Ben Kay on why you should start your own agency
Our advertising correspondent, Ben Kay, has recently launched his own agency, Invincible Unicorn. Here, he takes us through his experiences so far, both positive and negative
Ask Anna: Can I be a manager and still be creative?
The shift into management is often difficult, but it holds particular concerns for those in the creative industries, who may mourn the hands-on role they once had. Here, CR’s agony aunt Anna Higgs offers advice on handling the transition
Thinh Nguyen explores loneliness and rejection in her kooky animation
In Tom Has a Plant, Thinh Nguyen’s graduation film, the title character tries to give plants away to those he cares about but things don’t go quite to plan
Trends of the Year: Creativity and Activism
It was a turbulent year in politics and activism this year, as we saw mass protests around climate change, and also increased discussion around diversity and equal pay. Here’s a round-up of the key points for the creative industries
The best record sleeves of 2019
Our favourite album covers from the past 12 months include powerful portraits, surreal collage and experiments with screen printing – spanning genres from grime to rock and pop
In partnership with Facebook & Instagram
Vertical video: creative tips from Intermission Film
Our new video series, created in partnership with Facebook and Instagram, explores the art of vertical storytelling. Here we talk to London agency Intermission Film about creating compelling teasers and adapting cinema content for mobile screens
Martin Andersen captures the energy of Spurs fans on match day
Andersen’s new photo book Can’t Smile Without You documents the crowds, conflicts and camaraderie during Spurs’ final few seasons at White Hart Lane
An oral history of Comic Sans
Comic Sans occupies a dubious position in the design community, but there’s no denying its place in visual culture. CR sat down with creator Vincent Connare to discuss the rebellion that drove Microsoft in the 90s, and his thoughts on making the world’s most disputed typeface
Trends of the Year: Creativity and Tech
It’s been a jittery year in tech. As we discovered more about the insidious ways that technologies track us, questions of ethics abounded. But there was the odd fun moment too in amongst the gloom
Book covers of the year 2019
Mark Sinclair, Senior Editor at Unit Editions, takes us through the year in book covers, spotting trends for 2019 plus highlighting his picks for the ten best covers of the year
Zeitgeist: Farah Al Qasimi
Photographer Farah Al Qasimi’s technicolour images explore excess and extremes, as well as power structures in the Gulf
Cephas Williams: Why the changes we make need to last
As part of this year’s Photography Annual, supported by Studio PI, we are introducing the Award for Change, where we honour the work of an individual or group that is bringing change to the industry. Here, we celebrate the work of activist Cephas Williams
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