Category: Art
-
50 fonts that will be popular with designers in 2025
Alebrijes by Shivani Parasnis using Obviously by Oh No Type Co., Art Director, Brand & Creative—Spotify We asked the creative community about the fonts they’re excited to use over the next 12 months… and here they are. Read on to discover the typefaces that will define 2025’s visual landscape. Typography is a funny thing because…
-
The biggest font trends to look out for in 2025
Ladna by Tüpokompanii From a sans-serif backlash to neo-retro revivals, our experts predict a diverse typographic landscape for the coming year. No one wants to be seen as a follower of trends. We all want to be seen as individuals, ploughing our own paths and pursuing our own creative vision. But let’s get real. We…
-
With distance comes clarity: the benefits of partnering with ‘global outsiders’
Chisom Okechukwu Nigerian CEO Chisom Okechukwu offers a lesson on growing with outsiders and explains why so-called ‘stranger danger’ is a mirage. Have you ever partnered with a designer or creative agency in Africa? Would you? It’s an interesting question and one that, if you’re honest, may bring forth an instinctive reaction that’s at odds…
-
“Edge City” by Artist Adam de Boer
Adam de Boer Adam de Boer’s Website Adam de Boer on Instagram
-
Handcrafting the Future: How Scale Model Studios is blending tradition with innovation in stop-motion animation
From creating captivating miniature worlds for BBC promos and music videos to crafting immersive experiences for brands like Jongga Kimchi, Scale Model Studios has mastered its field, combining the charm of handcrafted details with cutting-edge technology to deliver authentic, emotionally resonant storytelling. You might not know Scale Model Studios by name, but you’ve probably seen…
-
Why a new book celebrating design legend Margaret Calvert deserves your support
A crowdfunding campaign has just launched for Margaret Calvert: Woman at Work, showcasing the career of the iconic British graphic designer. Editor Adrian Shaughnessy explains how it came about and why you should support it. Margaret Calvert is one of the biggest names in British design history. Now 88, she’s famed for her groundbreaking work…
-
Cooking Up Change: How UnitedUs transformed Prept’s identity to inspire a new generation through food
The Brighton studio has rebranded the Table Talk Foundation to help it grow from its Sussex roots into a nationwide movement, inspiring young people to connect with cooking and embrace healthier, happier lives. The majority of identity projects look to achieve things like helping a product stand out against competitors or on supermarket shelves, updating…
-
Punk Not Junk: How&How’s rebellious identity for a heavenly sweet brand
How&How helps Wild Thingz build a category-defining rebel sweetie brand from scratch – something that pleases both parents and kids. And it’s as fun and disruptive as you’d expect from the global creative studio. For those who take the time and effort to consider the ingredients of many children’s sweets, then you’d be horrified (but…
-
Laura Stein on the Five Books that shaped her approach to design, branding, and sustainability
From groundbreaking ideas on sustainability to the art of personal and systemic change, these are the reads that continue to shape her creative journey. It’s been quite a while since we last explored the inspiring world of book recommendations from leading creatives across the globe, but we’re excited to bring the series back with a…
-
Bala crafts a radical label for category-first grasshopper beer
GOSE required an identity as unique as its product, which Bala delivered through semi-abstract illustrations and an acidic colour palette that reflects the beer’s salty flavour. Designing a product that consumers haven’t seen before is challenging enough, but when the main ingredient is an insect, it becomes even more important to make the identity appealing…
-
Blond develops sustainable and luxurious packaging for Daisyface
Innovation is at the heart of this packaging solution, with an outer vessel designed to be on show in your home and inner packaging made from daisy seed paper that can be composted or watered to grow daisies. Industrial design studio Blond has designed a series of striking yet minimalistic refillable packaging pieces for skincare…
-
“hearth” by Artist Maximiliano Tineo
Maximiliano Tineo Maximiliano Tineo’s Website Maximiliano Tineo on Instagram
-
How to curate the perfect soundtrack for your brand’s visual identity
Illustration by Mia Angioy for Creative Boom In the last of our special six-part series, we explore how sonic branding can elevate your brand’s presence by leveraging Epidemic Sound’s expansive library of music and sound effects. In the ever-changing world of digital content creation, your brand’s identity is no longer confined to visual elements alone.…
-
Oliver Li’s warm and tactile illustrations convey his love of nature and the cosmos
We chat with the up-and-coming Chinese artist about his creative journey so far, the thinking behind his process, and how the English coast inspired his work. Oliver Li is a young artist who’s making waves, both literally and metaphorically. His illustrations are characterised by vibrant colours, often featuring blue and green, and a unique fuzzy…
-
5 branding projects redefining health and beauty in October 2024
One Living by Derek&Eric From simplified skincare to tech-infused cosmetics, these cutting-edge branding initiatives are reshaping the health and beauty landscape worldwide. As Coco Chanel once said, “Nature gives you the face you have at 20; it is up to you to merit the face you have at 50.” Today, that sentiment extends far beyond…
-
Ryohei Kadokura’s whimsical illustrations invite us to explore the absurd
There’s a sense of childlike wonder in the work of this Japanese illustrator, who’s committed to challenging social norms through his art with wit and humour. Japanese artist Ryohei Kadokura stands out as a fresh and innovative voice in the world of modern illustration. Influenced by Japanese manga, Western comics and poster illustrations, his style…
-
Independent type foundries set to be popular with designers in 2025
Onsra by Type of Feeling Expand your typographical horizons with our curated list of the most popular independent foundries today, as chosen by the Creative Boom community. When it comes to shaping the visual language of brands and narratives, typography is absolutely crucial. And while the best-known fonts and the major foundries have a lot…
-
From Filters to Feelings: How Maybelline’s new campaign embraces mental health in a social media era
When we hear the line, ‘Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s…’, it’s safe to say that most of us know it’s Maybelline. But on reflection, was that ever a good angle for young people? A new campaign by Nice and Serious takes the makeup brand into a new era with a fresh approach to…
-
Photographer Spotlight: Benjamin Waters
Benjamin Waters Benjamin Waters’s Website Benjamin Waters on Instagram
-
Noopur Choksi shows how commercial success and artistic integrity needn’t fight
If you want your art to mean something yet still get paid for it, this Indian designer and illustrator offers an example to follow. Want to work for big brands yet still create game-changing and thought-provoking art? It sounds like a circle that can’t be squared, but the work of Noopur Choksi suggests otherwise. A…
-
OHMY takes the dry subject of data analysis and brings it to life for Sonder
The digital-first studio draws the human narrative out of a highly technical story to better sell it to the public. Let’s face it: data analysis hardly sounds like the sexiest of subjects. But often, it actually is. Take Sonder, formerly Consumer Insight, a company that transforms complex data into meaningful insights through human-centred research. When…
-
Adobe reveals a content authenticity app to ‘champion creator protection and attribution’
Research has found that 91 per cent of creative professionals seek a reliable way to attach attribution to their art and design. Adobe’s soon-to-launch Content Authenticity is a tool that may just offer that solution. Today, Adobe has introduced its Content Authenticity web app, which enables creatives to protect their work by attaching evidence proving…
-
DixonBaxi’s fresh identity for instrument maker ROLI helps cut through the noise
ROLI makes musical instruments like no one else, giving musicians the freedom to create new sounds. A new identity by DixonBaxi helps to convey that mission more clearly. Bored of using the same old musical gear? Since I visited the Ice Music Festival in Norway, where all the instruments are made of ice, I’ve been…
-
McCann’s new campaign for Acer shows that the superhero is far from dead
How do you explain the cool features of a new range of gaming computers? Personify them as superheroes, of course. You’ve probably heard a lot of people recently say that the superhero craze is on the wane. And in one sense, they’re right. In the 2010s, Marvel utterly dominated cinema with movies like Avengers Assemble…
-
Playfulness, Imperfection & Retro Vibes: Enter the creative world of Ellis Tolsma
Dutch illustrator Ellis Tolsma mixes retro nostalgia with modern aesthetics through bold, playful illustrations and experimental risoprints. She also runs Studio Misprint, where she pushes creative boundaries and gives back to the creative industry. In Ellis Tolsma’s world, bright colours and bold designs enjoy a merry dance with imperfection. The freelance illustrator and visual artist…
-
9 handy resources to improve your work-life balance and manage stress
Image licensed via Adobe Stock These practical tools and platforms can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance whilst managing the pressures of the creative industry. This week is National Work Life Week 2024, an annual event that promotes work-life balance and well-being in the workplace. Since this issue affects all creatives, we were keen…
-
10 essential books to help creatives master work-life balance
Image licensed via Adobe Stock / Hamdi Bendali Are you struggling to get things done? Do you feel like work is taking over your life? These books can explain how to approach everything differently and achieve all your goals while still having time to rest and relax. Work-life balance often feels like a far-off, unachievable…
-
Artist Spotlight: Claire Cansick
Claire Cansick Claire Cansick’s Website Claire Cansick on Instagram
-
Key trends in audiovisual design: what’s next for 2025?
