![[Valid RSS]](images/valid-rss-rogers.png "Valid RSS")
This is a valid RSS feed.
This feed is valid, but interoperability with the widest range of feed readers could be improved by implementing the following recommendations.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="https://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"> <channel> <atom:link href="https://www.creativebloq.com/feeds.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <title><![CDATA[ Creative Bloq ]]></title> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com</link> <description><![CDATA[ ]]></description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 20:28:29 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Apple AirPods Pro 2 fall to a record low price ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Apple AirPods Pro 2 remain the best inner-ear headphones the tech giant has made, and right now they're at the cheapest price we've ever seen. Amazon has the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Generation-Cancelling-Transparency-Personalized/dp/B0CHWRXH8B/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">second-gen AirPods Pro for $179.99</a>. That's a reduction of 28%, or $69.01, from Apple's retail price of $249.</p><p>That's in the US. If you're in the UK, the best price we can find is <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-AirPods-generation-MagSafe-USB%E2%80%91C/dp/B0CHWZ9TZS" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><del>£229</del> £199, also at Amazon.</a></p><p>The AirPods Pro 2 are an improved version of Apple's earbuds. We gave them a near-perfect rating in <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/apple-airpods-pro-2">our AirPods Pro 2 review</a>, praising the rich sound quality and superb active noise-cancellation. They're often on offer at third-party retailers, but they're normally only reduced by up to $50. The current record low price is fairly unusual given that it's not a major sale period like Black Friday.</p><p>Find full details of the deal below. For more savings, see our regular guide to the best <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/apple-deals">Apple deals</a> in general.</p><h2 id="apple-airpods-pro-2-record-low-price-2">Apple AirPods Pro 2 record low price</h2><div class="product"><a data-dimension112="d2ed80db-7082-4b13-baf2-32bd8ee0837e" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Apple AirPods Pro (2 Gen)" data-dimension48="Apple AirPods Pro (2 Gen)" href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Generation-Cancelling-Transparency-Personalized/dp/B0CHWRXH8B/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1551px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="wP5kxnxZANfAJmav4fVmXU" name="Airpods Pro 2 Amazon.jpg" caption="" alt="" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wP5kxnxZANfAJmav4fVmXU.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1551" height="1551" attribution="" endorsement="" credit="" class=""></p></div></div></figure></a><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Generation-Cancelling-Transparency-Personalized/dp/B0CHWRXH8B/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="d2ed80db-7082-4b13-baf2-32bd8ee0837e" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Apple AirPods Pro (2 Gen)" data-dimension48="Apple AirPods Pro (2 Gen)"><strong>Apple AirPods Pro (2 Gen)</strong></a><strong><br>Was: </strong><del>$249</del><strong><br>Now: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Generation-Cancelling-Transparency-Personalized/dp/B0CHWRXH8B/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$179.99 at Amazon</a><br><strong>Save: </strong>$69.01</p><p><strong>Overview: </strong>We find that the Apple AirPods Pro 2 deliver both style and substance. We love the minimalist design and shorter stems, but sound is also excellent, the active noise cancellation is effective, they're water and sweat resistant, and there's touch control for easy access to controls.</p><p><strong>Key features: </strong>Active Noise Cancellation | Personalised Spatial Audio | Touch Control | USB-C charging and MagSafe Charging Case |Four pairs of tips included</p><p><strong>Release date: </strong>September 2022. </p><p><strong>Price history:</strong> Apple's retail price for the AirPods Pro (2 Gen) is $249. The earbuds are regularly on offer at third-party sellers, but usually with discounts of up to $49. The lowest price we had come across until now was $189.99. That's come up a few times, and Best Buy has the headphone for this price right now. But Amazon's current price beats that by another $10. We think it's very unlikely that the price can go lower than this outside of a major sale event like Black Friday.</p><p><strong>Price comparison:</strong> Best Buy <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-airpods-pro-2nd-generation-with-magsafe-case-usbc-white/6447382.p" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$189.99</a> | B&H Photo <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1787391-REG/apple_mtjv3am_a_airpods_pro_with_wireless.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$239</a></p><p><strong>Review consensus: </strong>Our reviewer gave these earbuds 4.5 stars, praising the efficiency of the active noise cancellation as well as the richness of the sound quality provided. We also welcomed the improved case and excellent battery life.<br><a class="view-deal button" href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Generation-Cancelling-Transparency-Personalized/dp/B0CHWRXH8B/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="d2ed80db-7082-4b13-baf2-32bd8ee0837e" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Apple AirPods Pro (2 Gen)" data-dimension48="Apple AirPods Pro (2 Gen)">View Deal</a></p></div><p>If you're located elsewhere, see below for today's best prices where you are. the best deal we've seen in the UK is <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-AirPods-generation-MagSafe-USB%E2%80%91C/dp/B0CHWZ9TZS" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£199 at Amazon.</a> That's not quite the lowest price we've ever seen, but these AirPods were only cheaper than that once, when they fell to £189.99 for a couple of days in February 2024.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/apple-airpods-pro-2-record-low-price-deal</link> <description> <![CDATA[ With $69 off, can Apple's best inner ear get any cheaper? ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">yyCoYpBs8w7SxsnFFx4v6N</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FEKDDXsDF2ZEHAqmzKPEbA.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 20:00:10 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Apple]]></category> <category><![CDATA[airpods]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Apple AirPods Pro 2nd gen]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ joe.foley@futurenet.com (Joe Foley) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FEKDDXsDF2ZEHAqmzKPEbA.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Apple / Future]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[AirPods Pro 2 deal]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[AirPods Pro 2 deal]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ The best rebrands of the 2000s, picked by pros ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>At the turn of the millennium, digital life was ramping up, and, as the decade progressed, the internet evolved through entertainment and social media, and the world got closer as 3G and smartphones changed the way we connected and consumed forever. </p><p>With the climate crisis and recession looming, some brands revamped their image, leant into new tech and gained celebrity endorsements, while <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/advice/how-brands-can-use-their-archives">others looked to their heritage</a> to gain renewed strength.</p><p>Here (in no particular order), are the best rebrands of the decade, as chosen by designers and industry experts. For more from the noughties, see our <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-logos-of-2010s">best logos of the 2000s</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-adverts-2010s">best adverts of the 2000s</a> pieces.</p><h2 id="01-o2-2">01. O2</h2><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MFZvCIsuMQg" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>“One of the standout moments in the mobile network race of the early noughties was when O2 emerged. Repositioning and refreshing the ageing BTCellnet brand and re-emerging with a strong, modern and uniquely ownable brand name and identity to match,” says Chris Newell, creative partner at creative agency <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://wearesyn.com/"><u>syn.</u></a>. The telecoms service provider launched on 02/02/02, and followed with several highly effective brand extensions sponsoring Arsenal football club and taking over London’s Millennium Dome in 2007 to create a music venue, among other projects.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:999px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.26%;"><img id="oMBqvD7zicQkZm5hSB7UPM" name="" alt="O2" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oMBqvD7zicQkZm5hSB7UPM.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="999" height="562" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: O2)</span></figcaption></figure><p>My first venture into mobile phone providers at the end of the 1990s was with Orange, the one brand out of all of them that captured my attention and I resonated with,” Chris continues. “I was a loyal customer for quite a few years until the O2 brand launched with the ‘see what you can do’ campaign and I switched not long after. As the years went on the brand just got stronger and flexed into new spaces. Repurposing the Millennium Dome into The O2 flagship events venue, then driving loyalty with O2 rewards and O2 Priority. The powerful yet simple name and identity made brand extension very easy and uniquely ownable.” </p><h2 id="02-uniqlo-2">02. Uniqlo</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2423px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:62.03%;"><img id="5gqPLs8YgYMqUuYD2BuVph" name="" alt="Uniqlo" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5gqPLs8YgYMqUuYD2BuVph.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2423" height="1503" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Uniqlo)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Around since the mid-80s, Uniqlo – short for ‘unique clothing’ – saw growth across Japan in the '90s and, despite a few early hiccups, rolled out into Europe and the US throughout the 2000s. With a lull in sales, it began rebranding efforts 2005/2006, led by creative director Kashiwa Sato. Alongside using a new logo in a brighter, more vivid red, for a stronger identity, stores were redesigned, and the brand was repositioned as offering clothes that could fulfil basic needs at a high quality, rather than riding trends. The new logo was cleverly applied throughout the communication strategy prior to stores reopening, including being printed on the buildings' “under-construction” panels, alongside yellow cab roofs, and various media, to encourage awareness.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1030px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:57.86%;"><img id="aYThu9D9VaG2BqoAq8ixm9" name="" alt="Uniqlo" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aYThu9D9VaG2BqoAq8ixm9.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1030" height="596" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Uniqlo)</span></figcaption></figure><p>"The current Uniqlo logo embraces the brand’s Japanese heritage on an international stage,” says Abigail Baldwin, creative director at graphic design and illustration agency <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.buttercrumble.com/" target="_blank">Buttercrumble</a>. “Their primary red colour was adjusted to match the Japanese flag and a second logo was added in Katakana which is used specifically for foreign words and brand names. It embodies Japanese pop culture, which the Western world is fascinated by.”</p><h2 id="03-apple-2">03. Apple</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:675px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:66.07%;"><img id="vTzQq5kJSBhBRA4gwiiDC3" name="" alt="Apple" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vTzQq5kJSBhBRA4gwiiDC3.