Are virtual placements the future for grads?
CR explores whether remote internships and placements could become the new norm for grads, and how agencies could make it work
Ask Anna: How can I get the recognition I deserve as a freelancer?
Our agony aunt Anna Higgs offers advice on how to get due recognition – and maybe even an awards mention – when you’re a freelancer
How to showcase your work and grow your profile
You’ve done the work, but now what? We speak to illustrator Olimpia Zagnoli and Julie Cook, head of art at Mother London, to get the freelancer and commissioner perspective on how best to get your work and name out there
How to start your own business
Setting up shop can be a daunting prospect even for the most experienced creatives. Here, Ollie Olanipekun of Superimpose – and new venture Futurimpose – and ISSTUDIO co-founders Imogen Snell and Riccardo Castano discuss making your business idea a reality
How to find your style as a creative
Developing a unique aesthetic is by no means an easy or instant process for most creatives. Here, photographer Alex de Mora and illustrator Shyama Golden share their tips on how to find your voice when you’re starting out
How to keep your clients (and yourself) happy
What do you do when a client’s being difficult? Is it always worth arguing for your idea? CR tackles these, and more, with help from creatives across the worlds of advertising, illustration and film
The do’s and don’ts of pitching
Pitching as someone new to the creative industries can be tough, so here we talk to four creatives to get their tips on how to pitch and what to do with feedback that is less than positive
How to boost the chances of scoring a job in a downturn
It’s undoubtedly a challenging time for those looking for a job in the creative industries, but there are number of strategies you can employ to increase opportunities. We’ve gathered some insights from industry experts
What should you charge for your work?
We talk to agent Olivia Triggs, photographer David Ryle, and director, illustrator and animator Katy Wang for advice on costing up projects, negotiating fees and deciding how much to charge for your time
Why flexible working should now be standard practice for creative businesses
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many businesses to fully adapt to flexible working. Tanya Livesey explains why this should be a mandate going forward for creative businesses
How to make remote onboarding work
How do you start a new role when you’ve never even seen the office? And how do you handle WFH if this is your first job? We investigate how studios and agencies have managed the onboarding process during lockdown, and what it could mean for the future of remote work
Are children compatible with a creative career?
With lockdown forcing mums to bear the brunt of childcare and homeschooling, we ask what it’ll take to make creative careers more compatible with children and how the industry can begin to close the gender gap
Ask Anna: What does data-driven business mean for creativity?
In her latest column, CR’s agony aunt Anna Higgs breaks down the benefits that data can bring to making creative work, but explains why it shouldn’t be leading all the decision-making
Aardman addresses young people’s mental health with animated films
The creators of Wallace & Gromit have launched a campaign exploring mental health challenges including loneliness and the negative effects of social media
Nick Meyer on creating a project that’s close to home
The photographer talks to us about his new book The Local, a personal reckoning with the realities of his hometown in Western Massachusetts caught between affluence and poverty
The future of virtual influencers
We speak to the creatives behind Gen Z icon Lil Miquela and the first virtual influencer to age over time, Sylvia, about the process of bringing them to life – and why the virtual influencer industry needs a rethink
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