Illustration by Mia Angioy for Creative Boom In the fifth of our special six-part series, we look at the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of audiovisual design and how they’re set to transform brand experiences by 2025. As we approach 2025, the landscape of audiovisual design is changing rapidly. New tech, changing consumer behaviours, and…
-
How to differentiate yourself as a creative in a saturated market
Image licensed via Adobe Stock It’s getting tougher and tougher to find work these days. So it’s more important than ever to carve out your unique voice as a creative. Follow our tips to learn how. In today’s creative industry, standing out is more crucial than ever. Because let’s get real: lots of designers, illustrators,…
-
Essential video creation tools for creatives on a budget
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Want to produce high-quality video content using tools that won’t break the bank? With this affordable selection, you won’t need to hire professional filmmakers or editors to create your content. We’re living in a world where almost every social media platform is trying to become TikTok. So, increasingly, video content…
-
Expert tips for balancing career & creativity this National Work Life Week
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Even work in the creative industries is largely admin. So, how do you balance the needs of your career with the need to thrive creatively? It was all going to be so different. When you were young and dreaming of a career in a creative profession such as design, art,…
-
Artist Spotlight: Owen Gent
Owen Gent Owen Gent’s Website Owen Gent on Instagram
-
Con McHugh: A journey into textured illustration, playful animation, and big ideas
The UK-based illustrator and animator shares how he developed his unique style, embraced the art of letting go and offers some top advice for emerging artists. Con McHugh has built a reputation for his distinctive analogue-inspired, looping animations characterised by hand-drawn imperfections and a rhythm that feels almost musical. In a digital world that often…
-
Useful tools and systems to make you more successful as a creative
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Are you struggling to keep up with your workload or just trying to make more money in less time? Then check out these tried-and-tested tools. Many of us are finding it increasingly difficult to land work right now, thanks to a range of factors, from the state of the economy…
-
Pentagram unveils its identity for Manchester’s new innovation district, Sister
At the heart of the brand is a custom typeface inspired by Alan Turing’s pioneering computers and the letterforms from early code-breaking machines. Pentagram has revealed the new visual identity for Sister, a multi-billion pound innovation district for Manchester. Launched by Mayor Andy Burnham, this groundbreaking project is set to transform the city’s landscape, merging…
-
“I’m good, how are u?” by Photographer Dorian Tocker
Dorian Tocker Dorian Tocker’s Website Dorian Tocker on Instagram
-
How&How launch GetEven to support women in the creative industry
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Global branding agency How&How has launched GetEven, a pro-bono, studio-funded initiative designed to support women in the creative industry. We chatted with founder Cat to discover more. With gender disparity still a significant issue across multiple creative sectors, GetEven is a new initiative that aims to provide women with expert…
-
A gorgeous deep dive into the art of graphic design through the ages
Certain design books will always be considered essential. Graphic Classics more than earns its spot, featuring 500 iconic projects spanning the entire history of graphic design. This updated edition from Phaidon is a must-have for any discerning designer. Graphic Classics reimagines the 2017 bestseller Graphic: 500 Designs That Matter with 50 new entries highlighting contemporary…
-
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: The real trendsetters of the design industry deserve a medal
From home offices to coffee-stained desks, these blue-collar designers are the creative engines driving innovation and proving that true design excellence doesn’t always come with a corporate office or ton of publicity. There’s a large portion of the design industry that never gets a mention, the ones doing the heavy lifting from the obscurity of…
-
Space Exploration Logo Archive: Celebrating 370 logos that reach for the stars
Italian designer Davide Mascioli has launched a Kickstarter for SELA, a comprehensive archive of space exploration logos. Rome-based designer and art director Davide Mascioli hopes to bring to life SELA—Space Exploration Logo Archive, an extraordinary collection of over 370 logos celebrating the rich visual history of space exploration. Spanning more than eight decades, from 1942…
-
The best new typefaces for October from leading foundries and designers
Lock by Mark Bloom and Diana Ovezea Hailing from both indie designers and larger foundries, these cool fonts could come in handy for your end-of-year design projects. As autumn settles in, winter approaches, and we all start to spend more time indoors, it’s a great time to think about refreshing your design toolkit. And when…
-
‘Nothing replicates the rustic, magical energy of stop-motion,’ says animator Alistair Nicholls
We talk to the up-and-coming claymation animator Alistair Nicholls about his hands-on process, the smell of plasticine, 1970s camera lenses and handmade film noir. No method of creativity is as tactile as claymation. You can literally see the artist’s fingerprints on the characters and props as the story unfolds in tiny increments of movement, with…
-
Robot Food’s identity for beauty brand Postcard invites us to slow down
The Singapore-based, sustainable beauty brand has a fresh look and strategy based on the idea of simple joy. Much like its fashion sibling, the beauty industry often feels like it’s trying to push us into being something we’re not. It offers us images of unattainable attractiveness, urges us to invest in overly expensive products, and…
-
New video podcast helps to empower deaf creatives
Shaping Tomorrow is a groundbreaking video podcast that showcases deaf professionals and has deaf creatives at the heart of its production. A new video podcast series aimed at amplifying the voices of deaf professionals in the creative, sports and entertainment industries has just been launched by UK social enterprise Hear Art. Titled Shaping Tomorrow, this…
-
“Daily Date” Series by Illustrator Jennet Liaw
Jennet Liaw …
-
6 good habits every creative should develop, to protect your mental health
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Safeguarding your mental health is essential if you’re going to prosper as a creative person over time. Here are six important habits to develop to help you stay on track. After you visit the bathroom, you wash your hands. It’s a simple habit that has probably saved you from serious…
-
How Epidemic Sound helps to empower independent video creators
Illustration by Mia Angioy for Creative Boom From viral hits to custom collaborations, we explore how independent creators leverage the music licensing platform to amplify their impact and reach new audiences. From YouTube to TikTok and beyond, music plays a pivotal role in capturing an audience’s attention, conveying emotions and building a distinctive brand. So,…
-
How to switch from Twitter/X to BlueSky in 2024, and why you might want to
Image licensed via Adobe Stock This alternative to Elon Musk’s platform offers a chronological timeline, control over your data, and a troll-free environment. So, is it time to make the leap? Let’s not beat around the bush: Twitter/X is not what it once was. Engagement rates have plummeted, users have departed in droves, and the…
-
Citrus brand Jaffa ripens its identity with Earthling Studio
Each asset has been transformed to better communicate the brand’s quality, including a new wordmark inspired by a version from the archives. Household brand Jaffa has launched a new identity designed by Earthling Studio as it moves into a new era of expansion and looks to enhance its digital presence. For decades, Jaffa has been…
-
Kit Studio designs London Transport Museum’s new retail identity
The aim was to respect the rich design history of London’s transport network without just imitating the iconic patterns, shapes and colours. Kit Studio is behind the new visual identity for the London Transport Museum’s retail offering – one that pays homage to the brand’s rich design history and seeks to tell the true story…
-
“Odyssey” by Photographer Pauline Köhlen
Pauline Köhlen Pauline Köhlen’s Website Pauline Köhlen on Instagram
-
Mozilla pledges to ‘Reclaim the Internet’ with new identity by JKR
A new protest-inspired brand symbol was designed to compliment Mozilla’s custom wordmark and typeface family, helping the brand to stand out in a sea of sameness. The free software community Mozilla has set out to reclaim the internet as a global public resource with a new “Grassroots to Government” design system developed by Jones Knowles…
-
Thisaway rebrands London kids’ sports provider to unify its offerings
The Bath-based design agency’s work for The Foxes Club sets the stage for the expansion of this popular franchise. The Foxes Club is one of London’s leading providers of sports classes, camps and academies for kids. It began in 2007 by organising games and activities in a local park and was previously known as The…
-
ANY%: A History of Speedrunning – new book explores gaming’s craziest counterculture
If you’re the kind of creative who likes to deconstruct things and you enjoy video games, this new book is a fascinating dive into speedrunning and the community surrounding it. It started around 1992 with id Software’s legendary first-person shooter Wolfenstein 3D. The game’s principal designer, John Romero, provided his record times for each level…
-
“This Alabaster Grave” by Photographer Cengiz Yar
Cengiz Yar …
-
Pentagram designs identity for Pienso, a tech firm seeking to democratise AI
Pienso is seeking to make AI more accessible for ordinary companies. Now a new visual identity crafted by Pentagram is helping them pursue this mission. Say the word AI to creatives, and for many of us, the impulse is to stick our fingers in our ears, go “lalalalala” and hope it all goes away. But…
-
Ourselves helps sugar brand Silver Spoon inspire Britain to get baking
The campaign ‘Life is what you bake it’ combines TV, OOH and new packaging to promote the generational joy of home cooking. TV show The Great British Bake-Off has been such a massive hit around the world that some might assume Brits are making cakes morning, noon and night. But in truth, most of us…
-
Parker crafts modern new identity for historic mattress brand Ostermoor
Consumers like the idea of established brands, but “old” and “mattress” aren’t words that go together well. Ostermoor teamed up with Parker to help square that circle. In general, we like companies with decades of experience and expertise. They’re far more likely to know what they’re doing and provide good value. However, when we think…
-
From Street Art to Ping Pong: André Saraiva’s Mr A brings playful charm to limited-edition ArtTables
Could this be the ideal addition to your creative studio? It certainly could – provided two or more people who love table tennis are part of the team. André Saraiva estimates that he’s drawn his famous Mr A character somewhere between 100,000 and 200,000 times—everywhere, from brick walls in the urban sprawl to Gucci billboards…
-
Film director Alberto Rojas on why Reallusion’s tools are the future of cinema
Rising star director Alberto Méndez Rojas explains how Reallusion’s innovative tools are revolutionising independent filmmaking and shaping the future of digital cinema. It might not be immediately obvious to the viewer. But in the ever-evolving landscape of digital filmmaking, innovative tools and technologies are constantly reshaping the way stories are brought to life on screen.…
-
Fishers Island Lemonade leans into its casual-coastal island aesthetic
Nostalgic illustrations, editorial-inspired photography and striped graphic assets make up the craft cocktail brand’s new identity designed by Tavern. Back in 2014, while she was bartending at the storied Pequot Inn, Bronya Shillo founded the craft cocktail brand Fishers Island Lemonade. Now, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Shillo has collaborated with Brooklyn-based branding agency…
-
“Sowing Rice with Salt” by Photographer Kyle Lui
Kyle Lui …
-
How to integrate music into your design workflow
Illustration by Mia Angioy for Creative Boom In the third of our special six-part series, we discuss how Epidemic Sound’s helpful tools for creatives can elevate your creative process and boost efficiency. Making video content can be creatively rewarding. But boy, is it hard work. And annoyingly, what should be, in theory, the most fun…
-
3 huge problems creative directors face in 2024, and 6 steps to solving them
Image licensed via Adobe Stock New research by Frontify and D&AD offers some fascinating insights into what’s bugging creative directors today. We outline the biggest problems and offer some practical solutions. Remember how, in your first job as a junior, you daydreamed of the future? How, one day, you’d reach the pinnacle and become a…
-
How to beat the menace of perfectionism in your creative work
Image licensed via Adobe Stock We share insights and strategies from artists and designers on embracing imperfection and finding freedom in the creative process. If you’ve ever had job interview training, you’ll probably have been warned to prepare for the question, “What are your weaknesses?” Some believe the best answer is “I’m a bit of…
-
Company Policy founder Adam Katz on breaking down barriers with clients
The founder of the three-year-old Brooklyn studio explains how they’re blending strategy, language and design and helping redefine brand communication in the AI era. In the competitive world of design and branding, it’s rare to find a design studio that truly breaks the mould. Yet Company Policy, a full-service strategy and visual identity design studio…
-
Illustrator Spotlight: Bijou Karman
Bijou Karman Bijou Karman’s Website Bijou Karman on Instagram
-
PayPal’s new look: How Pentagram refreshed the global payments giant
For over two decades, PayPal has been making money transactions easier and more secure for millions worldwide. Pentagram’s work aims to match that simplicity while giving the brand a more contemporary and optimistic feel. PayPal, the global leader in digital payments, has unveiled a striking new identity designed by Andrea Trabucco-Campos and his team at…
-
Karl Taylor on how Visual Education is transforming online learning for creatives
Karl Taylor We chat with the founder of Visual Education, which offers world-class training in photography, CGI, and design, to discover why this disruptive platform has been turning so many heads. In today’s rapidly evolving creative landscape, the lines between different visual arts disciplines are increasingly blurred. Photographers are directing commercials. Graphic designers are incorporating…
-
“Kinship” by Photographer Christian Lee
Christian Lee …
-
V&A names Benjamin Phillips as Moira Gemmill Illustrator of the Year 2024