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="675" height="446" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple)</span></figcaption></figure><p>“The 2000s were a major turning point for Apple’s branding aesthetic,” says Nazy Farkhondeh, senior writer at verbal branding agency <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.reedwords.com/" target="_blank">Reed Words</a>. “It’s when they transitioned from the serif Apple Garamond to the sans-serif Myriad Apple. This took place in concert with the move away from the copy-heavy, wry-humour ads of the 80s and 90s, to bright, minimal ads with a single, commanding copy idea that still characterises their ads today. Jobs’s anticipated return in 1997 planted big seeds for Apple’s transition from a tech to a lifestyle brand.”</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1198px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:44.57%;"><img id="qiHc8SJMvHzGbTDSpmf4n9" name="" alt="Apple" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qiHc8SJMvHzGbTDSpmf4n9.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1198" height="534" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple)</span></figcaption></figure><p>“The product line was highly simplified and improved. And so was Apple’s advertising,” she continues. "Their new brand philosophy of putting beauty, simplicity, and intuition into the foreground of everything they do was the thinking that made the G3 iMacs and iBook so successful. It marked the shift from Apple’s notoriety for beige box hardware into its era of bright and colourful aspiration.</p><p>"When we look at the progression of Apple’s marketing, it’s clear the switch from product-focused to aspiration-led gave Apple the cultural licence to launch the iconic silhouette iPod ads in the early 00s. Outside of the iPod logo at the very end, the absence of words gives the audio tracks room to do their emotive magic – from Jet’s gritty, propulsive, and titillating lyrical flood in ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ to Caesar’s quirky, upbeat, and groovy ‘Jerk It Out’. I’m a verbal person – which is why I’m even more struck by how viscerally these ads activate the sensory ‘feels’ only experienced when plugging into a good song and completely letting go."</p><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_dSgBsCVpqo" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>However, what was most notable about the iPod, Nazy believes, was that it helped lead to Apple’s eventual mass success in creating something new. “It was their first device that wasn’t a productivity or work tool. It was all about the emotion and energy they brought to their consumers’ lives. The iPod’s success is a testament to how powerful a new brand strategy can be. It’s the brand designer’s ultimate dream to ascribe quantitative success metrics to a rebrand. And so far, no one has hit it out of the park quite like Apple,” she says, adding that Apple’s share price over the past three decades saw an uplift around the time Apple made big swings with its brand. “‘<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPX9v8F547k" target="_blank">Think Different</a>’ opened the door to the iMac, which opened the door to the iPod, and then to the iPhone – which changed the world forever. This simple tagline sparked the revitalisation of Apple as a brand every brand aspired to be.”</p><h2 id="04-casa-da-musica-2">04. Casa da Música</h2><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/URmKSyKAK5w" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>“The rebrand of Casa da Música is a really interesting case of a generative logo,” says Hua Chen, senior designer at brand strategy and design studio <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://team.design/" target="_blank">Team</a>, of the 2007 rebrand by Stefan Sagmeister for the Rem Kohlhaas-designed music centre in the harbour town of Porto in Portugal. “The use of creative tech in generating logoforms and colours is fairly restrained and all the forms were inspired by the architectural context of the concert hall. </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="AmWVV4aadXGTXgFAiyUkbJ" name="" alt="Casa da Música" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AmWVV4aadXGTXgFAiyUkbJ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Casa da Música)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Creating an independent generator continues to be a compelling way to make brand stewardship easier,” Hua adds. “We see this form of generative form-making utilising a few base rules to create a set of related iconography with brand identities like MIT Media Lab and the Whitney Museum.”</p><h2 id="05-pantone-2">05. Pantone</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1041px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:52.93%;"><img id="cQ6rt69VM42SQU9D4QwtgR" name="" alt="Pantone" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cQ6rt69VM42SQU9D4QwtgR.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1041" height="551" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Pantone)</span></figcaption></figure><p><u></u><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/how-pantone-nailed-branding"><u>Pantone</u></a> – known as a global authority in colour comms and inspo – made some great moves in branding throughout the decade, from its first “Color of the Year” being selected back in 2000, to creating its first trademarked colour in 2001, the ‘medium robin egg blue’ for Tiffany and Co.. For Ian Paget, graphic designer and founder of design firm and blog <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://logogeek.uk/" target="_blank">Logo Geek</a>, the company’s 2006 rebrand was a standout move that has stood the test of time.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1076px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:75.37%;"><img id="Y3PzwdUVwb75YKWSFCCysm" name="" alt="Pantone" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y3PzwdUVwb75YKWSFCCysm.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1076" height="811" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Pantone)</span></figcaption></figure><p>At the start of the 2000s, the Pantone logo featured a wordmark along with a symbol of swatches that fanned open. Then in 2006, the company transitioned to a new logo, still in use today, which utilised the idea of a window, with the wordmark positioned at the lower section of this,” he says. The simplified design was created by G2, the branding arm of Grey Global Group (now known as Grey), and came with the new tagline ‘The colour of ideas’.