Are creators the new creatives?
CR looks into the increase in agencies and brands opting to work with creators in their campaigns, and examines the value they can bring, plus whether they present a threat to the traditional agency model
How should brands show up on social?
Once seen as an add-on to a campaign, social media is rapidly proving central to a brand’s communications. In the latest episode of our podcast Creativity Sucks!, we examine how to navigate the social wild west
How marketing for TV and film has evolved
The rise of social media has led to an uptick in the use of stills photography and video clips to help promote new shows and films. CR examines the impact of this approach
How should brands deal with unwanted fans?
Influencer wrangling is now a crucial part of any brand management role. And this bit is relatively straightforward: find people who people like who can spread the word about your product. But what happens when the wrong people get in on the action?
The Monthly Interview: Glenn Kitson
In the first of a new interview series, Anna Higgs talks to Glenn Kitson about combining a career as an ad director with being a ‘meme lord’, and his strategies to stay centred and fresh in a world which can often just want more of the same
How design can help reach Gen Z on social
Need to Know is a new platform started by agency Human After All which aims to help Gen Z find careers they care about. Here Danny Miller explains the power of using social media as an editorial canvas for news, facts, and advice
Enter the weird world of Nobody Sausage
We talk to the team behind the character – who has amassed over 30 million followers on social media – to understand their appeal and their relationship with brands
Inside the weird and wonderful world of Bijijoo
We speak to the artist about how his previous life as a scientist and patent agent for Nike inspires his experimental practice, and why his monster-like characters have blown up on TikTok
How brands can help build online communities (without ruining things)
In the next generation of digital culture, brands will no longer be the centre of the universe. We look at how they can build communities on social media without crashing the party
Trends of 2022: The year in tech
Changes swept through the tech sector this year, leaving a trail of uncertainty across social media, cryptocurrency, and the creative workforce – but opportunity in some corners, too
Why customers are the best marketers
Jeph Burton and Hunter Hampton, group creative directors at Johannes Leonardo, discuss the agency’s strategy to capitalise on audiences’ social spheres
Why social media loves chaos
Last month, a climate activist attacked the Mona Lisa with cake. The vandalism, which went viral, doesn’t tell us much about climate change, but it says a lot about the enduring appeal of chaos
What brands need to know about working with influencers
We chat to a digital agency, an ‘influencer marketing data tool’ and TikTok twin sensations the Neffati Brothers about the ins and outs of brand/influencer collaborations today
How Monique Aimee carved out a space on TikTok
After landing 20k followers overnight, illustrator Monique Aimee began using TikTok to share work, field questions, and discuss life as a commercial artist. Here’s what she discovered
To Instagram or not to Instagram
From battling algorithms to banned accounts, individuals across the creative industries are voicing frustrations with the platform. Is this the beginning of an Instagram exodus? And if so, what’s the alternative?
Why simplicity is the way ahead for social media in 2021
As We Are Social releases its annual trends report, chief strategy officer Mobbie Nazir reveals evidence of a move towards simpler and kinder social media habits that look to brands for assistance rather than aspiration
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
Vertical video: creative tips from We Are Social
Our new video series, created in partnership with Facebook and Instagram, explores the art of vertical storytelling. Here we talk to We Are Social’s Gareth Leeding about creating dynamic content for Adidas
Trends of 2019: Social Media and Creativity
This year saw increased analysis and reflection over the impact that social media has had on creativity, from the dangerous lure of the likes to the way that social channels could be designed for the better. Here are the key points to catch up on
Social media and branding: what needs to change?
Facebook recently introduced a new logo. But is a rebrand enough to change people’s perceptions of the company? As social media enters an inflection point in its history, Koto’s James Greenfield examines the deeper changes these brands need to make
Stefan Sagmeister reflects on his Insta-based design clinic
For two years, graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister has been giving feedback on the work of his Instagram followers on a daily basis. CR speaks to the designer about why he does it and what he’s learnt about criticism
How censorship on social media can impact creative work
As part of our deep dive into all things social media, CR speaks to four creatives about how censorship on social media has impacted their work and the threat it poses to creativity
Can design fix social media?
This week on CR, we’re looking at the subject of social media. Here we ask creatives for their thoughts on how we can tackle some of the biggest problems facing social platforms, from echo chambers to addiction and extremism
Why creatives are jumping on TikTok
We speak to an illustrator, a filmmaker and a lettering artist who are making waves on TikTok about what it offers creatively that its competitors don’t already, and their advice for other creatives thinking about getting on the app
How much do creatives need social media?
As part of our deep dive into social media this week, CR explores to what extent designers and illustrators should rely on social media for finding work, and discusses some of the pressures and pitfalls that it’s opened up for creatives
The Annual & Social Media issue
This special double issue, in association with Arjowiggins Creative Papers, is our showcase of the outstanding projects of the year. In addition to the Annual, May is our Social issue with features on Kickstarter, Tumblr, Facebook and Instagram.