Benjamin Phillips is the Moira Gemmill Illustrator of the Year 2024 The V&A Illustration Awards, now celebrating its 52nd year, continues to champion the finest in contemporary illustration. This year saw a record-breaking 2,000 submissions across five categories, with the winners revealed in a special ceremony last night. The V&A has announced Benjamin Phillips as…
-
Sound and vision: the 3D animation of Reggie Perry, Jr
Like the main image above, this still render was created in collaboration with South African artist Ells Phee. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Reggie Perry, Jr. creates virtual visions of a world inspired by black culture, ’90s animation techniques, and 3D movies – one that moves to retro beats he remixes himself. When Reggie Perry, Jr.…
-
Art history skates the halfpipe with Jimmy Simpson
Colourful, playful, and surreal, New York illustrator Jimmy Simpson has a portfolio full of mind-blowing artwork driven by retro influences but executed in his own contemporary style. Illustration seems to come naturally to Brooklyn-based artist Jimmy Simpson. His easy-going line work defines clear, simple forms anyone can relate to, with flat colours and intelligent palettes…
-
Stars and stripes: Designing Fox’s summer sports broadcasting campaign
Barcelona-based motion design studio THRU developed the Summer of Stars campaign identity, collaborating with designer and art director David Rinman and 3D designer Richardo Rey. The summer of sport has officially drawn to a close, but that doesn’t mean we can’t spotlight another excellent design project that emerged from it! Earlier this year, motion design…
-
Kuudes reindesigns premium meal providers for a post-pandemic era
When Finnish food company Anton&Anton decided to close its boutique stores and focus on convenience foods, creative agency Kuudes helped it rebrand accordingly. Anton&Anton is a Finnish food company that has gained significant recognition for its ready-made meals. They’ve become a popular choice for busy individuals and families seeking convenient yet good-quality food options. Unlike…
-
LMNOP designs hotel brand reminiscent of classic American summers
A strong sense of nostalgia and authentic enjoyment comes through in the Beachside Hotel’s identity, reinforced by an eclectic mix of typefaces and imperfect patterns. San Francisco-based design studio LMNOP has crafted a new identity inspired by classic American summers for the Beachside Hotel in Nantucket, using a “blue sky thinking” approach to encourage guests…
-
Studio Morfar says ‘Let there be light’ with new animation for SunFi
Strong on concept and beautifully executed, Studio Morfar’s explainer video for the Nigerian green energy startup SunFi brings a fresh aesthetic to the renewables space. Fossil fuels have been the main driver of Nigeria’s economy since the 1960s, so it can be difficult for a renewable energy company to get a look-in. SunFi, which helps…
-
Labneh brand Bezi takes on everyone’s favourite Mediterranean dip with a tasty identity
Red Antler used its expertise working with start-ups to design a category-disrupting dip for New York foodies. As a lover of Middle Eastern foods and cuisine, I was more than intrigued when I came across the Bezi brand, which claims to be on a mission to unseat hummus as the go-to, healthy(ish) snack dip. The…
-
“Rainy 8-bit Garden” by Artist Karol Polak
Karol Polak Karol Polak’s Website Karol Polak on Instagram
-
How to bring your visual storytelling to life with soundtracks
Illustration by Mia Angioy for Creative Boom In the second of our special six-part series, we look at how music can elevate your visual storytelling and enhance its emotional power. In the realm of visual storytelling, the power of sound often goes underappreciated. Yet, as we all know from our favourite movies and Netflix dramas,…
-
The power of self-belief: why quiet confidence is essential for creative professionals
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Not to be confused with overconfidence, true self-belief is a foundation that fuels creativity and resilience. Here’s why it’s so important and how to develop it for yourself. As creatives, we all want to believe that we’re talented, hard-working, driven, capable and ready for anything that life throws at us.…
-
5 innovative food and drink brands that caught our eye in September
Forest Gum by Jens Nilsson From plant-based ice cream to sustainable chewing gum, these forward-thinking branding projects are reshaping the food and beverage landscape across the world. It’s not something we often think about, but we in the West have an almost insane amount of choice regarding the food and drink we buy. There’s nothing…
-
Brooklyn Museum has a new look inspired by its 200-year history and architecture
All photos by Adrianna Glaviano A cultural cornerstone of New York City, the Brooklyn Museum has revealed a striking new brand identity to mark its bicentennial year, spearheaded by Brooklyn-based design studio Other Means. Originally founded in 1823 as the Brooklyn Apprentices’ Library, the Brooklyn Museum institution has grown to become the second-largest art museum…
-
“Enigma” by Artist Théo Viardin
Théo Viardin Théo Viardin on Instagram
-
BBC unlocks iconic design archive with new platform, BBC Playback
The new initiative highlights iconic BBC logos and graphic design, offering a nostalgic collection for apparel, accessories, and gifts. Today, the BBC has unlocked a treasure trove of nostalgia for fans of its iconic television and radio shows, launching a brand-new platform that celebrates its rich graphic design history. Titled BBC Playback, the creative initiative—led…
-
Dutch studio JUST’s new identity balances simplicity with wonder
Reflecting its commitment to social change, the Hague-based design agency has crafted a colourful and impactful new identity for itself. Located in The Hague, Netherlands, JUST is a design agency deeply committed to making a societal impact. Founded in 2007, it offers a comprehensive range of design services, from strategic branding to digital solutions, all…
-
Introducing Tom Strom and his deadly cute illustrations
With a background as a tattoo artist, Tom Strom is an emerging American illustrator whose images will draw you in and perhaps give you a little scare. But what’s life without a little peril now and again? One minute, you feel like stroking the cute, cycloptic kitten as it sits amongst the birdhouses with a…
-
New branding by Tavern helps revive America’s iconic Sizzler restaurants
The West Coast steak ‘n’ seafood chain went bust in 2020. But now it’s back, and the brand has been reinvented from the ground up. Not to be confused with Sizzling Pubs in the UK, Sizzler is a US-based restaurant chain with locations mainly in California and some in the nearby states of Arizona, Nevada,…
-
“Close to Home” by Photographer Kalum Ko
Kalum Ko Kalum Ko’s Website Kalum Ko on Instagram
-
We bring you all the winners of the World Illustration Awards 2024
Professional Overall Winner: Mark Smith Last night, the winners of the World Illustration Awards were announced via an online ceremony hosted by renowned artist Aurélia Durand, along with a collection of special guests to present them. Today on Creative Boom, you can check out the winning artworks. Alongside the Society of Illustrators Awards in the…
-
Illustrator Fran Cieslar uses art to promote wellbeing with The Anatomy of Healing
The stress goes out as the creativity comes in with Fran Cieslar’s oracle deck, which combines anatomical and botanical illustrations to help us see the inner world of our bodies in a different light. You’re lying on the yoga mat trying to get into a calming position that is impossible to relax in when the…
-
Bruichladdich subverts whiskey stereotypes with ‘Not Your Classic’ campaign
Thirst designed the new campaign, centred around three “irreverent heroes”, to counteract the stuffy scenes associated with whiskey drinkers. New York and Glasgow-based agency Thirst has collaborated with B-Corp-certified Bruichladdich Distillery on its latest campaign, ‘Not Your Classic’, following a successful redesign project in 2023. The partnership between the design studio and brewery has been…
-
Innovative packaging design unites Coop brand across four markets
Swedish studio Bercow is helping the Nordic retailer reimagine 3,500 products across four countries, harmonising diverse market identities through clever use of a superellipse. Not to be confused with the British retailer Co-op, Coop Trading is a Danish trading company owned by four Nordic consumer cooperatives. Recently, it decided to consolidate its presence across four…
-
How to put yourself out there, when fear of the trolls holds you back
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Facing your fears and sharing your creative work online can be daunting, but it’s essential for growth and success in the digital age. Here’s how to overcome the hurdles and thrive. A lot of us don’t like to admit this, even to ourselves. But in today’s digital landscape, putting yourself…
-
Angel & Anchor crafts playfully ironic identity for new Belfast takeaway
Lucky Duck is a quirky twist on the classic UK Chinese restaurant, blending traditional elements with tongue-in-cheek charm. At Creative Boom, we’re big fans of the work of Angel & Anchor, who describe themselves as “a ballsy branding studio based in Belfast; we work hard, we listen, we give a shit.” And so back in…
-
Weather feels: New Met Office animations hit top spot at GIPHY
The Manchester-based creative studio Flow has created an exciting set of animated GIFs and stickers for the Met Office, and they’re proving to be a huge hit on GIPHY. How do you feel about the weather today? If you want, you can share that emotion with your social media circles with one of the 27…
-
Unfound creates a new proposition for natural aphrodisiac chocolate brand
Although Playmate exists in the world of sexual wellness, it goes against the explicit graphics and phrases typical of the category in favour of a brand that promotes meaningful connections between couples. Sexual wellness is becoming less taboo by the day, with people of all ages, genders and orientations becoming more informed on the topic.…
-
Artist Spotlight: Yongchul Kim
Yongchul Kim Yongchul Kim, Schlafen, 2024 Yongchul Kim, Welle in der Nacht, 2024 Yongchul Kim, Panta Rhei, Mann, 2024 Yongchul Kim, Schlafen, 2024 Yongchul Kim, Wanderer, 2023 Yongchul Kim, Welle, 2023 Yongchul Kim, Wanderer in der Sternennacht, 2023 Yongchul Kim, Hund,…
-
How to use music to transform your visual content
Illustration by Mia Angioy for Creative Boom Today, we kick off a special six-part series focused on the use of music in modern design. In part one, we look at the importance of music to visual content, share examples of how this works in practice, and share pro tips for picking the right tracks. In…
-
Drawing people: Five illustrators with the human touch
XG by Alxndra Cook We talk to Yvette Earl, Tatyana Alanis, Kyle Platts, Alxndra Cook, and Ryan Gillett – five talented illustrators who draw people convincingly and in unique styles that engage the viewer. As many an artist will tell you, illustrating people is one of the hardest skills to learn. Although it seems to…
-
Winnie Au on the chaotic fun of capturing dogs on camera for her book, Cone of Shame
Images reprinted from Cone of Shame by Winnie Au © 2024, designs by Marie-Yan Morvan © 2024. Published by Union Square & Co. We speak to the Brooklyn-based photographer about the inspiration for her unsual new series, and her tips for photographing pets successfully. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Winnie Au is an editorial and…
-
How illustrator Alyah Holmes brings vibrant worlds to life
From doodling characters to illustrating for global brands, Alyah Holmes shares her colourful journey in the world of illustration. Illustration may be an increasingly competitive field, but Alyah Holmes has succeeded in standing out. The American-Canadian illustrator and designer has managed to carve a niche for herself thanks to her vibrant, playful style, which has…
-
“There’s a Light Somewhere” by Artist Christopher Burk
Christopher Burk Christopher Burk’s Website Christopher Burk on Instagram
-
Common problems creatives are facing this autumn, and how to solve them
Image licensed via Adobe Stock As the leaves change colour and the air turns crisp, many creatives find themselves grappling with a series of challenges in their professional lives. From lack of work to seasonal blues, here’s how to navigate the hurdles of the autumn season. The creative industry is ever-evolving, and with each season…
-
The Wombles return with a new brand by How&How
Everyone’s favourite furry recycling creatures are set to return to our television sets with a new identity and an extensive bank of assets. The much-loved children’s TV show The Wombles is back on our TV screens with a refreshed identity, as well as a full character and illustration toolkit, by London and LA-based studio How&How.…
-
“Window Views” by Artist Duo Christoph Florin
Christoph Florin Christoph Florin’s Website Christoph Florin on Instagram
-
What the Oasis reunion can teach us about branding
Liam Gallagher – Image licensed via Shutterstock / A.PAES The new Oasis tour is expected to make half a billion. What lessons can we learn from this incredible marketing success? The recent announcement of an Oasis reunion has sent shockwaves through the music world and ignited a frenzy of excitement amongst many who grew up…
-
Meet Ghazal Qadri – the Kashmiri illustrator creating art to make a difference
From the valleys of Kashmir to the studios of Florida, Ghazal Qadri crafts vibrant illustrations that tell stories of culture, empathy, and the power of art to inspire change. Both an illustrator and graphic designer, Ghazal Qadri has relocated from a picturesque valley in Kashmir, northwest India, to the sunshine state of Florida. There, she…
-
How the Baguette Became a Giraffe – artworks by Andrey Kasay
If you’re looking for inspiration fuelled by bright colours with swirls of surrealism and sprinkles of absurdity, then illustrator Andrey Kasay’s latest exhibition to hit London is worth a slot in your diary. How did the baguette become a giraffe? We’re not sure there’s an answer, but if there is, it might involve a giant…
-
[REDACTED]: Fold7Design brings the idea of Web3 to visual life for event branding
Web3 isn’t so much a technology than a cause to rally around. And so Fold7Design’s designs for [REDACTED], a new Web3 movement and IRL event, are a real call to arms. Fancy a trip to Thailand? Then, if you’re involved in digital design, there’s a great excuse to visit. [REDACTED] is bringing together visionaries, builders…
-
George Underwood: the designer who gave Bowie’s albums their iconic look
George Underwood From schoolyard friends to legendary album covers, we chat with David Bowie’s lifelong collaborator about his artistic journey and a new exhibition of work inspired by the much-missed singer. George Underwood may not be a household name, but his artistic vision helped shape the visual identity of one of rock music’s most iconic…
-
Kanioko on painting colourful worlds of joy for genderless characters
