FX: the art of illusion
CGI is a great problem-solving tool for art directors and designers but, for this issue, we decided to turn that on its head and instead invite leading CGI studios to create problems rather than tackle them.
Style Counsel
Illustrators with a strong personal style may soon find themselves in demand, but how do they avoid overexposure and how do they build a lasting career in the profession?
Working the web
Johanna Basford makes great use of social media, enabling her to share projects and get work, too
From the forest floor
The Lost in the Forest Institute is helping bridge the gap between design education and industry
Is it a bird, is it an intern?
Thinking of doing a placement? Well, Placement Man can help. Jonny Burch tracked him down
Visual Cult-Ure has its limitations
In his take on cultural theory, Rian Hughes exhibits an impressive grasp of some fascinating concepts, but the book doesn’t quite work
Opportunity knocks for the new new media
Far from being an afterthought, briefs for platforms like the iPad offer ad creatives a whole new range of possibilities
iPad magazines: where are we now?
Still in relative infancy, iPad magazine apps continue to develop apace. But who’s making the best use of the new medium?
Brodovitch at the ballet
The master art director’s photographs of a New York ballet are resurrected in a beautiful new book from Errata Editions
Web film finally finds its voice
While online films have come of age, social media campaigns still struggle to make an impact in digital advertising
Illustration styles: 1983–present
CIA has been representing commercial artists since 1983 and when Creative Review suggested that we create a chronology of imagery spanning the three decades, we had the perfect excuse to scour the groaning bookshelves and plan chests that surround us in Heddon Street.
Why are brands apologising so much right now?
Brands are saying sorry at a more rapid rate than ever. CR’s advertising columnist Ben Kay delves into why sorry is no longer the hardest word and whether this is an effective strategy for winning audiences
How Guinness embraced social
By loosening its approach to advertising, and engaging with its audience directly, the drinks brand has transformed with the times and won a whole new set of fans
Tracing Banksy’s art history remixes
Kelly Grovier’s new book charts the artist’s persistent dialogue with classic and contemporary art
How Lego creates meaningful brand experiences
We speak to Lego’s VP of global brand development Alero Akuya about the brand’s rare ability to straddle the physical and virtual worlds with ease – whether through its immersive new art exhibition in Paris or collaborations with Epic Games and Nike
Matt Willey brings a human touch to Kaos titles
The Pentagram partner has created the titles for the acclaimed new Netflix show, which reimagines the Greek myths in a contemporary setting
A visual history of movie posters
A new book from Reel Art Press collates the first comprehensive history of film posters. We explore why they remain an underappreciated area of cultural design
The Leaders Issue is out now!
The Autumn 2024 issue of Creative Review looks at the brands and individuals who are pushing creativity forward on their way to the top
The Monthly Interview: Rob Lowe, aka Supermundane
Mark Sinclair talks to the artist and designer about his new book, Lost Ordinary Magic, and the importance of recognising the power of simplicity and the everyday wonders that surround us
Unravelling adland’s obsession with 90s nostalgia
We explore how the 90s, an era the UK looks favourably upon for its thriving culture, are continually inspiring a stagnated creative industry
Building the visual world of Fontaines DC
The band’s surreal new album visuals explore a darker, more grotesque side of romance. We speak to the creative team behind the campaign about challenging the visual tropes of rock music
Jessica Walsh ventures into the world of type
As the &Walsh founder launches her agency’s new offshoot Type of Feeling, she discusses why typography’s ability to evoke emotions makes it one of the most powerful tools at a brand’s disposal
Can neuroscience make you a better creative?
Kinda Studios is tapping into the emerging field of neuroaesthetics to help creatives and brands make more impactful work that benefits people’s wellbeing