Illustrating the future
How can we visualise a world that has not yet come to pass? Here we speak to three illustrators to find out what makes something look ‘futuristic’, and examine whether our visions of the future are in fact rooted in nostalgia
Studio Fromm on defining the new traditional
Fromm, the studio behind the cover art for our Future issue of Creative Review, talk us through their unique approach to 3D design, which deftly mixes both the old and the new
Creating an authentic voice
Accra-based photographer David Nana Opoku Ansah has carved out a style that is thoughtful and evocative. Here he talks about teaching himself his craft and the challenges facing African creatives
Seven ages of a creative: Sho Shibuya
The New York-based designer and artist has experienced an organic career involving work at major studios and, more recently, recognition as a painter. Here, he explains why creating meaningful work matters more than age
What makes a compelling travel photo today?
We speak to three photographers to get their insights into the ethics of travel photography, their personal approaches to imagemaking, plus what makes for a good travel image
The Slow Grind
Georgina Johnson’s first book, The Slow Grind: Finding Our Way Back to Creative Balance, addresses how our narrow definition of sustainability has created more inequality. Rebecca Fulleylove talks to the multi-disciplinary artist about what needs to change
How I Got Here: Amos Paul Kennedy Jr
Having switched from computing to printmaking at the age of 40, Amos Paul Kennedy Jr has since led a life in letterpress. He talks us through his journey
Sophie Harris-Taylor wins Equal Lens photography prize
Equal Lens, a platform championing the work of women and non-binary photographers, held a competition of images inspired by lockdown. The winning work, here, is by British photographer Sophie Harris-Taylor
Creative Heroes: Annie Atkins
Annie Atkins’ work for movie directors such as Wes Anderson and Steven Spielberg has demonstrated the rich opportunities for graphic designers in film. As part of our Creative Heroes series for our 40th birthday, Atkins talks us through her career
Creative Futures Revisited: Creature’s Ben & Stu
As part of our 40th birthday celebrations, CR is revisiting the alumni from our Creative Futures scheme, which ran for nearly 30 years. Here, we chat with creative duo Ben Middleton and Stu Outhwaite-Noel, who were featured in 2005
Creative Futures Revisited: APFEL
For almost 30 years, Creative Review ran a scheme called Creative Futures, celebrating the best and brightest new talent entering the industry. Here, we talk to design studio A Practice For Everyday Life (APFEL) – which was featured in 2003
The &Partnership: RNIB, See Differently Collection
The&Partnership worked with the RNIB on this series of ingenious products, which all are based on life hacks created by the blind and partially sighted
Why Creativity Matters: How to get creative with branded content
The latest talk in our virtual event series explores how branded content can resonate with audiences. Register now to join us on May 17
Butterkist brings giant microwaves to billboards across the UK
The new campaign promotes Butterkist’s microwavable popcorn while reminding people it’s the go-to snack for high drama and gossip
The rise of abstract logos
Many brands are ditching their well trodden logos in favour of a more abstract approach. Here we unpack this trend and examine whether legibility should be a concern
The art of writing a brief
We look into why briefs are so imperative to get right, the difference between advertising and design briefs, and whether visuals have any place in them
Why branding will be vital in the AI race
Pentagram partner Jody Hudson-Powell discusses the visual language that is emerging around AI, and the importance of brand when it comes to building trust in the rapidly developing technology
Creativity Sucks! returns for a new series
Creative Review’s podcast is back and on a mission to tackle the most thorny questions facing creatives and brands today. In this episode we look at whether rebrands are worth the money
Titi Finlay on social, storytelling and sneaker culture
The social media maven and artist discusses the importance of social and content in getting audiences to “believe” in brands, plus how an obsession with sneakers has guided her career
Manchester’s love letter to the Barcelona design scene
First launched in 2013, Dave Sedgwick’s event uniting Manchester with Barcelona returns this week for its swansong. He discusses the parallels between the two cities and the realities of producing an event alongside the day job
Royal British Legion reveals plastic-free poppy design
Design consultancy Matter has created a fully recyclable paper redesign of the charity’s symbolic poppy, which previously used plastic
How to write a great advertising slogan
Here, our advertising correspondent breaks down the methodology for creating a great slogan, by examining some of the iconic endlines of the past. But is there really a formula for brilliant creative work?
How creativity can help demystify unfamiliar concepts
Bas Korsten, global CCO at Wunderman Thompson, talks about using creativity to challenge people to think outside what they know, and why human ideas are still unmatched by AI
Fanta unveils bubbly global branding
Illustrations and typography enhance the soft drink’s first global brand identity, which aims to bring consistency to its designs around the world
Pepsi reveals new branding that nods to its past
The soft drinks brand has announced a new visual identity ahead of its 125th anniversary later this year
Pentagram creates identity for cannabis brand Ben’s Best Blnz
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen has launched a cannabis brand designed by Pentagram’s Eddie Opara. We speak to them about what the brand stands for