From pandemic passion projects to illustrating for global brands, Kanioko’s genderless characters are bringing much-needed representation to the art world. In a creative world hungry for original and diverse voices, Brazilian artist and illustrator Kanioko is making waves with quirky, genderless characters and vibrant colour palettes. This striking work is typically inspired by themes including…
-
Taxi Studio collaborates with Kevin Bongang on Carlsberg fonio brew
The bottle label includes designs referencing Bongang’s West African upbringing, nodding to the origins of the versatile folio grain. Carlsberg has collaborated with Brooklyn Brewery on an integrated campaign surrounding the world’s first 100% fonio beer, brewed in Carlsberg’s Research Laboratory without the use of barley or bittering hops. Fonio was created as part of…
-
Crown Creative challenges Irish stereotypes with New York bar identity
The on-the-go Irish bar, located in the busy transport hub at Moynihan, has a thematic thread of transport running through its brand and interiors. We’ve all been in those situations where you’re at a social event and desperate to leave but can’t face the long and tedious ritual of goodbyes. That’s where The Irish Exit…
-
“Surrounded By Natural Causes” by Photographer Casey Joiner
Casey Joiner …
-
The best new typefaces for September from leading foundries and designers
Heltar by The Northern Block From playful sans serifs to versatile superfamilies, the latest font releases offer a great way to give your designs a fresh look and bring them to life this autumn. As we enter autumn, it feels like time for a fresh start. And so, as a designer, it’s the perfect occasion…
-
That back-to-school feeling: how to boost your creative skills this autumn
Image licensed via Shutterstock A commitment to lifelong learning will give you a sense of personal fulfilment and future-proof your career against AI. Read on to discover how to achieve this practice. As the summer winds down, the leaves start to turn, mums shop for the kids’ school uniforms, and large groups of uncertain freshers…
-
Blackjack brewery’s bold rebrand taps into Manchester’s rich history
Design studio Ensemble explains how it teamed up with a local brewery to represent the city’s heritage in modern beers. England is a nation of beer lovers, whether you prefer full-strength or zero-alcohol. But not all beer, let’s face it, is that good. It helps to find a brand you can come to know and…
-
Sze Hang Lo: Where words fail, illustrations convey the feeling
Experiences, feelings, and memories – these are the things driving the portfolio of the up-and-coming illustrator and animator Sze Hang Lo. After the dust settled following all the graduate shows for illustration and art courses across the UK, the Association of Illustrators sent out its Grads to Watch list. One of the talents that grabbed…
-
Small but perfectly formed: Seb Lester’s Tiny series
The calligrapher and typographer Seb Lester has launched a series of beautiful works that eschew scale to favour quality and prove that it’s the little things that matter. In the remote Yorkshire village of Settle, you’ll find one of the world’s smallest galleries. The town’s old red phone box has been turned into an art…
-
New Chicago park identity reflects the rich history and culture of the city’s South Side
Designed by local studio Span, the identity features a custom logotype inspired by the park’s topography as well as a public bench. Chicago-based design studio Span has unveiled its latest place branding project, an identity for a new public park in the Bronzeville area of its home city. Although Bronzeville was known for its vibrant…
-
Lightning strikes with Nomad’s designs for sports betting brand Betano
Nomad Studio explains how it crafted an electrifying brand for the online gaming industry—just in time for it to step up to the world stage. You may not have heard of Kaizen Gaming, but they’re a pretty big deal. Based in Athens, this GameTech company operate two brands, Betano and Stoiximan, in 16 countries and…
-
Artist Spotlight: Evelyn Tan
Evelyn Tan Evelyn Tan’s Website Evelyn Tan on Instagram
-
How French illustrator Lapin turned sketching from a pastime into a way of life
Sketchbook photo © Tim Langlotz Driven by a desire to draw, see new things and develop his skills, Lapin hops here and there across Europe and around the world, sketching what interests him wherever he lands. One can only envy him. Twenty years ago, Lapin worked in a studio as a graphic designer on campaigns…
-
Regular Practice redesigns low-alcohol spirit brand Quarter Proof
After three years on the market, the studio saw an opportunity for the brand to ride the wave of the moderation movement and enhance its brand experience, putting Quarter Proof on the same shelf as its high ABV predecessors. Social attitudes to alcohol have no doubt changed in recent years, with more people being more…
-
Anti-advertising billboard targets fast-food giants for youth campaign
Bite Back is an organisation campaigning for more regulation of fast-food multinationals. And their latest billboard makes its point with refreshing simplicity. We recently encountered the practice of “anti-advertising” in our special report from Glastonbury Festival on How to be an anti-capitalist artist. And this week, we spotted another example of the genre, as youth…
-
Hiding in Hudson: Photographs of the 2024 solar eclipse in New York
American photographer Colin Czerwinski documents the unique charm of Hudson during a rare natural phenomenon in upstate New York. During a rare solar eclipse earlier this year, Colin Czerwinski visited the small city of Hudson, New York, armed with his Fujifilm X100V, to document its residents, landscapes, and everyday life. Instead of focusing on the…
-
Jessica Walsh launches her own type foundry, focused on ’emotional type’
The New York designer explains how she’s blending artistic expression with functional design to create the kind of typefaces agencies will love to use in their work. Renowned designer Jessica Walsh has long been known for her passion for type. And now she’s taken that to the next level by launching Type Of Feeling. It’s…
-
The introvert’s guide to creating video content: how to thrive on social media
Image licensed via Shutterstock Your introversion isn’t a barrier to making social video; it’s actually an asset. Discover how to conquer the world of video content with these expert tips and strategies. For the last couple of decades, the creative profession has been broadly kind to us introverts. Many of us who enjoy spending a…
-
Designer and illustrator Julia Wand on her love of nature and why sketching is crucial
The Münster School of Design graduate discusses her creative journey so far and how she has developed her unique style. Julia Wand is an illustration and graphic design graduate of the Münster School of Design in Germany. In her work, she always aims to combine these two disciplines: a conceptual approach and visual storytelling. “In…
-
Office of Overview’s healthy oil brand takes inspiration from the world of coffee
Good Phats is a new brand aiming to disrupt the world of cooking oils. Office of Overview’s founder, James Sedgwick Taylor, explains how they positioned it with a focus on consumer education. Nowadays, most people think of fats as bad, things to be minimised and avoided. But two friends, Ben and Tom, didn’t see it…
-
Artist Spotlight: Andrew Tseng
Andrew Tseng Andrew Tseng on Instagram
-
Illustrator Spotlight: Oyow
Oyow Oyow on Instagram
-
Robot Food gives German nutrition brand a vibrant new look and feel
Leeds-based agency Robot Food has redesigned German health-food brand More. The new identity is based on a message of joy and self-empowerment. More Nutrition was founded in 2017 and quickly established itself as the leading provider of healthy weight-management nutrition in Germany. Along with all-vegan label Foodist and high-performance supplements provider ESN, German holding company…
-
Kind Studio crafts a floral identity for UAL’s 2024 graduation ceremonies
With over 7,000 students completing their courses this year, the London Studio developed a unique identity to celebrate their experimental spirit. University of the Arts London is known for incubating some of the world’s most creative students. And so their graduation ceremonies are a big deal. Recently, UAL tasked Kind Studio with creating an identity…
-
Illustrator Spotlight: Julie Alex
Julie Alex Julie Alex on Instagram
-
BIEN’s Paralympic wheelchair basketball spot goes beyond stereotypes
The minority-owned motion studio BIEN has created a new animation highlighting the talents of wheelchair basketball players for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which start on 28 August. Diversity and inclusion are topics that are talked about in nearly every industry, but how inclusive and diverse is the design industry, and what’s being done to…
-
Fantasy artist Wayne Reynolds paints D&D stamps for Royal Mail
Elves, dwarves, wizards, a lich and an owlbear all feature alongside an iconic red dragon in what could be the most unlikely stamp collection ever issued by the Royal Mail – and role-players and fantasy art fanatics will love it. The British fantasy illustrator Wayne Reynolds has painted a set of eight monsters to feature…
-
Kingdom & Sparrow rebrand helps Peacock Cider strut into a new era
The Falmouth branding studio’s fresh designs help transform the Asian-inspired cider into a character-driven sensation. Based in Kent, Kingfisher Drinks was founded more than 30 years ago to distribute the iconic Indian beer of the same name. And as Kingfisher Beer has become one of the world’s biggest beer brands, the company has expanded its…
-
Here’s a first look at 1001 Movie Posters: Designs of the Times from Reel Art Press
Images used here are copyrighted to Reel Art Press Bringing popular culture together with graphic design, photography, illustration and typography, movie posters enjoy huge popularity with creatives and fans alike, and this new book selects 1001 of the very best examples. We’re not sure when the last survey was taken, but it’s pretty safe to…
-
Hyperfocus puts recruitment agency’s founder at the centre of its rebrand
The German agency explains how it crafted a new name, identity, and website for the creative recruitment agency Undiscovered. Based in Berlin, Undiscovered is a recruitment agency specialising in creative roles. Specifically, it matches talent in design, product, engineering, and marketing with startups, agencies, and corporations across Europe. They recently changed their name and began…
-
Photographer Elizabeth Waterman challenges our perceptions of porn stars
We chat with the fine art photographer about her new book, Candyland, which offers a fresh, empowering perspective through collaborative portraits that celebrate female sexuality and individuality. It doesn’t matter how much we tell ourselves to be “sex positive”, as the modern phrase goes. Most of us have never met and probably will never meet…
-
Isobelle Farrar: the young illustrator standing with the old
A recent graduate of Nottingham Trent, Isobelle Farrar is catching the eye with projects like HAG, which combine imagery, textiles, and storytelling to challenge the way older women are dismissed and ignored in society. Congratulations go out to Isobelle Farrar, the newly graduated artist who won the Association of Illustrators’ Spotlight Award at New Designers…
-
Derek&Eric designs a delicious identity for confectionary brand Yamama
What better way to brand a sweet treat than through a bespoke typeface that literally looks good enough to eat? Yes, the rhyme was intentional. Beirut-based food processing company Gandour founded its baked goods range Yamama in the 1980s, and since then, the brand has established itself as a family favourite across the Middle East.…
-
Artist Spotlight: Nada Elkalaawy
Nada Elkalaawy Nada Elkalaawy’s Website Nada Elkalaawy on Instagram
-
Illustrator Elly Walton: crafting playful narratives through the art of osmosis
Award-winning UK illustrator Elly Walton’s quirky style brings whimsy and depth to her editorial, advertising, and design work. In our exclusive interview, she reveals how she crafts these storytelling visuals. In the world of illustration, Elly Walton stands out as a virtuoso of playful storytelling. This award-winning artist has made her mark across various mediums…
-
Reclaim your life: tips for staying away from screens, as summer ends
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Sustain the mindfulness of a screen-free summer as you transition back to work by following this advice from the creative community. As the golden days of August fade into memory, many of us find ourselves at a crossroads. Whether you’ve been abroad or staycationing, the past few weeks have offered…
-
Crucible unveils lab-grown identity by Madalena Studio
Growing the bacteria using kombucha, lion’s mane, household food waste, and swabs from skin and soil resulted in some sleepless nights for creative director Chris Collicott. If somebody had told me that you could use live bacteria to create brightly coloured patterns from the 1980s and ’90s, I would have been a bit sceptical. That…
-
Tropicana amplifies its orange with a new identity by Sunhouse
Digging around in the archives revealed some interesting and ownable brand stories that the studio used to solidify its position as ‘THAT juice’. Bath-based brand and packaging design agency Sunhouse has redesigned OG orange juice brand Tropicana, using heritage in a contemporary way to position it as the category leader and aligning with its new…
-
Illustrator Spotlight: Angela Kirkwood
Angela Kirkwood Angela Kirkwood’s Website Angela Kirkwood on Instagram
-
Emotional, expressive, evocative: Illustrator Ilya Kazakov is proving that cute is the way forward
From contemplative cats to wide-eyed bat skeletons and even Santa on an exercise bike, Ilya Kazakov’s cartoony characters are helping the artist build his own community of fans and clients around the world. Originally from the Russian territory of Sakha – also called Yakutia – Ilya Kazakov is one of the most northerly illustrators we’ve…
-
Artist Spotlight: Fintan Magee
Fintan Magee Fintan Magee on Instagram
-
Live your best creative life: tips for freelancers inspired by Snoop Dogg’s Olympics
Image licensed via Shutterstock / Adam McCullough You don’t need to be a musician to learn from the rapper’s recent adventures at Paris 2024. We list seven tips for following in Snoop Dogg’s footsteps and unlocking your creative potential. If you work as a creative freelancer, many people will be seriously jealous of you. Let’s…
-
How to use LinkedIn wisely without the cringe factor
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Want to use the professional network to boost your freelance career? These tips from fellow creatives will help you leverage LinkedIn authentically and effectively. Social media isn’t what it used to be, especially for creative freelancers wishing to grow their careers. Instagram is dead to us, thanks to frustrating algorithm…
-
Rebranding of Marshall brings a raw, rock ‘n’ roll icon into the digital era
The legendary speaker manufacturer partners with Barkas to amplify its digital presence while preserving its rebellious spirit. The world of rock music has been altered beyond all recognition by the digital transformation of our society. While vinyl might be popular amongst hipsters, it’s no longer the huge, mass-market banker it once was. And while bands…
-
Can creative rehabilitation break the cycle of reoffending?
