Creative Review, Spring 2026

The Creative Review Annual is one of the most respected and trusted awards for the creative industry celebrating the best creative work from the past year, those who create it and commission it.

In this issue:

THE FUTURE ISSUE

“Talking about the future right now seems something of a risky business. With the world’s geopolitics changing on a daily basis, and events feeling increasingly dark and unpredictable, chatting about trends can feel a little shallow. And yet, here we all are navigating the day-to-day chaos and – if you work in the worlds of advertising and design, at least – trying to reach your audiences in ways that entertain or impress them enough to give you their time, despite the somewhat apocalyptic vibe that 2026 is giving out so far.

There is certainly no shortage of content. In fact, as Soursop’s Samira Larouci points out, we are beginning to drown in creator content – move over Al slop, there’s a new slop in town! She advises brands to tread carefully when running to the creator bandwagon – and to remember the need for quality over quantity.

With the rise of Al, many people are predicting a renewed interest in the ‘real’-this means craft, both analogue and digital, and a rejection of anything too obviously automated. This is one theme in a conversation this issue with three experts in Al and design, which is more optimistic than you might think.

If you are totally fed up with Al, though, head to our feature on French-Moroccan designer Ramdane Touhami, who specialises in creating exquisite hand-crafted shopping experiences. Or check out our interview with US studio De-Yan, which creates brand experiences of a more futuristic kind.

If it’s pure silliness you’re after, brands are rising to the occasion with the arrival of the stunt product – limited-edition ranges of objects that are curious, occasionally daft, but are undeniably covetable. We explore the brands that are leading the way in this unexpected new marketing sphere.

We can’t escape completely, though, and the work of Mona Chalabi proves how distinctive design can also be a powerful means of activism. Her striking illustrative infographics, which are rooted in meticulously researched facts, offer vital stats on harsh events and help cut through the noise to keep people informed in these troubling times.”

-Eliza Williams, Editor