</p><p>“Although at the time the change felt fairly generic, utilising an idea seen before, upon reflection, making colour the primary focus was a good decision that has aged well,” adds Ian. “I often see Pantone-branded products with a different Pantone filling the window, and as a designer, it's hard not to be drawn to them.”</p><h2 id="05-accenture-2">05. Accenture</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1444px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:70.43%;"><img id="VntmVNXQXZrhQyKP4KUj6S" name="" alt="Accenture" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VntmVNXQXZrhQyKP4KUj6S.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1444" height="1017" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Accenture)</span></figcaption></figure><p><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="http://www.allenadamson.com/" target="_blank">Allen Adamson</a>, co-founder and managing partner of marketing agency <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.metaforce.com/" target="_blank">Metaforce</a> and author of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://allenadamson.com/seeing-the-how-book/" target="_blank">Seeing The How</a>, picked the rebrand of global accountancy firm Arthur Andersen, as one of his top for the decade, after it underwent a significant overhaul in 2001, including a new name. </p><p>“The rebranding was strategic, aiming to separate the consulting business from Arthur Andersen's tarnished reputation. The combination of a new Accenture name grounded in the heritage of Arthur Anderson Consulting, which was often referred to as AC, and the simple, elegant greater-than-sign logo signalled that, unlike other consulting firms that merely provided advice, Accenture would provide impact and technology. The bold rebrand has driven dramatic business growth for more than 20 years. The strongest rebrands are typically built from a simple idea that captures the core benefit the business is trying to communicate, a customer ‘insight’. Accenture nailed the sweet spot leveraging the insight: 'When a company hires a consulting firm, it wants its business to be more successful (>greater) than it was before.”' </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1025px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:64.00%;"><img id="HARZB5WPkwgkL48wBq3JPN" name="" alt="Accenture" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HARZB5WPkwgkL48wBq3JPN.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1025" height="656" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Accenture)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The initial ad campaign featured Tiger Woods, who was seeing continued success in his golfing career at the time. "This further expanded on the core graphic identity and added the notion of ‘winning’, which is the emotional end benefit of a growing business and reason to hire a consulting firm," Allen adds. "A strong name, linked to heritage, simple yet incredibly relevant logo, focused brand line ‘Innovation Delivered’ and breakthrough advertising nailed every component of the rebranding playbook to set them up for phenomenal success."</p><h2 id="06-myfonts-2">06. MyFonts</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1050px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:41.81%;"><img id="ZAGGfbQjCMe2P4V7aN3BEg" name="" alt="MyFonts" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZAGGfbQjCMe2P4V7aN3BEg.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1050" height="439" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: MyFonts)</span></figcaption></figure><p>“One of my all-time favourite logos is the MyFonts logo, designed in 2009 by Underware in the Netherlands. The company's prior logo was somewhat generic and a bit of a mishmash of styles, so the redesign was a much-needed change,” says Ian. Designing a new logo for a company that represents thousands of fonts called for a custom typeface as part of the wordmark, with a clever hidden element acting as a symbol for the craft of creating lettering.</p><p>“At first glance, you'll simply see a nicely designed piece of custom lettering, which is exactly how I've seen this logo for years. Then one day, I discovered that the 'My' is actually a hand, reaching out to grab the fonts. It's so clever yet so subtle that once you notice it, you'll immediately fall in love with the logo too.”</p><h2 id="07-bp-2">07. BP</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1392px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:33.19%;"><img id="vqUMaEr9FYbzuybK4EzqFJ" name="" alt="BP" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vqUMaEr9FYbzuybK4EzqFJ.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1392" height="462" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: BP)</span></figcaption></figure><p>BP, formerly known as British Petroleum, underwent a dramatic rebranding effort in 2000, as a result of the merger between British Petroleum, Amoco, Arco and Castrol. This came at a time when there was increasing societal pressure to address climate change and reduce emissions. </p><p>“This set up the opportunity to dramatically break from all oil and gas competitors who all branded the same way – a sea of similarity,” says Allen. “ To solve the naming challenge of four companies merging, BP was selected as the new name. British Petroleum was the largest of the merging companies and had the most global recognition, and importantly, most people already referred to British Petroleum as BP. Dropping the petroleum name gave them permission to tell a new and bigger story.” </p><p>“A sun logo signalling green energy – while keeping with BP's existing brand colours of green and yellow – was a breakthrough in the oil and gas category,” Allen continues. “The use of the iconic logo as a super graphic boldly aligned with consumer desires for a green, clean energy company. The rebranding demonstrated the power of design and identity to change a company's perceptions and market positioning drastically. Had the company changed its actual business as effectively as it changed its image and brand promise, it would have been one of the most successful rebranding programs ever. Despite the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the company still stands out in the category and is likely seen as a better company than British Petroleum ever was.”