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There’s a lot wrong with this advert. A lot.

We all love a good advertising fail, and no more so than on LinkedIn, where piling on to deride the latest from adland is quite the sport.

The latest advert to get people talk comes from drinks brand Courvoisier. The advert shows band Ezra Collective sitting around in what I suspect is meant to be a cosy scene. For some reason only one of them has an instrument and that instrument is a drum kit.

It was chief strategy officer Kevin Chesters who brought this to the attention of his LinkedIn followers. He had a lot to say about it, including:

“I MEAN, WHERE DO YOU START?

The meaningless headline?

The generic “sociability” shot?

The ignorable and ignored “serving suggestion” line???

The mandatory bottle AND glass inclusion?

The second headline that means even less than the first?

The third feature of logo and brand just in case you didn’t notice it the first two times, on the left or bottle?

The pointless lower case/script in French to suggest sophistication? (😂😂😂)

Note to self: why are the words in the meaningless headline underlined.”

He went on to say he is assuming it was done by AI, and he’d give it a zero out of ten.

The commenters then piled on, with most agreeing with Kevin.

“Such a generic looking ad” said one person. “It’s also just a BAD photo” said another, who went on to talk about the eye lines – who/what are they looking at?

“This is actually disorientingly bad” said another commenter, while someone else called it “an absolute shocker”.

So there you have it, is this the worst billboard of 2025? There’s plenty of competition, including these creepy as hell UK billboards, these provocative billboards and this Apple billboard that turned heads for all the wrong reasons.

Feature image credit: Courvoisier

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Rosie Hilder is Creative Bloq’s Deputy Editor. After beginning her career in journalism in Argentina – where she worked as Deputy Editor of Time Out Buenos Aires – she moved back to the UK and joined Future Plc in 2016. Since then, she’s worked as Operations Editor on magazines including Computer Arts, 3D World and Paint & Draw and Mac|Life. In 2018, she joined Creative Bloq, where she now assists with the daily management of the site, including growing the site’s reach, getting involved in events, such as judging the Brand Impact Awards, and helping make sure our content serves the reader as best it can.

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In an extract from his book Boost Your Creativity, Steve Brouwers argues why rest and relaxation are the creative’s best friend.

Today most people fill every spare moment with distractions.

Scroll. Swipe. Tap.

Mozart composed with astonishing speed, but that speed was likely made possible by long, quiet periods of internal processing – not visible ‘doing’.

It might feel like you’re doing nothing in these moments – but your brain is actually hard at work.

Doing nothing isn’t passive – it’s active recombination.

Creativity is the residue of time wasted

(Image credit: Boost Your Creativity, published by Luster) 

Beneath the surface, a network of regions called the Default Mode Network (DMN) lights up. This is your brain’s backstage crew, quietly preparing the next act of inspiration while the spotlight is off. The DMN is activated when you’re not focused on a specific task.

It thrives in the in-between spaces when you’re daydreaming, reflecting, thinking about the past or future, or imagining someone else’s thoughts. It’s the engine of empathy, memory, and mental time travel. Most importantly, it’s where creativity begins to simmer.

When you’re solving a clear-cut problem, your brain switches to a different mode: focused, logical, linear. But when you loosen your grip and let your attention wander, the DMN kicks in. That’s why your best ideas often sneak up on you when you least expect them: mid-shampoo, on the toilet, while doodling, or as you’re drifting off to sleep.

You’re not trying – and that’s the point.

The DMN connects ideas, stirs memories, and forms new patterns in those quiet moments when you’re not looking directly at the problem.

This is why some of the most powerful creative tools are the simplest: rest, reflection, movement, play, and purposeful pauses.

When you stop pushing your brain and let your mind wander, you’re not wasting time – you’re opening the door to insight.

This isn’t just theory. Creatives across several disciplines have noticed it too.

It appears that I have my best ideas just as I wake up. When my mind is not thinking about daily stuff yet and I am still lingering in that twilight zone of wondering.

Paul McCartney wrote Yellow Submarine in that twilight zone, as he was drifting off to sleep.

Designer Massimo Vignelli explained that he gets his ideas while shaving, which he emphasises, is the reason why he doesn’t have a beard.

So remember: sometimes the best way to create is to stop creating – just for a moment – and let your backstage brain take over.

Isn’t it wonderful that some of your best works are created while you’re ‘not working’ at all?

This is an extract from Boost Your Creativity by Steve Brouwers, published by Luster and available now from all good bookstores.

