Creative Review 40th Birthday Issue
Creative Review is 40! Here, we look back at CR’s journey and highlight some of the moments, and the creatives, that have made the magazine what it is today
TGI Fridays’ new identity is all about that Friday feeling
SomeOne has rebranded and renamed the restaurant chain as Fridays, with a more playful aesthetic and tone of voice that goes back to its 1960s New York roots
Creative Heroes: Jeremy Deller
Jeremy Deller’s art has delighted the public and the art world alike for decades. As part of our Creative Heroes series for our 40th birthday, we talk to Deller about what inspires him, and how his work has evolved over the years
Olafur Eliasson’s new app lets kids morph into the environment
The artist’s new AR project Earth Speakr sees children around the world transform into plant life, plastic bags and other inanimate objects as they share their thoughts about the environment
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
Manchester venue The Factory is opening up a virtual version in Fortnite
As Manchester International Festival prepares to open new venue The Factory, it’s giving people the chance to virtually tour the OMA-designed building, which is being recreated on an island inside Fortnite Creative
Creative Futures Revisited: David Pearson
As part of our 40th birthday celebrations, CR is revisiting the alumni from our Creative Futures scheme, which ran for nearly 30 years. Here, we chat with designer David Pearson, an alumnus featured on Creative Futures back in 2005
Creative Heroes: Tyler Mitchell
Tyler Mitchell is renowned for his captivating film and photography work. Here, as part of our Creative Heroes series for our 40th birthday celebrations, Mitchell talks to us about his career milestones and his journey so far
Kanye West reimagines e-commerce with immersive new Yeezy site
SHOWstudio’s Nick Knight has worked with the musician to redesign the Yeezy Supply site for a more personal shopping experience, with features including real-life models who will try on outfits for you and waiting rooms for the latest product drops
Rachel Hess adopts an experimental approach for her designs
The creative enjoys playing with form, colour, space and typography in her illustrations and designs, and applies this approach to client and personal work
Aux zine keeps prisoners thinking creatively
Prison-affiliated music label InHouse Records took on the challenge of launching a zine during lockdown, with the aim of keeping prisoners engaged and educated in a period of uncertainty
Creative Futures Revisited: Creature’s Ben & Stu
As part of our 40th birthday celebrations, CR is revisiting the alumni from our Creative Futures scheme, which ran for nearly 30 years. Here, we chat with creative duo Ben Middleton and Stu Outhwaite-Noel, who were featured in 2005
Creative Heroes: FKA twigs
As part of our 40th celebrations, we’re honouring some of the artists and creatives we feel are changing the industry today and inspiring new generations. Here, we interview musician FKA twigs, who discusses her journey from humble beginnings to global recognition
Manchester School of Art launches grad showcase with virtual event
The online showcase kicks off today with a livestreamed event, including a talk with artist Ryan Gander and a ‘remix’ performance from Mike England
OneFootball’s new identity flexes with the rhythm of the game
DesignStudio has created vibrant new branding for the football app, including an updated logo, a visual generator and a content strategy built around the idea of a ‘vibesmith’
Five by Five Global
How should creative teams work once lockdowns are over?
As studios around the UK start to consider life post-lockdown, Five by Five Global Creative Directors Ravi Beeharry and Andy Mancuso reflect on the pros and cons of remote collaboration, and how agencies can use it to their advantage
Some Things Never Change: Diversity
Diversity and representation in the creative industries are very current topics, but take a journey through the CR archives and you’ll discover these are conversations that have been going on for decades. Which begs the question: how far have we really come in the past 40 years?
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