</p><h2 id="08-wegmans-2">08. Wegmans</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:500px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:84.20%;"><img id="s9FY2RtEG2JWGRpaW35QJb" name="" alt="Wegmans" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s9FY2RtEG2JWGRpaW35QJb.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="500" height="421" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Wegmans)</span></figcaption></figure><p>“The 2000’s were a weird time for branding,” says Lisa Franck, strategy director at design and advertising agency <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.tavern.agency/" target="_blank">Tavern</a>. “<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/business/media/23adcol.html" target="_blank">Tropicana</a> became a cautionary tale after sales plummeted when their redesign made them unrecognisable. <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/never-forget-that-utterly-ridiculous-pepsi-logo-design-document">Pepsi’s</a> new logo came with an unhinged analysis of the (pseudo)science behind the revised globe icon. <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2000/jul/25/bp" target="_blank">BP</a> attempted to put a bandaid on its negative public image with a bright and positive new sunburst logo. Most brands in the new millennium were focused on the future, throwing out their hard-earned equities in favour of shiny new ‘modern’ brand identities.” </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1078px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:51.58%;"><img id="hkBANvf6eVvNcu7bkbjMvU" name="" alt="Wegmans" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hkBANvf6eVvNcu7bkbjMvU.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1078" height="556" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Wegmans stores from the 1930s and the 2020s </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Wegmans)</span></figcaption></figure><p>As a looming recession sparked a series of rebrands, Wegmans was one of the few who tapped into the value of their hard-earned heritage to help them weather the financial downturn,” Lisa continues. Born in 1916, American supermarket chain Wegmans was a household name among shoppers, and leant into this almost 100-year-old heritage by returning to a warm, nostalgia-driven version of a logo from decades earlier.</p><p>“The brand recognised that they didn't need to chase trends to win brand love, they needed to cultivate the love they already had. In 2008, Wegmans revived, but re-imagined, their 1930’s logo. Stripping out the fluff, they modernised the wordmark but retained the heritage script for a contemporary take on the classic brand. The new brand carried Wegmans through the recession and beyond as they gained a cult following and expanded into several new states. The 2008 brand still stands today, a testament to the timelessness of the modern heritage design.”</p><h2 id="09-the-olympics-2">09. The Olympics</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:818px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:29.34%;"><img id="vTfhxJHKpRPw9p9gkXSSQN" name="" alt="Olympics 2012 logos" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vTfhxJHKpRPw9p9gkXSSQN.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="818" height="240" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: LOCOG)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Although not technically a full rebrand, this next entry was a localisation project by brand consultancy Wolff Olins, for the Olympics that came five years ahead of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/opinion/celebrating-majesty-london-2012-olympics-logo-712357">London 2012</a>. The creators called the design “bold, spirited and dissonant, reflecting London’s modern, urban edge”, although it divided opinion once launched. </p><p>“This is a controversial one that divided opinion, launched 48,000 petitions and is still very much like Marmite today – still getting labelled as rubbish design by some,” Chris says. “The progressive brand mark and disruptive design system was a brave take on the traditional global sporting events’ visual style. As time went on it got embraced and was later perceived as a ground-breaking movement in brand design for Wolf Ollins. It was a refreshing take on the typical perpendicular design system that certainly kept creatives on their toes and brand communications progressive. The logo itself never really felt comfortable as a mark, but that was probably the whole point.” </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:748px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:85.83%;"><img id="jM6PiWQoxumGPfsGYsYtN9" name="" alt="London 2012 Olympics" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jM6PiWQoxumGPfsGYsYtN9.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="748" height="642" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: LOCOG)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Chris’ colleague and syn. creative artwork lead, Ken Yarwood, agrees it was a bold move for the Olympics to embrace such a fresh take on a rebrand: “The 2012 Olympic logo was a departure from the traditional style seen in Olympic branding over the past two decades, presenting a fresh and interesting design. However, it garnered vocal criticism from detractors who found it lacking in inspiration and creativity. Whilst it was intriguing to work with and adapt to, from a production standpoint it presented unique challenges with extensive and precise brand guidelines that had a lot of variation in rules. Managing the approval process was akin to what I imagine navigating an Olympic village is, with multiple stakeholders needing to sign off on every detail, it highlighted the complexities involved in working with such a protected brand.</p><p><em>For more on branding, see our </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/tag/best-logos-by-decade"><em>best logos of the decade</em></a><em> series.</em></p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-rebrands-2000s</link> <description> <![CDATA[ From generative logos to complete company overhauls, rebranding was on the rise as tech advanced at lightning speed ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">Nu4em2Uwzi3XfGLpWbtRGA</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gDNZdt8UvM5N7hgWnXmfLm.