Feature image credit: Boost Your Creativity, published by Luster

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Steve is a Belgian creative director, teacher, author and speaker with over 25 years experience in the media industry. In his inspiring talks, Steve shares his insights and experiences with audiences around the world. He is known for his candid stories about imposter syndrome and procrastination – topics that resonate deeply within the creative community. He is the author of Creatives on Creativity, published by Luster in 2021.

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The brand sells heart over horsepower.

Emotion sells, and few carmakers have leaned into that truth (sometimes gracefully, sometimes aggressively) quite like BMW. Sliding into a BMW isn’t meant to feel like entering a machine; it’s meant to feel like slipping on an identity, an emotion, a story.

From its iconic car designs to its slick campaigns, BMW has spent decades engineering not just vehicles but vibes. Over time, it has perfected what many premium carmakers attempt but rarely sustain: an emotional brand world where the product is less about horsepower and more about aspiration, belonging, and that intangible spark known simply as “joy.”

BMW i4

(Image credit: BMW)

This festive season, BMW pushed that idea harder than ever. You may have seen the campaign insisting, “We didn’t invent the car… We created a feeling,” for the brand’s all-electric BMW iX3 – to a world increasingly defined by silent motors and software screens. It’s BMW trying to humanise the algorithmic future of driving, a future where “The Ultimate Driving Machine” risks being reduced to just another rolling gadget.

Of course, emotional storytelling isn’t new territory for BMW. Long before the tech-luxury wars, the brand was selling Freude am Fahren (joy of driving). Even the 1974 tagline “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” which at first sounds like a performance flex, was really a coded identity pitch: buy a BMW, and you become the kind of person who values mastery, confidence, the feel of the road.

The First of a New Era | Introducing the New BMW iX3. – YouTube

But that narrative has had to evolve. In recent years, BMW’s marketing has shifted gears from taking the driver-as-hero route to the softer sideroad of lifestyle-as-feeling. The brand no longer just sells torque curves; it sells a sense of freedom, empowerment, and success. From cinematic social shorts to immersive, multisensory showrooms, BMW engineers every touchpoint to reinforce the idea that owning its vehicles is an experience on a very human level, not a mere transaction.

This is the classic playbook of emotional branding, which connects with people’s desires, anxieties, and self-image. Customers buy the feeling they hope the product will unlock. And BMW has doubled down on this playbook, threading emotion through everything from its design language to its retail choreography.

But here’s the tension: in a market where EVs are quiet, digital, and increasingly similar under the skin, can a brand still sell emotion as a differentiator? When the visceral growl of a straight-six becomes an algorithmically tuned sound profile, does “joy” hit the same? It’s a contradiction BMW is actively wrestling with.

BMW advert

(Image credit: BMW)

Designing Emotion in Every BMW

Each new model is crafted to elicit a reaction, sometimes delight, sometimes debate. From sculpted lines to wraparound cockpits, BMW treats design not as ornamentation but as emotional triggers. The brand knows customers aren’t buying A-to-B transportation. They’re buying confidence, pride, and a little theatre.

This also explains the polarising design decisions in recent years, the giant kidney grille, for example, which sparked a miniature design civil war. But even that controversy shows BMW’s intent: emotional impact beats universal approval. BMW would rather make you feel something than nothing.

And when hardware isn’t enough, BMW turns to narrative. A 2023 electric-i4 campaign, “Father & Son. Freude Forever,” shows a father passing the joy of driving to his son. The nostalgia is dialled up deliberately: driving becomes family, freedom, legacy. Likewise, this year’s holiday film uses a child and a grandmother reconnecting through a BMW to argue that the joy of driving can bridge generations, even in an era of range anxiety and touchscreen fatigue.

It’s emotionally effective. It’s also a bit of a gamble. BMW is selling joy at a time when driving, especially urban driving, has never felt less joyful. Congestion, cameras, automation, and rising insurance costs all threaten the fantasy. The brand is essentially promising a feeling that the real world increasingly refuses to deliver.

A gif of the colour changing BMW

(Image credit: BMW)

What Designers Can Learn

For designers and brand strategists, BMW offers a compelling blueprint: build products that earn trust at a functional level, then build stories that elevate them to something people can feel. But the blueprint comes with caveats. Emotional branding only works when the product experience supports the claim. BMW’s engineering heritage gives it leeway here, but not infinite leeway.

Because if emotion becomes a veneer over a commodity product, people notice. And the EV era, flattening performance differences, muting mechanical character, makes this risk more acute than ever.

