Because the internet: MTV launches GIF and meme-inspired visual identity

MTV has launched a brilliantly bonkers new on-air identity today, featuring idents inspired by internet memes, GIFs and emojis, and social media videos posted by viewers. We spoke to the channel’s VP of creative and marketing Sean Saylor about the refresh, and how MTV hopes to reclaim its reputation for discovering new artistic talent.

New designs: Luke Tonge, Lee Goater, Here, Atlas, Plaid & more

Our latest pick of new designs includes issue two of Monotype magazine The Recorder, a typographic map of Philadelphia by Paula Scher, an exhibition of circular work by Leeds designer Lee Goater and a book documenting 40 years of footwear brand Camper.

Glastonbury gets ready

What does it take to transform a Somerset farm into the world’s largest greenfield festival, so sought after that it sells out in 26 minutes? As preparations began for this year’s event, Antonia Wilson visited the Glastonbury Festival site for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour

Meet Kingsley, football’s latest furry friend

News broke yesterday – all but flooring Twitter in the process – that illustrator and Turner-Prize winning artist David Shrigley had designed (though some might say conjured) a new mascot for his beloved Partick Thistle FC. And like almost everything Shrigley does, it certainly stirred debate

Anthony Burrill on the design of the Google Beach in Cannes

The 2015 Cannes Lions is now underway, with talks, awards and parties taking place all week across the French city. The advertising and design event is touted as a ‘festival of creativity’, though is often rather dull and corporate on the visual front. One exception to this is the Google Beach, which is designed this year by Anthony Burrill and celebrates ten years of YouTube…

Further thoughts on a flag for the ‘former’ United Kingdom

Last September, Scotland decided to remain part of the United Kingdom, but with the SNP’s significant presence in Westminster, Scottish independence is still firmly on the political agenda. Quentin Newark follows up his previous post on what the UK flag might look like should Scotland eventually become a separate nation and, in light of what other nations have done, looks at some more design ideas

Ads of the Week

We have a quirky set of spots for you this week, headed up by this charming ad for breakdown service AA, which shows off British eccentricity in all its glory…

Rebranding Oxford’s oldest church

Creating an identity for an 800-year-old church that will attract a new audience, without alienating its existing one, is a challenging task. But since launching early this year, Spy Studio’s branding for Oxford’s University Church has had a positive response from both newcomers and loyal visitors. We spoke to associate priest Alan Ramsey, a former designer, and Spy director Ben Duckett about the thinking behind the church’s new look.

Wagamama: The Power of a Placemat

Wagamama customers are creatures of habit, tending to order the same thing over and over again. To address this, ad agency 101 came up with a simple and clever solution: a series of paper placemats featuring striking imagery designed to entice diners into ordering something new…

Exposure: Photographer Ryan Edy

Art Director Gemma Fletcher examines the work of Photographer Ryan Edy, in the latest installment of a series looking into new talent in photography, from recent graduates to photographers breaking into the industry…