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Branding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Graphic Design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Logo ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rebrands of the decade]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rebrand]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ antoniawilson@live.co.uk (Antonia Wilson) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gDNZdt8UvM5N7hgWnXmfLm.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[O2 / Jonathan Knowles ]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[O2 rebrand]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[O2 rebrand]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ MoonRay review: DreamWorks Animations' superb rendering software is free for all ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">MoonRay features</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text"><strong>Price </strong>Free<strong><br>Company </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://openmoonray.org/" target="_blank">DreamWorks Animation</a><strong><br>Features </strong>Ramp control for volumes, telemetry overlay system, supports GPU render denoising via Open Image Denoise 2, offers XPU mode – hybrid CPU/GPU rendering</p></div></div><p>MoonRay has been on quite a journey these past few years. What originally began as an in-house renderer at DreamWorks Animation has now gone fully open source and is following a similar path to Pixar's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/renderman25">RenderMan</a> by making a powerful CG tool available to everyone (though MoonRay is free and Pixar's renderer has a fee attached).</p><p>DreamWorks Animation is no stranger to opening up its technology to the public, but MoonRay feels different. Maybe that’s because it’s a production-ready renderer, or the fact it’s been used on a number of high-profile films, including How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World and The Bad Guys. Whatever the reason, the 3D community is better off because of studios like DreamWorks Animation - though you may beed to upgrade to one of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-laptops-for-3d-modelling">best laptops for 3D modelling</a>.</p><p>MoonRay’s source code has been in the public domain since March 2023 and undergone a number of updates since. Now at version 1.5, we’ll take a look at what improvements have been made and what the renderer is capable of now. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For those who don’t know what MoonRay is, let’s start with the basics.</p><h2 id="get-the-dreamworks-look-with-moonray-2">Get the DreamWorks look with MoonRay</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1152px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="34fD6KFN6vkUNYuutRP76f" name="moon-3.jpg" alt="MoonRay review; cartoon animals in a car" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/34fD6KFN6vkUNYuutRP76f.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1152" height="648" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">MoonRay was a key part of the workflow for DreamWorks hit The Bad Guys. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: DreamWorks Animation)</span></figcaption></figure><p>It’s a high-performance Monte Carlo ray tracer that’s capable of both DreamWorks’ trademark stylised look and photorealism. Production renderers are mostly focused solely on photorealism, and have limited tools for more bespoke rendering styles. MoonRay is able to deliver outstanding results in both fields, something that will make it particularly appealing to larger studios that work on a wider variety of projects.</p><p>This versatile renderer is ideal for VFX workflows and has all the required features for that setup, including Arbitrary Output Variables (AOVs), which allow data from a shader or renderer to be output during rendering to aid compositing. Additionally, Deep Output and Cryptomatte are supported, streamlining things perfectly for VFX artists. These features are unlikely to be helpful for solo and indie artists, but are immensely helpful for studios and projects that need added compositing features.</p><p>One of the strengths of this relatively new renderer is its denoising capabilities. With support for OptiX 7.6 and GPU render denoising with Open Image Denoise 2, MoonRay is able to deliver particularly impressive results, especially when working interactively. Artists can enjoy instant, noise-free render output even in the most challenging of scenes. Utilising denoisers like these also helps to reduce render times, because render and shader settings can be significantly reduced, knowing that any noise created will be cleaned up afterwards.</p><h2 id="moonray-uses-xpu-i-apos-ll-explain-x2026-2">MoonRay uses XPU, I'll explain…</h2><div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">Layered Materials in MoonRay</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">MoonRay provides a full set of layered materials including metals, skin, fabric and hair that offers a fantastic starting point for representing common material types. There’s also a multipurpose shader that can be customised by users.</p></div></div><p>MoonRay has moved to a hybrid CPU and GPU rendering mode for its default state. It’s called XPU, and in many ways combines the best of both types of rendering workflow. This mode works well and guarantees to make use of all available hardware for the quickest possible results.</p><p>Through XPU rendering, and its distributed rendering framework, Arras, MoonRay is able to take advantage of every core of all available machines all the time. This is another reason larger studios are likely to jump aboard over indie artists and smaller outfits.</p><p>Version 1.5 has a range of improvements, including Embree 4.1 support, a new adaptive light sampling scheme, and support for the VFX Reference Platform 2023. Embree is Intel’s CPU ray-tracing library, and MoonRay makes use of it to achieve high efficiency. The library is open source, and at version 4.3 it’s the go-to library of ray-tracing kernels for many renderers, including <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/v-ray-6">V-Ray</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/tag/cinema-4d">Cinema 4D</a>. If you have an Intel GPU, you can benefit from hardware-accelerated ray tracing.