In that sense, BMW’s evolving strategy isn’t a departure but a recalibration. The machines are changing; the promise can’t. The brand seems determined to argue that even if the future is quieter and more digital, the feeling of driving doesn’t have to be, whether consumers believe that is the next chapter.

Feature image credit: BMW

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Simon is a writer specialising in sustainability, design, and technology. Passionate about the interplay of innovation and human development, he explores how cutting-edge solutions can drive positive change and better lives.

Sourced from CREATIVE BLOQ

“We will not stop until beauty is a source of happiness.”

Personal care brand Dove has become known for its campaigns championing real people with real bodies, as exemplified by its shunning of TikTok ‘beauty’ filters. And now, the brand is targeting AI in the latest iteration of its decades-old Real Beauty campaign.

The brand announced this week that it will never use AI-generated imagery to represent “real bodies” in its ads. And in a powerful short film, it takes aim at the generic and unrealistic beauty standards depicted in images churned out in text prompts such as “the most beautiful woman in the world.” (For more great ad campaigns, check out the best print ads of all time.)

Alessandro Manfredi, chief marketing officer at Dove, adds, “At Dove, we seek a future in which women get to decide and declare what real beauty looks like – not algorithms. As we navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with new and emerging technology, we remain committed to protect, celebrate, and champion Real Beauty. Pledging to never use AI in our communications is just one step. We will not stop until beauty is a source of happiness, not anxiety, for every woman and girl.”
Indeed, over the 20 year course of its Real Beauty campaign, Dove has repeatedly proven itself to be a force for good. From shunning AI to helping game developers code natural hair in an effort to increase diversity in video games, the brand’s inclusivity credentials continue to impress.
Feature Image Credit: Dove

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Daniel John is Senior News Editor at Creative Bloq. He reports on the worlds of art, design, branding and lifestyle tech (which often translates to tech made by Apple). He joined in 2020 after working in copywriting and digital marketing with brands including ITV, NBC, Channel 4 and more.

Sourced from CREATIVE BLOQ

 

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McDonald’s, Old Spice and Corona prove the best branding is multi-sensory.

Multi-sensory branding is on the rise because of one simple human truth; consumers perceive the world using all of their senses. For a brand to succeed in the modern age, it needs to be more than meets the eye, and savvy marketers are building holistic expressions that consider what people see, hear, feel and believe.

When your messaging uses a strategic combination of visual and sonic branding, all boats rise with the tide. Visual branding works on a cognitive level, sonic assets deliver on a deeper emotional level. When they’ve been designed to work in harmony, these sensory dance partners leave a lasting impression that improves performance exponentially (see our pick of the best sonic logos).

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Sourced from CREATIVE BLOQ

By Dirk Petzold

Unveiling the artistry: BrandPacks’ Adobe InDesign brand guidelines presentation template is something else.

A brand’s identity is its compass, guiding it through the vast ocean of consumer preferences. Every company, big or small, dreams of a unique and memorable brand image that resonates with its audience. Enter BrandPacks’ latest masterpiece – an Adobe InDesign Brand Guidelines Presentation Template that transcends the ordinary, elevating brand presentations to a whole new level.

Crafted with precision and passion, this 27-page template is more than just a set of guidelines; it’s a visual journey that transforms the mundane into the extraordinary. Let’s dive into the creative waters and explore why this template is the talk of the design town.

Please note that this template requires Adobe InDesign. You can get the latest version from the Adobe Creative Cloud website—take a look here.

Brand Guidelines Presentation Template by BrandPacks
Brand Guidelines Presentation Template by BrandPacks

1. Visual Symphony:

BrandPacks’ template is not just a document; it’s a symphony of visuals, meticulously composed to strike the right chord with your audience. The modern aesthetics and bold typography create a harmonious blend that captures attention and leaves a lasting impression. Each page tells a story, seamlessly connecting the dots between creativity and consistency.

2. Fully Customizable Magic:

Flexibility is the hallmark of a great design, and this template embodies that philosophy. With 27 fully customizable pages, it provides a canvas for your brand’s personality to shine. From colour schemes to typography, every element is a stroke on this canvas, waiting for your artistic touch. Adapt it to your brand’s unique voice, and watch it come to life.

3. Modern Elegance:

In a world of fleeting trends, timeless elegance speaks volumes. The modern look of this template is not just a passing trend; it’s a statement. The clean lines, sophisticated colour palette, and well-thought-out layouts exude a sense of modernity without compromising on the timeless essence that defines enduring brands.

