Inspired by his love of The Simpsons, SNL and MTV’s anarchic idents, the New York illustrator’s characterful 3D-rendered animations reshape pop culture nostalgia for the present...
Apple’s Christmas ad celebrates craft and friendship
Apple’s holiday ad always arrives a little while after the pack, when you might be feeling a bit jaded by all the tinsel and repeating characters (we’re looking at you, Grinch) and usually delivers something different. Such is the case again this year, with this sweet spot directed by filmmaker Mark Malloy. Its story centres on a host of forest-worn...
Google Pixel ad takes inspiration from a Christmas classic
For its latest social campaign, Google Pixel has tapped into some Christmas nostalgia with, ‘It’s Pixel, actually’, the brand’s take on the festive classic Love Actually. The 2003 ensemble romcom has become a Christmas telly staple over the years, and in this spot, original cast member Thomas Brodie-Sangster – who played Sam, a character smitten with his classmate – talks...
Bringing legacy musicians into the modern age
Creative director Scott Jones reflects on refreshing the Janis Joplin brand for a modern audience and what designers working with legacy artists can learn from their subjects...
Icelandair confirms Iceland is not AI-generated in new campaign
In comment sections across social media, it’s become commonplace to find people claiming in jest (though, sometimes not) that Iceland isn’t a real place. Its idyllic landscapes, unique ecosystems and storybook wildlife seem too good to be true, which has led many to believe that Iceland might just be a fantasy after all. Capitalising on these discussions, the country’s national...
Creative lessons from Coca-Cola’s AI Christmas ad
While initially sceptical about the controversial Coca-Cola ad, Dept’s Jeff Bowerman found himself surprised by its success and the creative possibilities of AI it hints at...
When fashion comes home
Adam Murray’s photography book, The Domestic Stage, explores the history of fashion images in the home environment and how they reflect our changing culture...
Martha Stewart fronts American Eagle holiday campaign
Well-known as America’s number one expert in wholesome home decor, Martha Stewart is not afraid to laugh at herself and it’s this element that brings the charm to American Eagle’s new holiday campaign starring the businesswoman. As our audience will no doubt remember, American Eagle was at the centre of one of the summer’s largest marketing controversies, when its campaign...
Have brands forgotten the power of storytelling?
Christmas is usually when brands turn to stories to engage customers, yet this year – Waitrose aside – they’ve largely shifted to pushing product instead. Ben Kay examines why...
Emanuele Satolli on finding human stories amid the chaos of war
The Italian photojournalist spent ten years creating a pictorial testimony of lived experiences during conflict, as captured in a new book and accompanying exhibition...
First-ever Uber Christmas ad addresses a father-daughter relationship
Uber has once again teamed up with Mother New York on a campaign film for the brand. Building thematically on its previous spot titled In Good Time, which showed Uber’s role in supporting a relationship, this latest release also aims to highlight how the company’s reliable rides are always there to help you on your journey through life. Landing in...
How Culted is rewriting the rules of cultural relevance
The social-first content platform has launched a creative agency, Rad Studio, which is offering luxury brands real-time insights into how Gen Z think, look and feel...