Here Design recently worked with a group of young offenders in prison to design a new identity for Untold, a charity that offers vocational training for young men in UK prisons. London-based studio Here Design works hard to balance profit and purpose and has always made time for pro bono work to support charities and…
-
Nutriment’s new identity by Robot Food demystifies raw pet food
With more options for pet nutrition popping up, Nutriment’s new brand hopes to make it easy for owners to choose the best science-backed food for their pets. Pets have become a huge part of many people’s daily lives, with the number of pet owners in the UK reaching record highs during and after the pandemic.…
-
ORCA crafts an immersive identity for family-owned Cornish brewery
The Bristol agency put their design skills to work, developing a visual identity for craft brewery St Austells that can scale as it grows. Right now, the demand for decent craft beer seems to keep growing and growing. And so St Austells, a family-owned Cornish brewery deeply rooted in traditional brewing and community values, was…
-
Illustrator Spotlight: Mabel Esteban
Mabel Esteban Mabel Esteban on Instagram
-
Oat Studio crafts fresh and cliche-free branding for major comedy festival
The London-based studio collaborates with renowned illustrator Hedof to create upbeat and engaging branding for the Comedy Garden Festival. 57 Festivals is a London-based company specialising in live comedy. Since 2005, it has delivered comedy shows and festivals to select cities across the UK. Last year, the founders collaborated with Oat Studio – a London-based,…
-
Studio Blackburn’s new book celebrates southeast London’s Modernist marvels
This meticulously researched book explores how Blackheath and Greenwich in London became a post-war haven for modernist architecture, green spaces and community living. Blackheath and Greenwich, located in southeast London, emerged as pivotal grounds for modern architectural innovation in the decades following World War Two. This movement reflected a broader cultural shift toward social housing…
-
Branding for Swedish junk food joint Dirty Vegan is deliciously playful
This inventive restaurant branding reimagines the idea of a vegan eatery in a refreshing and enticing way. Across the course of the 21st century, the image of veganism has quickly gone from ‘cranky and weird’ to ‘mainstream and cool’. Nowadays, you can find vegan options in most bars and restaurants. And that’s all to the…
-
Illustrator Spotlight: Irina Selaru
Irina Selaru Irina Selaru’s Website Irina Selaru on Instagram
-
Is it time for creatives to leave X for good?
Image licensed via Adobe Stock With Elon Musk and X seemingly fanning the flames of violence in Britain, we canvas how creative people are feeling about the controversial social platform. It’s been an ugly summer of violence and thuggery in the UK. And while the reasons for that are detailed and complex, the spark that…
-
Revolt helps Ovarian Cancer Action expand its audience and amplify its purpose
A new visual identity for the charity makes thoughtful use of typography and colour to help expand its audience. Ovarian Cancer Action is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against ovarian cancer. Founded in 2005, it holds a global research conference every four years to share ovarian cancer research findings and connect…
-
How to get your brand identity project featured on Creative Boom
Tips for getting your graphic design project featured (one being, send us lots of visual assets/mockups) Mockup via Art Directed Want to see your graphic design work featured in this online magazine? Here’s how to do it and some tips for standing out from the crowd. As a graphic designer or branding studio, getting your…
-
New device from the Open Press Project makes printmaking accessible to all
Want to get involved in printmaking? The Postcard Printing Press is premium, perfectly portable, and other things beginning with ‘p’. In these times when everything in our lives is being digitised, the lure of the analogue, the physical, the tangible, has become ever greater. Hence many are looking back longingly at the days of physical…
-
Illustrator Spotlight: Firpal
Firpal Firpal on Instagram
-
How to thrive at art fairs and markets: tips from artists and illustrators
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Want to make cash from your personal work? These insider tips will help boost sales, engage customers, and stand out in the bustling creative scene. Who doesn’t love an art fair or creative market? They’re a great way to find cool, quirky, and unique pieces: everything from limited edition prints,…
-
McCann deflates a dolphin to stop people abandoning their inflatables
A new advertising campaign for Thomas Cook and The Marine Conservation Society highlights how unthinking behaviour by holidaying families can damage and destroy aquatic life. We all know how plastics are destroying our sea life. Many of us have taken measures to swap plastic straws for paper ones, ditch plastic bottles in favour of reusable,…
-
Theatre Royal Brighton pulls back the curtain on a new visual identity
One of the nation’s oldest theatres celebrates its recent restoration with a full rebrand, courtesy of Brighton agency Good Noise. Theatre Royal Brighton is one of the UK’s oldest and most iconic theatres. A key player in the UK’s dramatic landscape since its opening in 1807, it’s renowned for both its rich history and stunning…
-
Visual identity for refurb site Back Market channels its passion for change
Back Market refurbishes old tech so it can be resold and doesn’t have to be thrown away. A new visual identity helps communicate that mission and champions the concept of circularity. It’s not just billions of plastic bottles polluting the earth and damaging our environment. The tech industry is a big culprit, too. Electronic waste…
-
Elevate your screen: The best laptop stands for creatives this summer
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Beautify your workspace and protect your health and posture with these fantastic laptop stands. Our curated list will help you find the perfect ergonomic solution for your creative adventures. Summer’s here, and we’re all caught in that classic tug-of-war between work and play. On the one hand, deadlines are looming.…
-
The Art of Suffering: honest photographs capture the brutal beauty of road cycling
Road cycling isn’t the gentlest of sports, as a new book by sports photographer Kristof Ramon (aka Kramon) lays bare with its stunningly dramatic images. For those who’ve been excited by the cycling at the Olympics, a new book by world-class pro-cycling photographer Kristof Ramon (known as Kramon) offers a visceral glimpse into the heart…
-
Cool blue GIFs from Qianwen Yu
The Chicago-based animator Qianwen Yu is taking the heat out of summer 2024 with a set of refreshing cyanotype stop-motion animations. There have been heat waves around the world this summer, but Qianwen Yu has created a series of animated GIFs that might cool your brain or at least make your social posts a little…
-
Illustrator Spotlight: Bráulio Amado
Bráulio Amado (previously featured here). …
-
Splashing the paint and finding the joy with Monjajaja
Monjajaja’s editorial work. The Chinese illustrator uses a mix of traditional media to express herself and communicate her clients’ messages, celebrating the slips and spills along the way. While AI has its uses (cough), nothing compares to looking at a work that fully expresses the hand of the artist and what they were feeling as…
-
Wildish & Co. rebrands Spacemade, a flexible workspace company
Spacemade is a co-working brand with a difference. Crafted by Wildish & Co., its new visual identity system is based on the concept of ‘meaningful connections’. Founded in 2020, Spacemade is a co-working space provider with a difference. Rather than just plopping yourself down wherever there’s a space, you get your own permanent desk in…
-
Tatty Devine brings bling to Beetlejuice in its new collab with Warner Bros
As the world awaits the new Beetlejuice movie, Tatty Devine’s jewellery collection takes inspiration from the original to bring the afterlife to life. When it comes to designer jewellery, we’re big fans of Tatty Devine. Founded in east London in 1999 by Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden after graduating from Chelsea School of Art, all…
-
Thisaway rebrands British Swimming as Aquatics GB
It was the governing body for a range of aquatic sports but only had one of them in its title. The Bath-based branding agency explains how they helped transform British Swimming into Aquatics GB ahead of the Paris Olympics. Until recently, the governing body for aquatic sports in Britain, which includes swimming, diving, para-swimming, artistic…
-
Illustrator Spotlight: Zoey Kim
Zoey Kim Zoey Kim’s Website Zoey Kim on Instagram
-
How to beat the competition as a creative, and why it’s okay to want to win
Image licensed via Adobe Stock If you want to win your creative dream, the Olympians can show you the way. We explain why being competitive is no bad thing and how to approach it within the creative industry. Hooray! The Olympic Games are in full swing, and everyone can sit back and enjoy watching the…
-
Mindfulness apps and tools to help creatives switch off this summer
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Whether you’re hot and bothered, stressed about holiday packing, or anxious that summer is passing you by, there’s an app for that. These carefully curated mindfulness apps really can help you relax your mind, make you feel more present, and properly switch off this August. The British summer is a…
-
Overlooked 2.0: Inspired by London’s utility hole covers
Pentagram partner Marina Willer has announced Overlooked 2.0, a series of art prints that celebrate the artistry and history of London’s ancient streets through brightly coloured reproductions of its manhole covers. In 2016, Pentagram’s Marina Willer unveiled a fascinating series of silkscreen prints made from brass rubbings of utility hole covers all over London. The…
-
Design resource platform Envato launches new logo and sonic identity
The buying and selling platform for creative assets has a brand-new look. Read on to learn the thinking behind it and how it was developed. Envato is an online platform that serves as a bustling marketplace for creative assets, tools and services. Founded in 2006 by Collis Ta’eed and based in Australia, it’s essentially a…
-
Artist Spotlight: RF. Alvarez
RF. Alvarez RF. Alvarez’s Website RF. Alvarez on Instagram
-
Kreatives unites 11 illustrators to animate the Paralympic Games 2024
The Munich-based creative studio Kreatives has teamed up with 11 illustrators from around the world to create animated explainers for the Paralympics, telling the story of each sport from the athlete’s perspective. On Wednesday 28 August, 2024, the Paralympic Games begin in Paris, and, for the first time, competition in every single sport will be…
-
Fables for our Time: emojis meet folktales in the Design Museum’s new installation
Fables for our Time at the Design Museum. © Rob Harris for the Design Museum A major new work has moved into the Design Museum’s iconic atrium space. Read on to discover the thinking behind it. If you’re ever in London, the Design Museum is a great place to visit for creative inspiration or just…
-
Blue Zoo’s animated ads for RSPB are brilliant slices of silent comedy
Animals can’t speak up for themselves… but what if they could? That’s the premise for four hilarious ads for the RSPB, created in partnership with Blue Zoo and GOOD agency. When we think about silent comedy, we naturally think of black-and-white movies from the 1920s, featuring classic stars like Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd. These…
-
Photographer Jack Smethers captures the soul of London’s White Hart Lane
The award-winning artist’s latest photo series explores community identity amidst rapid gentrification and the shadow of Tottenham Hotspur’s new billion-dollar stadium. Jack Smethers is a photographer based in Brighton whose images have been selected for multiple awards and exhibitions, including the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize and Portrait of Humanity. His work spans portraiture and lifestyle,…
-
Tokyo’s teamLab Borderless is the future of art shows, and it’s coming to Europe
The international art collective teamLab is taking immersive art to the next level. Our writer, Tom May, shares his experience of visiting their Tokyo show and why he thinks it’s a must-see when it comes to Europe. If you’re involved in the creative world, by now you’re probably aware of the concept of the immersive…
-
Storytelling takes centre stage in National Ballet of Canada rebrand
A fresh visual identity crafted by Bruce Mau Design is helping Canada’s most esteemed ballet company pirouette past stereotypes and leap into the future of performing arts. In the world of the 2020s, ballet companies are in a tricky situation. However talented their dancers, many people who might happily spend hundreds on a Taylor Swift…
-
Con McHugh’s artwork for Adrian Cox presents jazz in a fresh and original light
The illustrator worked closely with the well-known musician to create a truly innovative EP design. Internationally acclaimed jazz clarinettist Adrian Cox is set to release a new EP. And he’s teamed up with rising star illustrator Con McHugh to create a visual world that’s as fresh and vibrant as the music itself, including album artwork,…
-
Clay creations: the art behind The New York Times review site Wirecutter
Art director Dana Davis reveals how she helps shape the New York Times website’s unique aesthetic with her inspired polymer clay illustrations. Remember how newspapers used to be a thing? We all like the idea that they still exist (just). But be honest, though, when was the last time you bought one, either in print…
-
“Consolations” by Photographer Tanguy Troude
Tanguy Troude …
-
Tips for building and sustaining a successful creative venture
Image licensed via Adobe Stock As Creative Boom celebrates its 15th anniversary, founder Katy Cowan reflects on the pivotal lessons learned throughout this remarkable journey and how they can help you build your own creative business. This year, I’m celebrating 15 years since I started Creative Boom in 2009. Looking back now, I’d say that…