4. Bold Typography, Bolder Impact:

Typography is the unsung hero of design, and BrandPacks’ template gives it the spotlight it deserves. Bold, impactful, and undeniably stylish, the typography in this template is more than words on a page; it’s a visual experience. From headers that command attention to body text that guides the reader, every word is a brushstroke in the masterpiece.

5. Uniquely Yours:

No two brands are the same, and this template understands that. It offers a unique style that serves as a starting point for your brand’s journey. Tailor it to your heart’s content, and let your brand personality shine through. The result? A presentation that reflects your brand, not a generic template.

6. Suited for Screens and Dreams:

In the era of digital dominance, the size matters – and this template gets it right. With dimensions of 1920 x 1080 px, it is tailored for screens, ensuring your brand guidelines look just as stunning online as they do in print. Seamlessly transition from boardroom presentations to online platforms, maintaining the visual integrity of your brand across all touchpoints.

Download at Adobe Stock

In conclusion, BrandPacks’ Adobe InDesign Brand Guidelines Presentation Template isn’t just a template; it’s a design revolution. A testament to the marriage of functionality and aesthetics, it empowers brands to present themselves with flair and finesse. So, if you’re ready to take your brand to new heights, embark on this visual journey, and let the world see your brand through the lens of creativity and innovation. Brand guidelines have never looked this good.

By Dirk Petzold

Of course, we are on Instagram: @weandthecolor

Sourced from WATC

By Dirk Petzold

Showcase Your Professional Story With The Game-Changing CV/Resume/Portfolio Screen Presentation Template by TemplatesForest!

Hey, trailblazers of the professional realm! If you’re tired of the same old mundane CVs and resumes, get ready to revolutionize the way you present yourself or your design portfolio with this extraordinary CV/resume screen presentation template by TemplatesForest. Crafted with precision using the wizardry of Adobe InDesign, this template is not just a document; it’s a masterpiece in 1920×1080 pixels!

Please note that this template requires Adobe InDesign. You can get the latest version from the Adobe Creative Cloud website—take a look here.

CV/Resume Screen Presentation Template by TemplatesForest
CV/Resume Screen Presentation Template by TemplatesForest

The Canvas of Creativity

Let’s talk pixels and panache. This template is not your regular 8.5×11 affair; it’s a widescreen experience, designed for those who dare to dream big. A canvas as vast as your ambitions, this template invites you to think beyond boundaries and make a statement that refuses to be ignored.

12 Pages, Infinite Possibilities

Ever felt confined by the limitations of a single-paged CV? Fear not! TemplatesForest has your back with 12 pre-designed pages that are more than just templates; they are chapters in your professional narrative. Each page is a canvas for you to paint your skills, experiences, and achievements in the most vivid hues.

Customize to Conquer

You’re not a cookie-cutter professional, and your CV shouldn’t be either. TemplatesForest understands that which is why this template is fully customizable. From colours that reflect your personality to fonts that echo your style, the power is in your hands to mold your narrative.

A Symphony of Typography

Ever heard of a CV that reads like poetry? Now you have! With bold typography that demands attention and a layout that flows like a well-composed symphony, this template doesn’t just present information; it elevates it to an art form. Your potential employers won’t just read; they’ll be captivated.

Tailored for the Mavericks

Are you a graphic designer who defies the ordinary? An architect with a vision beyond blueprints? This template is your canvas. It’s not just for resumes; it’s a portfolio waiting to be unleashed. Let your creativity run wild, and let this template be the stage for your professional opus.

Modernity Personified

In the age of digital dominance, your CV should speak the language of the times. Modern, sleek, and utterly captivating, this template is not just a piece of paper; it’s a digital experience that screams, “I am here, and I mean business!”

A Toolkit for Success

Your CV is not just a document; it’s your brand. TemplatesForest doesn’t just offer a template; it provides you with a toolkit for success. A toolkit that says, “I am not just looking for a job; I am crafting a legacy.”

Final Word

In a world inundated with ordinary, dare to be extraordinary. TemplatesForest’s CV/Resume Screen Presentation Template is not just a document; it’s your story told in pixels and panache. It’s time to break the mold, shatter expectations, and present yourself like never before.

Get ready to unleash your professional story – because mediocrity is not an option, and with TemplatesForest, neither is blending in. Your journey to professional greatness starts here. Download, customize, and let your story shine!

