The best magazine covers of the year 2021
In another year of flux, magazine covers addressed everything from the Covid vaccine rollout to the climate crisis in creative new ways. We look back at ten of our favourites
Trends of 2021: The year in photos
In 2021, we saw the photography industry attempt to adjust to a changing world, with the cautious reopening of exhibitions for the first time since the pandemic, and the continuing embrace of new voices. Here, Diane Smyth looks back on a complex year
Camille Walala’s first monograph is an ode to her spirited approach
The book, entitled Taking Joy Seriously, documents the designer’s milestone projects – from her first big commission to her recent revamp of an entire east London street
Experience a surreal night out with FKA twigs in her latest video
Ever wondered what it would be like to go clubbing with FKA twigs? The singer give us a good idea in her new collaboration with The Weeknd, Tears in the Club
The best record sleeves of the year 2021
Our favourite sleeve designs from this year range from everyday realism to futurism and fantasy, featuring painting, mosaic and 3D art
Wine investment company Cult’s palate cleansing new identity
Building on its expansion into North America, the wine investment company has been given a crisp branding update by Output
Trends of 2021: The year in advertising
Questions around sustainability and responsibility loomed large this year, as did the ongoing effects of Covid – but 2021 also saw agencies find a renewed sense of fun
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How to get published as a photographer
It is easy to share your work with others via channels such as Instagram, but how do you get it featured in magazines, exhibitions and more? Here are some tips
The best book covers of the year 2021
Writer and editor Mark Sinclair returns to give us his verdict on the best book cover designs of 2021. But he opens this year’s review with a serious plea to publishers
Strangers aren’t so bad, says Airbnb’s latest campaign
A new film, starring a trio of bigfoot-esque creatures, encourages homeowners to list their properties on the platform
Mini channels Chris Rea in festive ad campaign
Rea’s classic track Driving Home For Christmas was composed in a Mini – this fact acts as a spark for the car brand’s new festive spot, which comes in the form of a music video
Trends of 2021: The year in tech
If 2020 was defined by time spent indoors, in 2021 we were asked to expand our horizons outwards – virtually. We look back at how NFTs and the metaverse took root in culture, how brands got in on the virtual act, and the ways in which creators addressed responsibility in tech
Creative Review’s Annual Awards 2025 are officially open for entries
One of the most respected and trusted awards for the advertising and design industries are back for 2025. Run, don’t walk to get your entries in before the Early Bird Deadline on 25 October
How to scale your design business
Growth is a dream for many businesses, but it comes with challenges. Daisy Crowder, brand and marketing director at design recruitment agency Craft, offers advice on how to navigate the change and keep staff on side
Cultivating community with Ganni
The Danish luxury fashion label has spearheaded the characterful evolution of Scandi style. Here, chief brand officer Priya Matadeen discusses its approach to collabs, the pressures of being a responsible brand, and how Ganni Girls grew from a hashtag to a badge of belonging
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 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