-
Getting lost in a world of search-and-find illustration
Carles Garcia O’Dowd’s artwork for Viña Rock 2023. At a time when small-screen imagery seems to be taking over and illustrators are losing their jobs to AI, it’s nice to know there are still areas where sprawling illustrations full of detail and artistry are always welcome. Let’s take a look at the world of search-and-find…
-
Koto crafts playful and vibrant branding for Fitbit’s new smartwatch for kids
Fitbit wants the Ace LTE to be the next big thing in the school playground. So, it partnered with Koto to create a brand strategy and visual identity that could give it a fighting chance of success. Has your child asked for a smartwatch yet? If not, be prepared for a request soon (no doubt…
-
47: a stop-motion short that’ll have you in bits, in six minutes flat
If you haven’t seen 47 yet, click on the video and watch it now. Then, read on to discover how this emotional film was created and why it’s making so many waves right now. There’s something about animation that often makes for a good cry. Anyone who’s seen Inside Out 2 (and doesn’t have a…
-
Artist Spotlight: Tidawhitney Lek
Tidawhitney Lek Tidawhitney Lek’s Website Tidawhitney Lek on Instagram
-
OMGLORD’s Gabby Lord on the changes she’s seen over a decade of design
The designer behind the popular newsletter OMGLORD explains how it began, how it’s evolved and her hopes and fears for the future. As one half of the independent brand strategy and design studio Superkeen with Lauren Wong, Gabby Lord has become a respected voice in the design community, sharing insights, resources and personal reflections through…
-
Anthony Burrill uses typography to visualise the work of rock’s greatest drummers
The renowned graphic artist joins forces with five music legends in a unique collaboration to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. We can all probably name more famous singers and guitarists than drummers. But ultimately, an amazing drummer is the bedrock of every great rock classic, and they deserve to be celebrated a heck of…
-
Photobook by Kirsty Mackay documents those left behind by the cost-of-living crisis
Through a collaborative project with affected communities, photographer Kirsty Mackay’s The Magic Money Tree captures the UK’s cost-of-living crisis through a very personal lens. Since late 2021, the prices for essential goods have been rising dramatically around the world. And the UK has been just as affected as everybody else. Some have seen their incomes…
-
“Places We’ve Never Been” by Photographer Angela Lewis
Angela Lewis Angela Lewis’ Website Angela Lewis on Instagram
-
Off Work Every Month: A zine tour of China with Handowin He
Bringing together illustrations, music, characters and stories, Off Work Every Month presents a travel itinerary across China – and it might just be the most creative zine project in the world. Based in China, Handowin He is an artist with a fantastic portfolio of work – particularly in packaging and advertising – but it’s the…
-
Mixed-media ad developed by Flow Creative urges families to ditch their cars
A new campaign for Transport for Greater Manchester, led by local agency Flow Creative, combines live action and animation in a bid to get families using public transport across the summer months. There’s nothing quite so frustrating every summer than sitting in a hot car, stuck on the motorway, while the kids scream, shout and…
-
Universal Favourite crafts emotive branding for fertility testing startup
New MedTech company When aims to empower individuals with accessible egg count information and expert advice. Creative agency Universal Favourite explains the thinking behind the brand. It’s incredible what new health services are coming online these days. But first, people have to know about them. And second, they have to trust them. Here’s a great…
-
A line can be anything in the hands of illustrator Andy Goodman
With a background in editorial design, Andy Goodman decided to become an illustrator, developing an impactful, graphical style that’s sublime and simple and a portfolio full of clever visual wordplay. Andy Goodman is one of those rare artists whose special talent is to create an entire image using a single line. What at first glance…
-
Cadbury uses AI to let you star in one of its classic ads from the last 200 years
A new Gen-AI-powered tool launches today, allowing anyone to place their own face in a classic CadburyCadbury’s poster to celebrate its heritage over two centuries. If you’ve always fancied being the star of your own advert, then Cadbury has just released a new Gen-AI powered tool that puts your face on one of its classic…
-
How Stuart Semple is working to democratise art education and creativity
Stuart Semple (Photo credit: Ed Hill) We interviewed the leading British artist about how his free online school, innovative approach to paint manufacturing, and public projects are all helping transform the art world. Leading British artist Stuart Semple is on a mission to make art education and creative expression accessible to all through an innovative…
-
Winning Isn’t For Everyone: Nike draws inspiration from leading athletes for its summer campaign
In Wieden+Kennedy’s latest work for Nike, we’re reminded of the hard, cold truth of competition: that not everyone can be a winner. The sports brand hits that message home with inside help from leading athletes all striving for victory. What does it mean for an athlete to achieve the top spot? In its summer campaign…
-
Team puts a positive twist on Children’s Hospital Association campaign
The campaign was devised to be “joyful and uplifting” without feeling “disingenuous or unrealistic” and foregrounds the amazing work that happens in children’s hospitals globally. The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) recently launched its new ‘Made Possible’ campaign, created by the strategic design studio Team. The CHA acts as a voice for over 220 children’s hospitals…
-
Artist Spotlight: Kevin Christy
Kevin Christy Kevin Christy on Instagram
-
Co-op reveals new identity with reimagined logo reflecting member ownership
Design studio SomeOne is behind the refresh for the British supermarket chain, which was established in 1844 and today boasts 2,400 stores and over five million members. Central to the new branding are a deconstructed logo, bespoke typeface, and expressive icons. Co-op, the UK’s pioneering consumer cooperative, and the world’s first at that, has unveiled…
-
Should creative agencies embrace the four-day week?
Image licensed via Adobe Stock As the new government runs another trial of the four-day working week, how should creative agencies respond? Three industry leaders share their views. Do you dread Monday mornings and spend all week looking forward to Friday? Then, find the weekend has come to a juddering halt before it feels like…
-
Branding for new cultural hub inspired by Brutalism and community artwork
StudioDBD took an original and unusual approach to developing a brand identity for Stockroom, a new cultural hub in Stockport. There’s no point being coy about it. In many cases, our town centres just aren’t what they were. The twin onslaughts of online shopping and remote working mean a lot of people aren’t heading into…
-
How to start a newsletter in 2024: tips, tricks and things to avoid
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Build a loyal audience and showcase your work effectively with these essential tips for starting a newsletter in 2024 Let’s face it: Reaching and engaging your audience has become more difficult than ever in the 2020s. Social media platforms like Instagram have betrayed us, putting their algorithm before our interests,…
-
Studio Marcus Kraft and Bráulio Amado design Zürcher Theater Spektakel’s 2024 campaign
The campaign utilises a blue-tinged collage effect, which is interpreted differently each year by a new collaborating artist. Studio Marcus Kraft has collaborated with renowned illustrator Bráulio Amado on the Zürcher Theater Spektakel 2024 campaign, which uses expressive, photocopied collages with images from the invited international productions. Zurich-based graphic designer and art director Marcus Kraft…
-
Artist Spotlight: Gabriel Pozzo
Gabriel Pozzo Gabriel Pozzo’s Website Gabriel Pozzo on Instagram
-
Deji Ajetomobi on how The Torsche is illuminating Africa’s design landscape
Multidisciplinary creative Deji Ajetomobi is launching a new magazine focusing on African design talent and partnerships. We chatted with him about its founding principles, its vision for the continent’s creative industry, and the kind of work it’s planning to feature. At Creative Boom, we aim to bring you the best of new creative work from…
-
New McVitie’s ad settles the ‘cake or biscuit’ debate once-and-for-all
According to a new campaign led by TBWALondon, it’s a cake, stoopid. It’s a silly argument that’s raged in school playgrounds and office tearooms for decades now: Is a Jaffa Cake a cake or a biscuit? And it continues to rage despite the matter having been settled definitively in law. In fact, as long ago…
-
Merging futurism with traditional craft: designing the Nissan Ariya
Creative Boom flew out to Barcelona to test drive Nissan’s all-electric coupe crossover and chat with the design team about what goes into creating the next generation of cars. If you don’t know much about Japanese design, it’s easy to look at the clean lines and minimalist style without noticing the complexities, whether a building,…
-
Wellbeing in the Arts: founder Adam Bambrough on nurturing mental health in the creative industries
Adam Bambrough The actor-turned-advocate has made big strides in tackling mental health challenges in the creative profession. We chatted with him about his own journey and why he founded the support organisation Wellbeing in the Arts. The world of arts and entertainment often conjures images of glamour, applause, validation and creative fulfilment. Yet behind the…
-
Artist Spotlight: Jakob Scheidt
Jakob Scheidt Jakob Scheidt’s Website Jakob Scheidt on Instagram
-
Reality serves as a bridge to the surreal for illustrator Wenjing Yang
Energetic shades of pink, green and blue are blended and carved into forms that begin rooted in daily life but quickly lead to strange realms of dreamlike surrealism as envisaged by the talented young illustrator Wenjing Yang. It’s the colour that hits you first when Wenjing Yang‘s portfolio is laid out before you. Just how…
-
Designing out food poverty: Driftime’s GRO-OP co-operative concept
The GRO-OP app results from a four-day intensive creative experiment and aims to connect local growers with those needing healthy but affordable produce. We all know that maintaining healthy food habits and 5-a-day routines is easier said than done. Even those who have the money for a healthy diet end up wasting a large percentage…
-
Spectacular 90-metre artwork adds life and colour to Newcastle Quayside
Photography and video captured by Jay Dawson, Ben Hughes and Thomas Lennox Pearson Artist Andy Welland is behind what’s thought to be the UK’s largest piece of temporary pavement art. If you’re not familiar with Newcastle and get the opportunity to visit, the best place to start is to head down the Quayside. This vibrant…
-
New Coca-Cola commercial aims give the world a big Olympic hug
With Paris ’24 about to kick off, the fizzy drink brand wants to give everyone a warm, fuzzy feeling with its new ad and packaging designs, courtesy of WPP Open X and Ogilvy. Let’s face it: Many of us aren’t interested in watching sports like swimming, gymnastics, or dressage on TV – well, most of…
-
Three free archives of Victorian illustration to inspire you
Designer, writer, and academic Michael John Goodman has launched three online archives of Victorian illustrations covering works by Shakespeare, Dickens, and Chaucer. We talked to Michael about what these collections have to offer today’s creatives. It’s fascinating to compare how illustrators have depicted great works of literature through the ages. For example, Arthur Rackham’s plates…
-
Art fair Independent’s new identity takes cues from NYC signage
The new identity by Team was devised to bring the fair into a new era, reflect its significant growth, and stay true to its roots and values. New York-based studio Team has created a new brand identity for Independent, an organisation known for showcasing amazing art. It features typefaces inspired by classic New York infrastructural…
-
Hex’s new identity for Black Jays is inspired by the ‘subtle chaos’ of family life
A venture capital firm aimed at family-oriented startups, Black Jays, wanted a new brand identity to better convey its mission. American studio Hex explains how it responded to the brief. On the whole, our society doesn’t spend a great deal of time celebrating financiers. In movies, for instance, they’re more likely to be the hero…
-
Ad campaign uses babies to deliver a message to Britain’s new government
Life expectancy in the UK can vary by a shocking 16 years. A new ad campaign crafted by London agency Don’t Panic highlights the issue in the wake of the general election. Sixteen years is a long time. So it’s sobering that where you’re born in the UK can shorten your life by up to…
-
Photographer Spotlight: Whitney Hayes
Whitney Hayes …
-
Creative Boom at 15: What we stand for, and why creatives should care
Creative Boom turns 15 We celebrate 15 amazing years of Creative Boom with some key highlights and thoughts from our community. If you’ve been reading Creative Boom since the start, then get ready to feel old… On July 24, 2024, we will be celebrating our 15th anniversary! So, it seems like a good moment to…
-
Where the creative industry is heading, and how to survive the next 15 years
Image licensed via Adobe Stock The creative industry is changing fast under the onslaught of AI. We share the community’s best advice on how to not just survive but thrive over the next decade and a half. This month, Creative Boom is celebrating our 15th anniversary. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on how much…
-
Coley Porter Bell refreshes Jammie Dodgers brand and packaging
The biscuit brand’s equitable assets have evolved, with a suite of sticker graphics added to the mix. Coley Porter Bell has unveiled its refresh of Jammie Dodgers’ packaging, designed to bring consistency to the biscuit’s portfolio and evolve some of its key assets. The global design studio has worked with Fox’s Burton’s Companies for several…
