Klarna’s pastel pink aesthetic and playful marketing is setting it apart from traditional finance brands – but it isn’t without its critics. As the ‘shop now, pay later’ service faces regulation, we explore how it is using creativity to try and win over consumers
The new social-first campaign includes visceral artworks, a Pain Dictionary and a virtual exhibition displayed in a specially created Pain Museum
Erik Kessels and Thomas Sauvin spent lockdown communicating via photographs, with the dialogue now collected in Talk Soon – which offers a collection of nonsensical juxtapositions that speak to the weirdness of quarantine
Using cartoon characters inspired by the 1930s, Armenakis explores overconsumption through the perspective of the consumed rather than the consumer
Brandsplaining is a new book tackling how women are addressed and represented in marketing. We talk to the authors about the ‘femvertising’ trend and why brands mustn’t rest on their laurels
The one-man studio of animator and illustrator Robert Wallace has created music videos and ad campaigns for an array of artists and clients. Here he tells us how he makes it work
From its surprisingly radical roots to its role post-pandemic, Jennifer Kaufmann-Buhler – assistant professor of design history at Purdue University – talks CR through the legacy of the open plan office
We talk to Wieden + Kennedy Portland, Droga5 London and Mother Design about bringing together design and advertising work under one roof, and the perception of design work produced at ad agencies
As Slowthai reveals his introspective side with new album Tyron, we speak to frequent collaborators Crowns & Owls about the album art’s attempt to crack the glossy veneer of fame, and why the Northampton-born rapper is still the voice of a generation
While the pandemic inevitably ushered in some changes to this year’s Super Bowl, we saw some familiar trends in the advertising around the big game
The London-based artist discusses the motivation and process behind her epic painted murals, which combine vibrant colour palettes with uplifting messages that are rooted in spirituality
Created by Twitter’s in-house team and French studio Irradié, the social media platform’s refreshed branding features an “intentionally imperfect” aesthetic and new brand font, Chirp
The artist and children’s book author shares how Covid derailed his travel and career plans and how he’s adapted his life and creative practice as a result
Donna Payne, Faber’s creative director, explains her creative process when designing a cover, and touches upon the impact of the pandemic and the boost in online sales it’s prompted
The ad agency’s new head of diversity, equality and inclusion talks to us about her experiences in advertising, her plans for the role, and why it isn’t about being the ‘PC police’
Murray Kerr, founder of architecture practice Denizen Works, shares his purposefully ‘naïve’ approach to design and discusses the challenges of leading his studio off the beaten path
The online exhibition features a mix of famous names and less-heard voices, who all use letterpress techniques to express their feelings on a range of contemporary issues
While art shown indoors may have temporarily lost its audience to the pandemic, street art is on the rise. Here, Hazel Davis reflects on how the medium is growing ever more part of the art establishment, yet can still be used as a force for change
JKR executive creative director Lisa Smith explains why the fast food giant ditched the glossy buns and embraced a bit of nostalgia, to become “how you imagine BK to be on its best day”
Having just graduated, the designer experiments with different styles and imagery in his posters to challenge himself and connect with the design community
Lucky Generals founding partner Andy Nairn talks to us about why brands and organisations should embrace strategies to encourage a stroke of luck – and also recognise the positives in bad fortune
Teeter-Totter Wall has been announced as the overall winner of the Beazley Designs of the Year, while category winners include a Covid-19 visualisation and a portable school
Black and white lettering stretches 88ft high in the designer’s biggest artwork so far, which adorns the end of a historic canal-side building in the city
With the uncertainty and challenges of 2020 following us into the new year, we talk to a number of industry experts about the ways that creatives can survive – and even thrive – in 2021
Tech firms once claimed they could set us free. But, as a new book points out, for those working in the creative industries, the offering has proved a particularly bad deal
Images and ideas to feed your imagination
Expert tips on how to navigate a creative career
How flexible working is changing the creative process
How the creative industries are responding to the pandemic
As she releases her first monograph, Nadia Lee Cohen discusses the inspiration behind her surreal images – which draw heavily on cinema and Americana – and the curious characters who frequent her photos
Bespoke brand typefaces are on the rise, but it pays to pick your battles and invest in quality
In his new book A Tale of One City, photographer Stier takes to the street to highlight the excess and deprivation of our cities
Created as part of their final project, a young team of animators illustrate the restless imagination of someone trying to get to sleep
In the latest Exposure column, art director Gem Fletcher profiles the visual storytelling of Melissa Alcena, a Bahamas native who explores the depths of her culture and identity through quiet, tender portraits
In the ever-expanding world of streaming, content is undoubtedly king. But is the battle for eyeballs leading streaming giants to neglect their users in the process? CR investigates
The new biannual publication works as a kind of paper-bound gallery, showcasing 18 artworks commissioned especially for the mag – encompassing graphic design, writing, art photography and sculpture
The illustrator, animator and designer talks about personal style, the benefits of working digitally and the ways he’s ensured his creative independence
In Local London, the photographer turns his lens on the capital’s independent restaurant scene, providing a tantalising reminder of the joy of eating out
The pandemic has thrown the need for a strong ecommerce platform into sharp relief. We explore the balance between creativity and practicality, and what’s next for the field
The Kingston School of Art graduate’s quirky, handmade pieces aim to push the boundaries of traditional illustration, and have attracted the attention of brands ranging from adidas to Nando’s
The pandemic has brought much more than digital acceleration to the creative industries. It has shone a light on career opportunities that exist beyond the capital, and boosted accessibility and inclusivity, says Charlie Butterfield, partner at fst
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
The house label surprised dance music fans with a series of live streams – starting with a 12-hour performance broadcast from Ministry of Sound
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
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
The optician chain used AR to illustrate the effects of common eye conditions in a campaign to promote free eye tests
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
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
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
