Why small projects can be beautiful
Since graduating in 2020, Manchester-based designer Alice Fraser has forged a path in research-driven design, and in advocating for a more inclusive industry
Tesco’s Christmas ad is a cheeky swipe at the UK’s political permacrisis
The supermarket offers up a new political solution in its ad, in the form of the Christmas Party, which promises to ‘stand for joy’
What marketers really want from agencies
A survey of 500 CMOs by Dentsu Creative will make salutary reading for agencies, but also reveals how central creativity and design are to business, says Patricia McDonald, chief strategy director at Dentsu Creative
Lidl’s festive ad stars a shrunken Christmas jumper and a deadpan teddy bear
The spot sees the aptly named Lidl Bear fall victim to the trappings of fame before returning to his rightful home – just in time for Christmas, of course
Aliens are among us in Fridays for Future’s new campaign
The climate action collective has partnered with Fred & Farid on a set of vintage sci-fi-style posters, which tell a different kind of story about extraterrestrials
Rachel Fleminger Hudson on defying labels
This month at Creative Review, we are talking to some of the best new talent in the industry. We begin with photographer and filmmaker Rachel Fleminger Hudson, who discusses her process, and the pressures and challenges facing young creatives
Will Ferrell’s Elf is the star of Asda’s Christmas ad
Footage from the cult Xmas movie is incorporated into an everyday Asda store in the ad, directed by Daniel Kleinman
How illustration could be food branding’s tastiest ingredient
Splashed across packaging or animated on social, food brands’ use of playful, abstract illustration makes a welcome change from glistening ‘food porn’ photography
The New Talent Issue of Creative Review is out now!
The latest issue of CR features profiles on 14 creatives who, despite being early on in their careers, have made it clear that the next generation of the industry is in great hands
Sainsbury’s festive fairytale ad is all about the Christmas pudding
Starring Alison Hammond as a medieval countess, the spot seeks to reimagine one of the most divisive foods on the festive menu
Boots puts on its magic specs for this year’s Christmas ad
The campaign, created by the Pharm, features a pair of special, X-ray-style glasses that unveil the secret Christmas glitz hiding behind everyday life
Why food brands need to get playful with digital
Forget pink dining rooms; digital is the creative frontier for restaurants and food businesses, and according to Hato’s Ken Kirton, there’s plenty of fun to be had
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