-
A new identity for Barcelona language school Freeda
Barcelona-based graphic designer Ilia Tuma has refreshed the school’s decade-old identity with a new logotype and vibrant colour palette, as well as bespoke illustrations by Anastasia Sheremeteva. Renowned Barcelona-based language school Freeda has a new identity created by graphic designer Ilia Tuma. The work emphasises humanity and friendliness alongside an engaging learning experience. Tuma was…
-
Glastonbury ’24: design secrets of the festival’s first South Asian space
Sci-fi and psychedelia met classic Bollywood in the stunning visuals for Arrivals, a South Asian space at this year’s Glastonbury festival. Set and graphic designer Shankho Chaudhuri explained how the team created it. One of the biggest buzzes at this year’s Glastonbury wasn’t any of the acts shown on TV. Instead, a small section in…
-
Artist Spotlight: Robert Campbell MacKenzie
Robert Campbell MacKenzie …
-
Northern Soul revived: Elaine Constantine’s photographic journey into a British subculture
The Ritz, Manchester, 1990s © Elaine Constantine In a new exhibition and book, the photographer presents her fascinating document of the northern soul scene of the 1990s, revealing its extreme aerobics and unstoppable energy. If it weren’t for Northern Soul, my husband would never have been born. I have a lot to thank for this…
-
McDonald’s celebrates 50 years by remembering its treasured birthday parties
Leo Burnett’s nostalgic campaign harks back to a time when the fast food chain’s birthday parties were in high demand. We learn more about the inspiration behind the 1980s-inspired spot, filmed in the UK’s first McDonald’s restaurant. If you’re a kid of the 1970s or ’80s, you’ll remember a glorious time when the epitome of…
-
Hockney goes immersive and Laurie Anderson gets apocalyptic in Manchester
David Hockney – Lightroom courtesy of the Artist A David Hockney art show based on digital projection and a Laurie Anderson premiere examining 21st-century America are among the highlights of the autumn/winter season at Factory International. You’ve probably already heard about the new trend for immersive art, as seen in the Van Gogh exhibitions of…
-
Yuanhao Tang is an illustrator aiming to benefit his community through art
With a passion for storytelling and a distinctive graphic novel style deploying bold line work and flat colours, Yuanhao Tang thrives in the world of publishing. However, he has paused all his commercial work to create pieces for his community and gallery exhibitions. Sometimes, a busy illustrator just needs a break – time to focus…
-
The Very Long String: New artist Jess Wojcicki’s first illustrated children’s book
Leicester-based designer Jess Wojcicki is recharging her creativity by entering the world of children’s illustration. She is launching her first book on Crowdfunder, with part of the print run going to children’s charities. For many artists, change is essential to keeping things fresh. After graduating from Nottingham Trent with a degree in Graphic Design, Jess…
-
Glastonbury ’24: how a set made from seaweed pushed design boundaries
Jake Sumner, Director of “Seaweed Stories” presented by Lonely Whale. Credit: Waterbear This year, the famous festival Hayes Pavilion showcased seaweed bioplastic, proving biomaterials can create functional, sustainable structures for events and inspire eco-conscious design. You’ve probably seen and read a lot over the last ten years about how biomaterials hold the key to numerous…
-
Artist Spotlight: Daniel Fleur
Daniel Fleur Daniel Fleur’s Website Daniel Fleur on Instagram
-
Turkish Airlines collaborates with Refik Anadol to explore the transformative power of travel
In a groundbreaking fusion of art and technology, Turkish Airlines and artist Refik Anadol present ‘Inner Portrait’, a captivating project that highlights how travel can transform the human experience. If you needed to visualise the concept of “travel”, you might think of the places people visit. Sun-drenched beaches. Buildings and monuments steeped in history. Vast…
-
Beer Chart is a refreshing tribute that raises a glass to football and UEFA Euro 2024
As many of us hope (and pray) for a good result this evening, Studio Blackburn and Nirvana CPH have merged their love of beer with their passion for the beautiful game, revealing a special wall chart for UEFA Euro 2024. Studio Blackburn has teamed up with Nirvana CPH once more to create a unique and…
-
The Pentawards 2024 shortlist: our sustainable favourites
Projects with seaweed cutlery, woolly envelopes and edible packaging were shortlisted in this year’s competition, recognising global packaging design excellence. The Pentawards annual packaging design competition has announced its shortlist, featuring projects in the sustainability category that demonstrate exceptional material innovation. The announcement comes during Plastic Free July, a key initiative started by the Plastic…
-
Robot Food turns up the tang with Sarson’s vinegar brand identity and campaign
The work aims to solidify Sarson’s place on the condiment shelf and coincides with the release of its Dip & Drizzle sauce, which was developed to reach a new generation of consumers. Robot Food has partnered with Sarson’s on a new omnichannel advertising campaign, brand world toolkit and packaging design coinciding with the vinegar brand’s…
-
Recollections from the Funeral City: Illustrator Ethan Sim’s comic ruminates on death and how we cope, individually and culturally
Originally from Singapore but now based in New York, Ethan Sim is a young illustrator whose artwork draws in Eastern and Western influences and often explores personal experiences that resonate – including the big themes of life and death. Grief is an emotion we will all experience, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought this into sharp…
-
Limited palettes and forms define Molly McCammon’s style, but there’s no limit to this new illustrator’s potential
A double-page spread created for Red Bull’s Carpe Diem magazine. Just two years into her career, Scottish illustrator Molly McCammon has established a calm, sophisticated style which is impressing clients from around the world. When you’re a young creative, stepping away from something you trained hard to do can be daunting. But it’s a leap…
-
Provencal style with English edge: Folc wine’s new design
Created to rival wines made in Provence, Folc’s new bottle and brand design is a combination of “fitting in and standing out”. Historically, the UK has not been renowned for its winemaking, thanks to its colder climate creating less-than-ideal grape-growing conditions. But husband-and-wife duo Elisha and Tom Cannon didn’t let the weather get them down…
-
Artist Spotlight: Martina Grlić
Martina Grlić Martina…
-
Photographs of North Staffordshire’s unique oatcake shops that you won’t find anywhere else
Comfort food is often based on treats that remind us of home. Photographer David Fletcher has an ongoing love for the Staffordshire Oatcake, a local delicacy of Stoke-on-Trent that he wanted to pay homage to in a new photo series. No matter where we call home, we’ll never forget where we grew up. Those familiar…
-
British Standard Type co-founder Matt Fenton on designing Yinka Ilori’s custom typeface
Although the two cuts of Yinka Sans differ in depth and form, they both embody Ilori’s vibrant and expressive style. British Standard Type has collaborated with British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE to design a dynamic custom display typeface in two cuts: Yinka Sans Ultra and Yinka Sans Shadow. After using non-custom fonts for…
-
Koto’s identity for Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC range hopes to set a new benchmark in computing
The global studio has unveiled a new brand for Microsoft’s latest generation of Windows laptops and PCs, all featuring built-in AI hardware. It marks a significant shift in the company’s offering. Koto is behind the branding for Microsoft Copilot+ PC, a new line of personal computers equipped with AI, the latest ‘Snapdragon X Series Processors’…
-
Glastonbury ’24: designing Olivia Dean’s Pyramid Stage set
Connectivity has been a key theme in Dean’s recent shows, which is visually reflected through mirrors and repeated camera feeds. After making her debut at the Coachella festival earlier this year, Olivia Dean took to the stage again at Glastonbury last week with a set designed by London-based creative studio Unlimited Dream Company (UDC). The…
-
“My Sweet Elora” by Photographer Luuk van Raamsdonk
Luuk Van Raamsdonk Luuk Van Raamsdonk’s Website Luuk Van Raamsdonk on Instagram
-
New Genre designs identity, platform and website for new design standards tool
Follio was created to fill a gap in the market for architecture and interior design tools. Its no-nonsense identity allows the platform itself to shine. New Genre has created the website and identity for Follio, a new digital platform designed to help large enterprises organise, manage and deliver interior design standards while streamlining workflows and…
-
Artist Spotlight: Mark Stebbins
Mark Stebbins Mark Stebbins’s Website Mark Stebbins on Instagram
-
Elmwood reveals the brand story behind America’s first over-the-counter contraceptive pill
The global design consultancy shares how it created a visual identity for birth control medication, marking a landmark moment for women in American history. Despite some recent regression on women’s rights in the United States, for the first time ever, American women can walk into any pharmacy and pick up a birth control pill without…
-
Among Equals cooks up new identity for ready-to-eat meal brand Frive
Frive – formerly known as Lions Prep – was originally targeted at gym goers, while its new brand looks to open the menu to a variety of people needing speedy, nutritious meals. Among Equals has collaborated with ready-to-eat meal brand Frive on its new identity as it moves to improve how we eat in the…
-
Robilant designs Italian elegance into the US wine category
Intricate illustrations evocative of the wine’s flavour and codes of traditional Italian gardens feature in Pinot Grigio Flora Lisa’s brand identity. It could be said that wine doesn’t have the same elegance in the U.S. as it does over the pond in Europe, a notion supported by the fact that almost half of all American…
-
From chicken shed to opera house: Longborough Festival Opera launches eccentrically English campaign
Despite being around for 30 years and attracting global audiences, the festival struggled to connect with local people to whom their first awareness campaign is targeted. Cheltenham-based creative agency Ellipsis Studio has created Longborough Festival Opera’s first awareness campaign titled ‘Small Theatre. Big Drama’, amplifying its reputation in its Gloucestershire home. For two months each…
-
Keith Haring’s iconic art is brought to life in a new pop-up book
All Keith Haring artwork and quotes © The Keith Haring Foundation If you’re a fan of the 1980s New York legend, you might be interested in a new book that presents his work in a way you’ve never experienced before. We find out more about how it was made. Poposition Press is behind the official…
-
Chloe Norman celebrates three generations of customers of The Crop Shop in a new mural
How do you highlight the importance of a hairdressers to its local community while attracting new customers? An art mural of its diverse clientele might just do the trick, as we find out. It’s been 34 years since The Crop Shop opened its doors in Slade Green, serving the local community as a hairdressers and…
-
“Pure Semblance” by Photographer Rosie Clements
Rosie Clements Rosie Clements’s Website Rosie Clements on Instagram
-
An Ode To Sport: BBC’s new spot gets hearts racing with passionate Olympics launch film
BBC Creative, the BBC’s in-house creative agency, has teamed up with Nexus Studios to create the launch film for its coverage of the upcoming Olympics. It takes inspiration from the world’s most romantic city and taps into our passion for sport. It’s almost time for the 2024 Summer Olympics, and Paris is the proud host…
-
Securing a future for Malawi’s wildlife at the heart of brand and website refresh
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust partners with UK-based agency Sixredsquares to launch a refreshed identity to raise global awareness and support for wildlife conservation in Malawi. Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT), Malawi’s leading conservation organisation, has launched a new identity and redeveloped its website to raise awareness of pressing environmental threats and the urgent need to protect wildlife.…
-
How one animation company is fighting AI by returning to the roots of motion pictures
We’ve all seen the new Toys R’ Us spot, and many of us are horrified by its implications and the increasing rise of AI. Animation studio Tentacle Media has decided to remind us of the wonderful human touch of creativity with the launch of its first physical product. Tentacle Media, a UK-based animation studio, has…
-
How one animation company is fighting AI by returning to the roots of motion pictures
We’ve all seen the new Toys R’ Us spot, and many of us are horrified by its implications and the increasing rise of AI. Animation studio Tentacle Media has decided to remind us of the wonderful human touch of creativity with the launch of its first physical product. Tentacle Media, a UK-based animation studio, has…
-
DixonBaxi designs tangram-inspired identity for Storey co-working spaces
Geometric shapes are seen across the fresh identity to house imagery and represent the diverse businesses that use Storey. DixonBaxi is behind the new identity for co-working space Storey, which uses overlapping tangrams to represent the diverse businesses that use it. The studio has had a long-standing relationship with the brand’s parent company, British Land,…
-
Glastonbury ’24: why Shangri-La is the world’s most important art show right now
Photo by George Harrison Glastonbury isn’t just about Dua Lipa and Shania Twain. Half an hour’s walk from the main stage is an incendiary art show that’s both mirroring and questioning modern consumer society. Read on to discover why you should care. It’s Friday, the world’s biggest festival has just officially kicked off, and I’m…