Don’t hesitate to find more graphic design templates on WE AND THE COLOR.

By Dirk Petzold

Sourced from WATC

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And the logo is deliciously retro.

McDonald’s has been sneakily building a brand new spin-off restaurant with an out-of-this-world theme. The new establishment named ‘CosMc’s’, has appeared in Bolingbrook, Illinois and until now has been kept under wraps – but recent images of the new building have garnered a mixed response online.

As of now, it’s unclear how CosMc’s will compare to McDonald’s existing chains but from the theming alone, it looks like we’re in for a blast from the past. This new design is certainly a change from what we’ve seen before, but McDonald’s iconic golden arches still remain one of the best logos of all time.

As you can imagine, the design of the mysterious CosMc’s is suitably space-themed, with a deep blue exterior and McD’s yellow accents (with a cameo from the golden arches of course). The CosMc’s wordmark logo is perhaps the biggest change from McDonald’s branding, featuring retro-inspired curved text that gives the restaurant a nostalgic appearance.

If you’re familiar with the intricate world of McDonald’s lore, you may recall the classic character behind the new restaurant design. CosMc was a fleeting side character featured in various McD’s ads in the late 80s and 90s – Ronald’s extra-terrestrial pal who’s arguably lesser known than other McDonald’s characters. After the success (and trauma) of the latest Grimace shake trend, do I spy McDonald’s attempting to revive another forgotten friend?

Feature Image credit: Tony Baggett via Getty Images

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Natalie is Creative Bloq’s staff writer. With an eye for trending topics and a passion for internet culture, she brings you the latest in art and design news. A recent English Literature graduate, Natalie enjoys covering the lighter side of the news and brings a fresh and fun take to her articles. Outside of work (if she’s not glued to her phone), she loves all things music and enjoys singing sweet folky tunes.

Sourced from CREATIVEBLOG

By Dirk Petzold

Simplify your social media game with ready-to-use templates.

In today’s digital era, social media has become an integral part of our lives. Whether you’re a business owner, a content creator, or an influencer, it’s essential to have a visually appealing and engaging social media presence. However, not everyone has the time or design skills to create stunning graphics from scratch. That’s where Adobe Stock comes to the rescue! With Adobe Stock contributor @orangeberry‘s set of simple social media post templates in Adobe InDesign, you can effortlessly elevate your online presence.

Simple Social Media Post Templates for Adobe InDesign
Simple Social Media Post Templates for Adobe InDesign
  1. Efficient and Customizable Designs: @orangeberry‘s set of social media post templates offers a convenient solution for those seeking professionally designed graphics. Each template comes in a standard size of 1080 x 1080 pixels, optimized for various social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. These pre-made designs provide a solid foundation, ensuring your content stands out in a sea of endless feeds.
  2. Versatile Design Options: With 12 unique templates to choose from, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit your brand’s aesthetic and communication needs. From bold and vibrant layouts to minimalist and elegant designs, @orangeberry‘s collection caters to diverse styles and content themes. Whether you’re promoting a product, sharing a quote, or announcing an event, there’s a template for every occasion.
  3. Seamless Customization in Adobe InDesign: The templates are created using Adobe InDesign, a powerful graphic design software known for its versatility and user-friendly interface. With InDesign’s intuitive editing features, you can easily customize the templates to match your brand’s colours, typography, and imagery. Make your social media posts truly unique by adding your own photos, logos, or other visual elements that resonate with your audience.
  4. Time-Saving Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of using @orangeberry‘s social media post templates is the time saved. By starting with a pre-designed template, you eliminate the need to start from scratch, significantly reducing the time and effort required to create eye-catching graphics. Spend more time crafting compelling captions or engaging with your audience while still maintaining a consistent and professional visual identity.
  5. Endless Possibilities: While the templates provide a great starting point, don’t limit yourself to their original design. Use them as a springboard for inspiration and let your creativity shine. Customize the layout, experiment with different fonts, or rearrange the elements to create a design that truly represents your brand’s personality.

Having visually appealing and engaging social media content is crucial. Thanks to Adobe Stock and @orangeberry‘s set of social media post templates in Adobe InDesign, creating stunning graphics has never been easier. With customizable designs and a range of options, you can streamline your social media game and present your brand in a professional and captivating manner. Don’t let design constraints hold you back; unleash your creativity with these ready-to-use templates and make a lasting impression on your audience.

 

Check out more graphic design templates on WE AND THE COLOR.

By Dirk Petzold

Sourced from WATC