It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? Creatives and agencies have faced numerous challenges, from economic disruptions to political changes and shifts in the media landscape. The tech giants seem to be working against us, with generative AI tools taking work away from illustrators and social media platforms favoring divisive content over quality.
Despite the darkness, there have been moments of light, with creatives showcasing their ability to turn challenges into opportunities and cultural events inspiring people globally. Creative studios have continued to produce great work, and we have curated the brightest and most interesting case studies to inspire your own practice.
Let’s review some of the highlights of the year.
2023 marked the year when AI became a significant topic for creatives, moving from a concept to a reality. While there was fear and resistance initially, there is now a realization that we must learn to coexist with AI. Our features have reflected this shift, from predicting the rise of one-person agencies to embracing AI in creative processes.
In addition to AI, the global economy and the evolving social media landscape posed challenges for creatives. We provided practical tips and advice on thriving as a freelancer and navigating marketing strategies beyond Instagram. Adobe also faced backlash for its terms and conditions for Creative Cloud apps, causing creatives to question their loyalty to Photoshop.
Amidst the controversies, there was also a lot of positive coverage of creative work. Stories about Primark’s brand identity, Elizabeth Waterman’s art book, and the IKEA campaign were among the most popular reads. Brands like Jaguar, Guggenheim, Kleenex, and Chester Zoo also underwent exciting makeovers that captured our readers‘ attention. Small’s work for CoorDown on a new campaign for World Down Syndrome Day received the highest number of Instagram views in our 15-year history.
Kleenex by Turner Duckworth, IKEA’s Guilty Pets campaign, Lancaster University students launching the Northern Design Festival for 2024, and JKR’s new brand system for an expanded Uber were other notable design stories in 2024. Jessica Walsh also launched her own type foundry, Ragged Edge revamped Go Compare, and more exciting events unfolded throughout the year.
Cultural events such as Snoop Dogg’s presence at the Olympics, the Oasis reunion, and the Glastonbury Festival inspired creativity and imagination. The music industry saw a rise in global popularity, with artists like Suki Waterhouse and John Mayer making waves. Female pop stars like Beyonce and Taylor Swift dominated the charts, while Charli XCX led the ‚Brat summer‘ phenomenon.
While pop music and sports remain as shared experiences, other forms of entertainment like television and movies have splintered into various online platforms. Creative Boom covered these events and more throughout 2024, providing daily updates on artistic, tech, business, and cultural developments with insightful analysis to help readers understand their significance.