives Matter movement along with famous faces including rapper Dave and author Malorie Blackman
Designing dating apps in the age of coronavirus
The pandemic may have made people wary of going on real-life dates, but dating apps are using the lockdown period as an opportunity to help us nurture our virtual love lives. CR investigates the unstoppable rise of digital dating
What Would I Change: Eddie Opara, Pentagram
Continuing our series exploring what creatives would change about their industries, we speak to Pentagram partner Eddie Opara about anti-racism, the problem with working digitally, and having a more transparent relationship with clients
My Breakthrough Moment: Jon Burgerman
In this series we ask leading creatives to talk about what projects or events kickstarted their careers. Here, artist Jon Burgerman, who has a fondness for googly eyes, talks about how his move to New York City led to a breakthrough in his practice
A new exhibition is celebrating two of hip-hop’s best known imagemakers
Eddie Otchere and Remy Bourdeau have worked with everyone from Biggie Smalls to Skepta in their individual practices. In a new collaborative show at San Mei Gallery, they are presenting their work together as a visual dialogue on hip-hop history
How I Work: Intimacy Coordinator Ita O’Brien
The intimacy coordinator has worked on TV shows including Sex Education, Normal People and I May Destroy You to help actors feel empowered in intimate scenes on screen. She talks about her work and why brands and advertisers need to take notice of it too
How I Got Here: Fvckrender
From a restaurant job to commissions for the likes of Dior and Lil Nas X, Frederic Duquette – the man behind Fvckrender – tells CR how he taught himself to make surreal, mind-bending digital art
Beavertown Brewery on building a craft beer brand
Beavertown Brewery creative director Nick Dwyer tells CR about the artful chaos that drives the craft beer brand, and how it’s built its identity on “spacemen, skeletons, skulls and weird shit exploding”
Cássio Vasconcellos’ aerial photos explore the idea of space in Covid-19
The photographic compositions bringing together dense collections of people, materials and scenes are the focus of a new book reflecting on the ‘distancing era’
Should more graphic designers design buildings?
Fresh from designing their own building in Amsterdam, Thonik’s Nikki Gonnissen and Thomas Widdershoven discuss what sets graphic designers apart from architects and what that could mean for a more collaborative future
How to find your style as a creative
Developing a unique aesthetic is by no means an easy or instant process for most creatives. Here, photographer Alex de Mora and illustrator Shyama Golden share their tips on how to find your voice when you’re starting out
How art is helping cities and towns recover from Covid-19
Towns and cities are using art and design to add a much-needed shot of positivity and optimism into city centres as they cautiously reopen for business
The diversity challenge: how to break into and stay in the creative industries
The jobs market for new graduates is tough in general at the moment, but is even more challenging for BIPOC graduates, says Leonie Annor-Owiredu. Here she offers some advice for what both grads and the industry can do to help
How I Work: Henn Kim
South Korean illustrator Henn Kim’s hauntingly beautiful artworks have made her an Instagram sensation, earning her commissions from everyone from Unicef to Sally Rooney in the process. Here, she discusses the value of using creativity as an emotional release
The evolution of electronic music
As the Design Museum opens its new show Electronic, we speak to curator Gemma Curtin and The Chemical Brothers collaborators Smith & Lyall about the genre’s wider impact on creativity and culture, and how the music industry could look post-pandemic
Celebrating the social media challenge that got us through lockdown
The Getty Museum Challenge was a firm favourite during lockdown, challenging people to recreate some of the world’s most famous artworks using only what they had to hand. A new book documents some of the best efforts
Creative Inspiration
Images and ideas to feed your imagination
Advice for Creatives
Expert tips on how to navigate a creative career
The Creative Workplace
How flexible working is changing the creative process
Creativity and Coronavirus
How the creative industries are responding to the pandemic
B&Q continues its celebration of the sentimental side of DIY
Following on from its recent TV spot, the Build a Home poster campaign appeals to the deeper connection DIY can create between a person and the place they live
How I Work: Animator Will Child
Director, animator and claymation artist Will Child has transformed football managers, hip hop stars and pop culture figures into irreverent plasticine models. He talks to us about his “janky” animations
Why it’s time for marketing to reappraise the role of design
As marketing becomes more complex and fragmented, the customer experience requires consistency more than ever: which is where designers become vital, says Andrew Barraclough, vice-president of global design, GSK
Illustrator Marylou Faure on putting together her first monograph
The Parisian creative’s first book is packed with playful figures and bright colours, and provides an insight into her journey so far
Derek Abella plays with nostalgia and texture in his ethereal illustrations
The New York-based illustrator digitally creates emotional and dream-like pieces that seek inspiration from photography and film
Femtech brand Mylo gives fertility a fresh look in new identity
Previously known as myLotus, Ragged Edge has renamed the ovulation tracker and introduced a more modern aesthetic that looks to reflect the realities of getting pregnant
Remembering Terence Conran
Tributes to the design legend Terence Conran, who died on September 12, have poured in this week from those he influenced and supported. Here, Clive Grinyer, head of design at the RCA, looks back at his impact on British design and culture
Exposure: Lindley Warren Mickunas
In the latest edition of the Exposure column, art director Gem Fletcher profiles Lindley Warren Mickunas, whose photography speaks to the chaotic, awkward and even occasionally claustrophobic nature of the maternal bond
A new photo book is documenting African surf culture
Surf brand Mami Wata is hoping to shake off tired surfing stereotypes by shining a light on the sport’s cultural relevance in countries across Africa
Slowthai and Oscar Hudson team up on brilliantly bonkers new video
Set on a maternity ward, the promo for new single Feel Away features a heavily pregnant Slowthai, an ill-timed wedding ceremony and a questionable choice of cake
How bland is your brand?
From creative briefs and awards entries to press releases and thinkpieces, the updated Bland Book is tackling all aspects of boring branding – and companies should take note
Why the modern office needs to be a destination, not an obligation
While the shift to working from home prompted by the pandemic initially seemed successful, many are now craving a return to the office. But, argues Aaron Taylor Harvey, we shouldn’t just go back to where we were before. What we need is a third way
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
