Production companies on the impact of coronavirus
The coronavirus outbreak has dealt a huge blow to production companies specialising in film. We explore the impact of cancelled shoots and what it means for the industry
Polaroid goes back to basics with its new identity
Polaroid Originals, the company that first revived the iconic instant camera brand in 2017, has marked the return to its original name with a new camera and a fresh look that celebrates the colour spectrum
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
How to keep kids creatively occupied during coronavirus
From downloadable colouring books to virtual illustration lessons, here is CR’s go-to guide on artistic activities for children – and adults – to get stuck into during the ongoing lockdown
Eike König on his journey from Chile to Germany during the pandemic
Founder of creative studio Hort, Eike König talks to CR about what happens when a country closes its borders and you don’t live there, and why reaching out to others is key during this time
Reasons to be Cheerful
To keep you going in these strange times, we’ve collated some of our most inspiring, entertaining and downright happy content. Here’s some reasons to be cheerful
Latest from CR
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
Can ads restore our trust in the news?
The past few years have seen brands such as the Guardian and the New York Times investing in high-profile ad campaigns focusing on truth and trust in journalism. We explore what’s behind this wave of purpose-driven advertising
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
Should you always love your job?
When it comes to work, it’s often a complicated relationship. CR investigates how you know when the spark of love for your job is gone, and what it takes to get the magic back
A rough set of rules for great advertising
All creative pursuits benefit from guidelines for best practice, if only so they can be broken. Here our advertising correspondent Ben Kay turns to his LinkedIn companions to help construct some for marketing
Using illustration in branding: a how to
Whether you’re tackling a difficult subject or keen to inject life into a brand, illustration is a powerful way to communicate. We delve into the dos and don’ts of incorporating it into branding
A brief encounter with Ai Weiwei
Artist Ai Weiwei brought his usual frank honesty plus insights on art, politics and life to a recent press conference to promote his collaboration with DIY brand Hornbach. CR editor Eliza Williams was there to bear witness
Creating the artwork for Tame Impala’s The Slow Rush
Photographer Neil Krug and Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker travelled to an abandoned mining town in the Namibian desert to shoot the cover art for The Slow Rush. We talk to Krug about the shoot, getting creative with leaf blowers and turning faded rooms into a dream world
Can play make you a better creative?
The act of playing is one of the hallmarks of childhood, but could it also be the secret to success and happiness in our working lives? CR investigates
How to be an ally to your non-binary colleagues
CR speaks to three creatives to find out how to create a supportive working environment for everyone, and the responsibility the creative industry has in telling stories that go beyond the binary
Shooting sex: how to make art, not porn
When it comes to sex, how do photographers and directors capture intimate moments without making porn? We explore the challenges creatives face when documenting explicit content
The rise of non-visual design
Visual design has dominated for decades, but, says Patrick Burgoyne, with increasing innovation in sound, new opportunities for designers are emerging
How I Got Here: Milton Glaser
We talk to renowned graphic designer Milton Glaser about turning 90, what’s wrong with design today and why retirement is the furthest thing from his mind
Creating the intense world of Uncut Gems
Production designer and repeat Safdie Brothers collaborator Sam Lisenco talks to us about gaining trust in Manhattan’s insular Diamond District, reinforcing Adam Sandler’s character through design, and how the film became a love letter to a disappearing New York
What’s next for ASMR
The use of ASMR (sound effects that create a deeply immersive experience) by brands and marketers rocketed last year. But is it just a fad or can the trend develop into something more meaningful? Here, Anne-Laure Pingreoun of Alter-Projects argues it can
The enduring appeal of mascots
Mascots might not be considered cutting edge, but as Tripadvisor’s new logo shows, they can still be a great way to add personality and charm to a visual identity
Ask Anna: How to ask for a raise
In her latest column, our agony aunt Anna Higgs tackles an age-old challenge: how to ask your boss for more money
On Creativity and Madness
Is there any truth to the idea that creativity and mental illness may be interlinked? Richard Holman examines the question here, looking at examples from art and literary history as well as science to shed light on the matter
Why constructive conflict matters
There’s a school of thought which suggests teams that are able to argue can make the most creative work. Leadership Coach Tanya Livesey offers advice on how to make conflict work for you
How design studios are coping with the coronavirus crisis
As agencies adjust to remote working, we explore how the coronavirus crisis has impacted current projects – and what it might mean for the future of their business
Classic album covers reimagined for the social distancing era
LA agency Activista’s new campaign sees artists ranging from The Beatles to Blondie sticking to the medically advised six-feet rule to help limit the spread of coronavirus via a number of clever design tweaks
Ashmolean’s new identity brings a historic museum into the modern world
Design studio Blast has given the Oxford museum a branding facelift that aims to honour its 337-year heritage, while allowing it to breathe across the digital landscape
What brand purpose means in the age of coronavirus
Brand purpose has been an advertising trend for several years now, but now that companies’ actions and behaviour are truly being tested, which are performing well under pressure?
How I Work: Rob Biddulph
Author and illustrator Rob Biddulph is renowned for his witty and charming picture books for children. Here he shares his creative process and how he keeps readers coming back to his books
The big questions for advertising and creativity during and after coronavirus
The Covid-19 pandemic is throwing up an awful lot of questions for creatives. It may seem difficult to find the answers, but as Ben Kay points out in this column, maybe acknowledging all the questions is a good start in these difficult times
McDonald’s reimagines its logo for our new Covid-19 reality
The fast food chain is leading by example by separating the two halves of its famous Golden Arches to comply with the current social distancing guidance, in a new social campaign created by Brazilian agency DPZ&T
Photographer Andre D. Wagner on chemistry and chance
Athlete-turned-portrait photographer Andre D Wagner has become known for his black and white photographs distilling the essence of neighbourhood life in New York City. He discusses his experiences, approach and ambitions as a photographer
How Sanctuary is rethinking astrology for the digital age
Astrology app Sanctuary is one of a growing number of mystical startups spearheading ‘on-demand’ horoscopes for a generation of anxious millennials seeking spiritual enlightenment in our uncertain times
Bompas & Parr wants your most inventive take on hand sanitiser design
With hand hygiene growing increasingly important in the fight against Covid-19, Bompas & Parr and the Design Museum have launched a competition inviting creatives to redesign sanitiser pumps and wipes
Franz Impler’s animations offer up a chaotic, video game aesthetic
Having just graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig, Franz Impler injects his love for 90s video games and clashing colours into every project
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
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