</p><h2 id="who-is-moonray-really-for-2">Who is MoonRay really for?</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1152px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="JErCxBcD4wJokujFL8Ynz3" name="cat.jpg" alt="MoonRay review; a cartoon flying cat" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JErCxBcD4wJokujFL8Ynz3.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1152" height="648" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">MoonRay is free to use, and delivers incredible stylised visuals as seen in DreamWorks Animation movies. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: DreamWorks Animation)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The inclusion of an initial implementation for adaptive light sampling further improves render times and increases accuracy. This technology focuses samples in areas that will deliver the best results and is a solution I first saw in V-Ray. Scattering samples around a scene is all well and good if you have infinite resources, but if you want great results quickly then a sampling technology like this is essential. This is only an initial attempt so I expect improvements to be made yet, but having it on the roadmap is a big win nevertheless.</p><p>VFX Reference Platform 2023 is probably the biggest addition because it enables the use of MoonRay directly in Nuke 15. It does this through its Hydra render delegate, HdMoonRay, which also links up with Houdini and Katana. The increasing support in various DCCs will help grow the renderer’s broader appeal.</p><p>There’s no getting away from the fact that MoonRay is going to be more attractive to established studios and those using more complex VFX workflows. It will never be as ubiquitous as renderers like V-Ray or <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/octane-render-2023-1">Octane</a>, but there’s no better alternative for those who want excellent results and a renderer that slots naturally into a VFX-heavy workflow (again, you may need to upgrade to a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/most-powerful-laptops">powerful laptop</a>). </p><p><em>This content originally appeared in 3D World magazine, the world's leading CG art magazine. </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2961&awinaffid=103504&clickref=cbq-gb-1337212827716060452&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.magazinesdirect.com%2Faz-magazines%2F6936329%2F3d-world-magazine-subscription.thtml%3Fj%3DTDW" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to 3D World at Magazines Direct</em></a><em>.</em></p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/moonray</link> <description> <![CDATA[ The 3D tools behind Kung Fu Panda 4 can now be yours. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">rqUgBSXk8wbvdUzj5cTnKC</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FKk9XZuXwQTZo2kQHL6aKZ.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 12:16:04 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[3D]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Animation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VFX]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CGI]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Filmmaking]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Film]]></category> <category><![CDATA[entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[computer graphics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rendering]]></category> <category><![CDATA[magcontent]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ paulo.n.hatton@gmail.com (Paul Hatton) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FKk9XZuXwQTZo2kQHL6aKZ.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[DreamWorks Animation]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[MoonRay review; a cartoon panda]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[MoonRay review; a cartoon panda]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ How generative AI is influencing the creator economy ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>For many creatives, AI has evolved from a fear striking buzzword to steadfast companion. It’s now a tool that is seamlessly and regularly applied to the whole of the creative process: from ideation, through strategy and production, to execution. </p><p>Creators got there even faster than we did. As a sector with high levels of content output, and young tech savvy audiences, the creator economy has been leading <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-ai-art-generators">generative AI</a> adoption. Its ability to streamline production and enhance outputs makes it a necessity for industry professionals — if you aren’t using it, your competitors are. And they’re gaining valuable learnings from it to steal a march.</p><p>This is certainly born out in the results of our own independent research of over 6,000 creators, consumers and marketers across the US and UK. Almost every creator (91%) is now regularly using generative AI for content creation. Meanwhile, a similar proportion of marketers have now commissioned creator content designed using various AI technology.</p><p>It’s clear AI isn’t a trend, it's the new norm — and its influence on the creator economy is only going to grow from here.</p><h2 id="how-is-generative-ai-influencing-the-creator-economy-now-2">How is generative AI influencing the creator economy now?</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.30%;"><img id="53ymWfDZqaVoWmvcaGmKT5" name="GettyImages-1609437924.jpg" alt="An image of a brain among computer circuitry" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/53ymWfDZqaVoWmvcaGmKT5.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="563" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Jonathan Kitchen via Getty Images)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The disruptive influence of generative AI is overwhelmingly embraced as a positive. Three quarters of marketers (75%) and two thirds of creators (69%) agree. And, although there was a drop off in consensus among consumers, the findings nevertheless reveal that there are twice as many who agree (34%) than disagree (18%).