-
Artist Spotlight: Katie Hackett
Katie Hackett Katie…
-
Glastonbury ’24: How to be an anti-capitalist artist
Photo by Jody Hartley Want to make impactful, subversive art? We speak to anti-capitalist artists at this year’s Glastonbury about their radical approach. For five days each June, a corner of rural Somerset transforms into a sprawling temporary city of music, art and counterculture. Glastonbury Festival has long been known for its radical spirit and…
-
Penguin Books reveals the winners of its 2024 Cover Design Award
The winners of Penguin’s 2024 Cover Design Award Competition was once again fierce for this year’s prestigious awards by Penguin Books. We reveal the winners of its annual prize where creatives get a remarkable opportunity to showcase their talents. Today, Penguin Books has announced the winners of its popular Cover Design Award, which sees aspiring…
-
How Chronica is helping EMIF battle disinformation with design
Brighton studio Cronica has partnered with the European Media and Information Fund to craft a dynamic visual identity, blending print and digital aesthetics to combat misinformation and promote media literacy. In a year where over half the planet is holding elections, it’s increasingly clear that truth matters. That’s precisely why, in 2021, a bunch of…
-
Otherway’s refreshing summer campaign for Strongbow celebrates festival season
Glastonbury is here once again. And it’s looking like a dry one (those lucky bastards). If you’re one of the jammy sods to be there, you’ll likely have seen a new ad for Strongbow, marking it as the perfect festival refreshment. Otherway has crafted a new campaign for Strongbow to kick off its summer of…
-
“Anomaly” by Artist So Youn Lee
So Youn Lee So Youn Lee’s Website So Youn Lee on Instagram
-
Almighty’s branding for Joonbyrd redefines wellness with a nostalgic charm
Blending magical moments, science, storytelling and a hint of nostalgia, Almighty’s designs position Joonbyrd at the forefront of the beauty and wellness industry. Headquartered in London, Joonbyrd is a company focused on creating skincare, wellness, and lifestyle products that promote emotional wellbeing alongside physical benefits. Founded by dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite, it aims to create…
-
Toast Design brings The Victorian Society into the future
The agency restored the charity’s 20-year-old website to make it a better resource for members and refined the brand identity to make it more “modern, integrated and coherent”. Banbury-based integrated agency Toast Design has developed a new identity and bespoke website for national charity The Victorian Society, which is looking to attract new and younger…
-
New book from Counter-Print explores the power of icons in modern design
Icons and pictograms are so important to our society, yet even designers don’t discuss them all that much. A new book explores their evolution and impact in our increasingly visual digital world. In an increasingly visual world, icons and pictograms have become the universal language of design. A new book from independent British publisher Counter-Print…
-
Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity unveils its refreshed brand identity
Working in collaboration with Stuart Gough, Pentagram, JKR, and Impero, the charity launches its refreshed brand and positioning today. Its focus is on being “more accessible, inclusive, and digitally enabled.” Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH) has unveiled a new identity to build on its mission to transform the lives of seriously ill children and…
-
How to become more confident as a creative
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Feeling like a fraud? We share the community’s best tips to help you embrace your unique voice, trust your process, and view challenges as opportunities. As a creative professional, your work is an extension of your very self. Your ideas, your vision and your unique perspective, are the tools of…
-
Illustrator Sam Taylor on his psychedelic kids’ book inspired by the band Phish
All My Friends Reprise: Looking For Owls blends vibrant imagery with detailed band lore. London illustrator Sam Taylor explains what he learned from this unusual project. We’re big fans of London-based illustrator Sam Taylor, whom we last covered in 2023 when he was experimenting with hand-made techniques. Now he’s behind a new children’s book titled…
-
Celebrating collaboration: Blackburn’s National Festival of Making
Four new commissions have come through the festival’s Art in Manufacturing programme, positioning Lancashire as a hub of creativity and craft. This year’s National Festival of Making in Blackburn, Lancashire, will host four new commissions for which artists have paired with industrial sector factories to reinforce Lancashire as a centre for making in the UK.…
-
WVH designs exhibition that explores generosity and violence in architecture
Political tropes and materials such as leaflets, protest banners, and opinion stickers are heavily featured in the graphic identity of the exhibition. Munich-based studio WVH has designed the graphic concept and identity for an architecture exhibition at the Pinakothek der Modern in Germany, using political codes and aesthetics as well as recycled materials from previous…
-
“A Deal with God” by Photographer Megan Reilly
Megan Reilly …
-
Native California flower informs UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden identity
Little Big Brands sought to respect the history of the garden’s namesake, Mildred Mathias while bringing it into the modern day with a new brand identity. The UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden has launched its new identity, coinciding with the renaissance and modernisation of the garden itself, which includes enhanced entry points and common areas as…
-
Part memoir, part manual: Matt Owens offers contemporary advice on running a creative business
A Visible Distance interrogates the last three decades of design and creativity, from the commercialisation of the internet to the advanced technologies and practices of today. The creative industries are not short on autobiographies, monographs, and more of the like written by established figures, many of whom started their careers in the 1970s and 80s.…
-
He’s Coming Home: New campaign tackles domestic abuse amid football fever
There’s a darker side to the Beautiful Game that Women’s Aid wants you to know about. And that’s the hidden issue of domestic abuse exacerbated by the country’s fervour for football. Whilst many of us are enjoying the Euros this month, an award-winning campaign by Women’s Aid highlights a darker side to football: the spike…
-
Small, light and packed with power: tech accessories for creatives on the move
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Unleash your creativity while you’re away from the studio! This essential tech will help you present work, win clients, and stay connected when travelling to conferences and client meetings or while enjoying a working holiday. In today’s fast-paced world, we creatives often find ourselves on the go. It’s a perk…
-
“The nature of being” by Illustrator Noopur Choksi
A series drawing parallels between womanhood and forms and patterns found in nature by illustrator Noopur Choksi. Choksi is from India and currently based in Baltimore. She studied Graphic Design at the National Institute of Design and recently graduated with an MFA in Illustration Practice from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her work is an…
-
Touchpoint explosion: Frontify’s Hugo Timm on how branding is changing
Hugo Timm, senior creative director at Frontify The diversity of channels is overwhelming many designers and studios right now. Hugo Timm explains how you can both survive and thrive during this ongoing revolution. Wherever design and branding are headed over the next decade or so, one thing’s for certain: It’s all changing very rapidly indeed.…
-
The best new typefaces for June from leading foundries and designers
FT Scenik Unleash your creativity with June’s innovative fonts, from versatile workhorses to bold experimentations and cultural inspirations. Feeling like trying something new? Us too. It’s the kind of spirit that often takes over when summer hits, the weather improves, everyone gets outside, and you start to think: let’s shake things up a little. And…
-
&Walsh draws on TikTok trends to give cottage cheese a youthful makeover
The New York agency draws inspiration from viral videos to showcase the culinary versatility of cottage cheese brand Good Culture. Do you ever eat cottage cheese? Many people don’t, and some have never even tried it. This soft, crumbly cheese is unusual because it’s made by curdling milk, typically skimmed milk, giving it a mild…
-
“Meadowlark” by Artist James Jean
A solo exhibition exploring the intricate dynamics between heritage and personal experience by artist James Jean (previously featured here). While James is well-known for his collaborations with global entities like Prada and BTS, as well as being the creative hand behind the posters for Oscar-winning movies like Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Shape of Water, and Pinocchio, the Centre of…
-
Vocation Brewery reaffirms its roots with new identity and packaging
Global studio Turner Duckworth designed dimensions for the brewery’s identity, commissioning illustrator Brian Steely to showcase the personality of each brew through illustrations. Turner Duckworth is behind Vocation Brewery’s new visual identity and packaging system, which sees its much-loved “eye” emblem reinstated more consistently across the brand. The Yorkshire-based brewery approached the studio directly to…
-
Drug therapy animation tells an heartwarming story of hope and motherly love
Crafted by animation studio ROOF, this inspiring 3D spot captures a mother-son bond, a journey of vision loss, and a new dawn promised by the new drug therapy Vabysmo. Wet AMD (age-related macular degeneration) is among the leading causes of vision loss in people over 60 in the US. It won’t make you go completely…
-
Wilkinson Sword rebrand celebrates its sword-making origins
The rebrand introduces a simplified communications system, including clearer product naming and universal benefit-led iconography. Many of us will recognise Wilkinson Sword, a brand with a hint of its 250-year history in its name. It began as a weapons manufacturer in 1772 under a different name before Henry Wilkinson introduced sword production to the company…
-
What successful creatives wish they’d known when they were fresh-faced graduates
Image licensed via Adobe Stock Navigating the transition from student to professional can be daunting, but these lessons from creative pros will help you achieve success. The journey from the structured confines of an academic setting to the dynamic and ever-evolving professional world can be exhilarating. But it can also feel like a sharp, handbrake…
-
Colourful portraits celebrate the success of London’s refugee entrepreneurs
Olena Led by photographer and director JJ Keith, these striking images symbolise the journeys of refugee entrepreneurs, amplifying their voices and celebrating their contributions to British society. Refugee and entrepreneur are not words you often hear in the same sentence. And yet, for obvious reasons, those who’ve risked life and limb to bring their families…
-
National Football Museum’s new identity champions English football heritage
The museum’s new logo references the shape of the building and also resembles a goal and football. Ahead of the 2024 Euros, creative agency Poke Marketing has rebranded Manchester’s National Football Museum to emphasise the importance of football in English culture. The rebrand comes at a time of transformation for the museum, which will look…
-
McCann’s Wimbledon 2024 trailer freezes classic moments in time
This epic spot blends legends, rising stars and iconic moments from Centre Court to excite us all about a thrilling summer of tennis action. Wimbledon is coming: the world-famous tennis tournament takes place on 1-14 July. And advertising agency McCann London has already unveiled an evocative new trailer for their client, The All England Lawn…
-
“Bird in Hand” by Photographer Finn O’Hara
Aseries documenting bird banding at the Long Point Bird Observatory by UK-born, Toronto-based photographer Finn O’Hara. Bird banding is a technique for studying and identifying birds. To keep track of individual birds, scientists use mist nets to capture the birds, and once collected, attach aluminum bands (engraved with a unique set of numbers) onto the birds’…
-
Artist Spotlight: Chris Lael Larson
A selection of work from Portland-based artist Chris Lael Larson. Working in the overlap of painting, photography, and assemblage, Larson aims to create new perceptual experiences within the subject matter of the “everyday absurd.” That is, the strange, curious, and confounding ways we connect to each other–the things we consume and the environments we inhabit. Larson…
-
“Undine” by Photographer Ina Königs
A beautiful series by Berlin-based photographer Ina Königs. Königs’s passion for photography comes from exploring the subtle nuances of the human condition and the “inner landscapes” that connect us all. Many of her pictures are reflections on encounters within her immediate surroundings: “My pictures are journeys into a world of introspection and mysticism, in which the…
-
“You Can’t Go Home Again” by Photographer Stephen Joyce
A project documenting photographer Stephen Joyce’s hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Joyce’s father died when Joyce was 18. “You Can’t Go Home Again” reflects different stages of Joyce’s grief and the difficulty of navigating a place so closely tied to the person he loved most. While always feeling a sense of attachment to his hometown, Joyce grew to…
-
Illustrator Spotlight: Jiyung Lee
Korean illustrator Jiyung Lee travels between France and Korea working on various projects including installation, publishing, and printing. Her creative process begins by contemplating familiar objects in unfamiliar ways. She focuses on expressing objects in simple forms, deliberately excluding details and descriptions to explore the point at which a mere form becomes an object.