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
Mather & Co
Why experiences are the future of brand marketing
The marketing world is always evolving with new ways for brands to differentiate themselves. The importance of brands being proactive online is vital – but what can brands do offline to help their company stand out?
Metamorphic dancers take flight in HAAi’s music video
The video for Baby, We’re Ascending draws on machine learning to create fluid textures and environments, including the bird-like figures that take centre stage
Why Ustwo became employee owned
We speak to the studio’s CEO, Carsten Wierwille, about its journey from being founder-run to becoming an Employee Ownership Trust, and how it hopes to inspire other creative businesses to do the same
Kendrick Lamar marks his return with a deepfake-themed music video
The promo for the rapper’s long-awaited new single, The Heart Part 5, sees him transform mid-flow into a stream of famous (and infamous) faces – ranging from Kanye West to OJ Simpson
Patrick Osborne on pushing the boundaries of craft
We speak to the director about his recent experiments with real-time animation, and how technology more widely helps fuel his creativity
What should the metaverse look like?
We look at how environments in the metaverse should be designed if they’re going to attract and maintain the interest of audiences – and who should get to design them
Why DAOs could be the future of brand values
The arrival of DAOs offers brands the chance to truly demonstrate their commitment to purpose and sustainability with full transparency. Lore Oxford from We Are Social examines their potential
Nike celebrates Air Max Day with larger than life billboard campaign
We speak to Julie Igarashi, VP creative director at Nike Japan, about the creative tech behind the brand’s viral stunt, which marks one of the sneakerhead community’s favourite days of the year
Can you curate the wild west of NFTs?
Nicolas Roope talks to us about his new NFT platform Plinft, its “fractionalised” model, and the challenge of introducing selection to this space without losing the spirit of openness we’re told it brings
The Future Issue of Creative Review is out now!
The February/March issue looks at what new technologies may mean for creativity, and how brands, educators and creators are thinking about the future – including CR as we unveil some changes of our own
Robots: The saviours of creativity?
Robots and AI are increasingly illuminating the methods that lie behind being creative. Can they in turn help us become more innovative?
How should studios support designers’ mental health?
Slides in the office and wellbeing workshops aren’t going to cut it anymore. We speak to design studios taking a more considered approach to mental health
Did somebody say Just Eat?
McCann London discusses how it made one of the most recognisable — and polarising — pieces of sonic branding around today
Starface is the viral skincare brand normalising acne
We speak to the team behind Starface about how it is using creativity, collaborations and a killer TikTok strategy to become the skincare brand of choice for Gen Z
The many faces of William Klein
The photographer and filmmaker’s exhibition at the ICP in New York celebrates the multifaceted nature of his practice over the course of nearly seven decades
Why brands need to let go of minimalism
Minimalism is the go-to design route for many brands. But by taking this safe option, they could be missing the opportunity to really stand out, says monopo London creative director Melanie Hubert-Crozet
Dionne Kitching on why play is better than perfectionism
The Manchester-based artist tells CR how embracing the element of chance, and stopping the endless quest for perfection, restored her love of illustration and gave her work a new lease of life
Why Ustwo became employee owned
We speak to the studio’s CEO, Carsten Wierwille, about its journey from being founder-run to becoming an Employee Ownership Trust, and how it hopes to inspire other creative businesses to do the same
The creative potential of 3D billboards
The humble billboard is evolving as creative uses of 3D imagery are being used to sell everything from movies to video games to sneakers. Here, Alex Wilson, ECD at brand experience agency Amplify, examines what they offer for brands
The challenges and creative innovations behind Abba Voyage
We chat to VFX wizards ILM and director Baillie Walsh about making ‘Abbatars’ come to life, creating visual ‘short stories’ from Abba hits, and more
Inside the epic design challenge of the Elizabeth line
Over 30 years in the making, the new Elizabeth line in London is a herculean feat of engineering, architecture and, of course, design. We speak to TfL’s head of design, Jon Hunter, about how it will change the face of transport in London and beyond
How Finisterre is paving the way for sustainable brands
Founder Tom Kay tells CR how he went from persuading bank managers to take sustainability seriously to running a much-loved clothes brand with a mission to get more of us to connect with the sea
Wine brand Stompy wants you to “sip more, snob less”
&Walsh’s branding for the wine subscription service strives to shake up the stuffy world of wine
Why the creative industry needs Channel 4
With the UK Government planning to privatise the 40-year-old broadcaster, CR speaks to current and former C4 employees about what makes it special, and the unique role it’s played in pioneering creativity
New Lacoste campaign emphasises the brand’s ageless style
Via a series of print ads and commercials, Lacoste demonstrates how its clothes will make you look cool, whatever age you are
What should the metaverse look like?
We look at how environments in the metaverse should be designed if they’re going to attract and maintain the interest of audiences – and who should get to design them
The changing face of finance brands
A raft of new personal finance brands are on a mission to win over Gen Z consumers. We examine how they are setting themselves apart from the millennial-friendly approach of more established challengers
What Charles and Ray Eames can teach designers today
Charles & Ray Eames didn’t just create iconic pieces of design – they thought of themselves as ‘tradesmen’ whose job was to create better, longer-lasting products. Llisa Demetrios, Eames Institute chief curator and granddaughter of the pair, discusses what we can learn from them
JKR rebrands Magnolia Bakery in New York, home of the cupcake
The brand, which leapt to fame after an appearance in Sex and the City in the 90s, has a new identity as it announces growth plans
Can you actually design a creative district?
Traditionally, creative communities have formed organically — but development companies believe that infrastructure and a ‘build it and they will come’ approach can be just as vital as following the hip crowd
Campbell Addy’s journey to Feeling Seen
In just six years, photographer Campbell Addy has carved a distinctive place within the fashion industry. Here he talks to Gem Fletcher about his new book Feeling Seen and the importance of friendship, community and intimacy in his work
