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
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
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
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
Latest from CR
Does Gucci’s scrawled logo spell the end of fashion’s blandification?
As Gucci unveils a (temporary) new version of its 87-year-old logo, we ask if we’re finally seeing the end of sans serif mania, and a new, weirder approach to branding from the fashion industry
Dan Reisinger: Master of Colour
The work of designer Dan Reisinger, who died last year, had a significant impact on his adopted home of Israel. Here Naomi Games, daughter of iconic British designer Abram Games – who taught Reisinger – looks back at his life and influence
How brands can up their game in the world of esports
Esports have rapidly evolved into a billion dollar industry, but it’s still often deemed the “wild west” for brands. We speak to experts from Copa90 and 72andSunny Amsterdam about why it’s such a complex landscape, and what potential opportunities and pitfalls brands need to look out for
James Bond has a rare bad day in Heineken’s blockbuster new ad
Daniel Craig reprises his James Bond role in a Heineken advert that shows him as a little less than his usual polished self
How toys are changing with the times
We explore the trends and issues that are shaping toy and game design – and what these tell us about the times we live in
First Direct shifts its focus to financial wellness
The bank is hoping to regain its challenger status with a campaign that taps into our anxieties around money. But does its new positioning make sense?
Greenpeace ad by Aardman underlines the plight of the ocean’s turtles
The Wallace and Gromit animators lend their instantly recognisable style to a new Greenpeace ad, which drives home the various threats facing a family of turtles voiced by Olivia Colman, Helen Mirren and more
Gary Card on living out his dream as a toy designer
Designing toys has become a seamless part of Gary Card’s practice, which has brought him dream collaborations and a host of weird and wonderful characters
This Girl Can highlights the realities of the fitness grind in new anniversary ad
Five years after the campaign first launched, This Girl Can returns with a new ad showing a fuller picture of exercise and sport – cramps, childcare, eye rolls and all
Apple tugs at our heartstrings in new Shot on iPhone ad
Directed by Theodore Melfi, the poignant film tells the story of three generations of women coming together to mark Chinese New Year
What does it take to design a toy shop?
The days of wandering down the aisles of Toys “R” Us are long gone, replaced by a new breed of shop that’s catering to kids’ digital dependence and need for new experiences. We find out what it takes to make a modern toy store
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
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
