The surprising links between comics and branding
Writer and author Mat Groom shares the story behind his parallel careers in branding and comic books, including the unexpected connections between the two and his thoughts on the rise in side hustles
Money transfer company Ria adopts slick new identity by Saffron
Black and white illustrations and a sun-like orange symbol emphasise the positive, personal impact of people’s individual money transfers, adding consistency to the brand’s formerly mixed messaging and visuals
Nomad’s identity looks to the future of classical music
The new contemporary classical music imprint is launching with a visual language that echoes the label’s boundary-pushing approach to music
The joy of friction
Most brands are on a mission to create customer experiences that are as simple and smooth as possible. Yet, argues Wayne Deakin, ECD, EMEA at Huge, sometimes a bit of friction is a good thing
Multi-disciplinary artist Daisy Tortuga is giving the humble rug a rethink
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
A decade in logo design: what’s changed?
As Michael Evamy publishes a revised version of his book Logo, he looks back at the big developments in the field over the past decade or so
Is it time for a radical simplification of digital design?
Digital platforms designed to hijack attention and bloated with features are doing little for people’s collective wellbeing, but is it too late to embrace a more simple, human approach?
Among Equals’ playful rebrand for family-focused cybersecurity service
The rebrand brings a warm character to the newly renamed Just Ask Max, which guides parents through everything from scams to screen time
McDonald’s launches playful redesign of its packaging
In a bid to simplify and modernise its packaging, Pearlfisher opted to highlight the fast food chain’s well-known menu using graphic illustrations
San Francisco Symphony’s new identity brings classical music up to date
Collins added a contemporary twist to the 108-year-old symphony’s branding, drawing inspiration from the expressive sound of the music itself
Marmite Dynamite launches with ‘exploding’ billboards
Marmite Dynamite, a new limited edition version of the spread with added chilli flavour, is being advertised with a series of billboards that see its lid blown off
Glyphs’ new look pays tribute to its community of type enthusiasts
Led by designers Matteo Bologna and Andrea Trabucco-Campos, the rebrand aims to cement the app’s position as a democratiser of type design
The history of the open plan office
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
Inside the design boom at ad agencies
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
Inside the surreal world of Slowthai
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
CR’s pick of the 2021 Super Bowl ads
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
Lakwena on belief, mythology and making a statement
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
Twitter’s new identity reflects the messiness of life online
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
Oliver Jeffers on changing plans
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
The changing nature of book cover design
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
How I Work: Bukola Garry, adam&eveDDB
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’
Denizen Works: in praise of off-kilter creativity
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
Reverting to Type exhibition features protest posters by 100 letterpress artists
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
The evolution of street art
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
Behind the scenes of Burger King’s juicy rebrand
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”
Jack Forrest’s daily poster project puts an emphasis on bold typography
Having just graduated, the designer experiments with different styles and imagery in his posters to challenge himself and connect with the design community
How crucial is luck in making great work?
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
Seesaws along US-Mexico border named the Design Museum’s top pick of 2020
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
Anthony Burrill has designed a seven-storey-high mural for Leeds
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
How to survive 2021: A Guide for Creatives
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
How the tech revolution failed creatives
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