</p><p>The encouraging signs are prompted by a belief that generative AI will deliver more diverse and better creative assets, with 35% of consumers agreeing and only 19% disagreeing. This is translating into real world impact. Four in five creators now say they are experiencing more favourable engagement from audiences on their content designed using generative AI than their traditional content.</p><p>Our own exploration of this has confirmed creators’ convictions. Across three generative AI creator campaigns, we recorded consumer engagement between two to five times higher than the benchmark.</p><h2 id="what-x2019-s-driving-the-net-positive-response-2">What’s driving the net positive response?</h2><p>The disruptive influence of generative AI is overwhelmingly embraced as a positive. Three quarters of marketers (75%) and two thirds of creators (69%) agree. And, although there was a drop off in consensus among consumers, the findings nevertheless reveal that there are twice as many who agree (34%) than disagree (18%).</p><p>The encouraging signs are prompted by a belief that generative AI will deliver more diverse and better creative assets, with 35% of consumers agreeing and only 19% disagreeing. This is translating into real world impact. Four in five creators now say they are experiencing more favourable engagement from audiences on their content designed using generative AI than their traditional content.</p><p>Our own exploration of this has confirmed creators’ convictions. Across three generative AI creator campaigns, we recorded consumer engagement between two to five times higher than the benchmark.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1900px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:45.84%;"><img id="2F3zbAq9baHJmRy4JKTfNm" name="1714940871.jpg" alt="An AI-generated image of a person between abstract shapes" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2F3zbAq9baHJmRy4JKTfNm.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1900" height="871" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Billion Dollar Boy)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Generative AI content cuts through cluttered feeds, delivering content that pushes beyond the limits of a tangible, human world. With limitless outputs, its potential for creativity is as vast as it is diverse. </p><p>It’s helping brands and creators combat a growing issue of creator fatigue. Brands need more assets as trend cycles shorten and consumers spend more time online. Creators and agencies skilled in AI can help brands scale their efforts without having to increase brand investment or creator workload substantially.</p><p>Generative AI’s ability to convey the intangible beyond the realms of the human world also enables brands to express their identities in new ways that traditional creator content can’t. In particular, we’ve found the technology can showcase the breadth of a brand outside of its literal features and services, which is an especially useful characteristic for brands whose products are intangible or conceptual — such as fragrances. </p><p>Some may argue that the success that we’ve seen is simply a symptom of generative AI’s ‘newness’. However, there are reassuring indications that the technology can deliver sustainable high performance over the much longer term. Not least because the tools are constantly improving, but also because new tools are constantly being developed and adoption rates are increasing.</p><p>Across all of the tools we surveyed creators on, most were using at least one, and many were using several. Perhaps unsurprisingly, tools like Chat GPT (46%) and Google AI (39%) were the most popular - presumably for creative inspiration and streamlining mundane processes like script and caption writing.</p><p>More interestingly though are the one in three creators using Photoshop’s <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/adobe-firefly-ai-for-photoshop">Generative Fill</a> (33%) and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/ai-video-adobe-premiere-pro">Adobe Premiere Pro</a> (31%), and the one in five using Dall-E (21%), MidJourney (20%), Descript (20%) and Runway ML (18%). These are the creators who are really moving the dial on creativity, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with the technology and exploring new iterations of their creative vision.</p><p>The quality and diversity of creative assets is thriving, but equally important, generative AI is creating a highly accessible entry point into content creation. It’s blowing open doors that might have been firmly shut for many aspiring creators — especially those who are camera shy — to enter the market, and gain influence.</p><p>There is a new generation of content creators who are just starting to make waves, and we anticipate they’ll only grow from here.</p><h2 id="what-x2019-s-the-catch-2">What’s the catch?</h2><p>Although consumers are more likely to agree that generative AI will improve the quality and diversity of creator assets than don't, consumers share an even stronger conviction that generative AI will increase the number of creators and the amount of content produced, revealing concerns that the technology could flood the market.</p><p>The market needs to be wary of over-indexing on quantity over quality. There is clear skepticism that the technology could open the floodgates to more creators producing greater volumes of content at ever faster rates.</p><p>While creators also recognise this as a benefit - with 82% agreeing that generative AI will accelerate content creation processes and 79% believing it will alleviate their workload - they must be cautious of not over-saturating the market with generative AI content or producing sub-standard work in the name of ‘innovation’.</p><h2 id="how-generative-ai-will-shake-up-the-future-creator-economy-2">How generative AI will shake up the future creator economy</h2><p>Our experience dictates, however, that these perceived limitations around generative AI is a reflection of how the tools are used rather than their inherent constraints. In short, now that we’re emerging from the early adoption phase, expectations are higher for generative AI creator content and that means that creators and brands must be smart with how they use the technology. Simply plugging in rudimentary prompts yields dull outputs. A more nuanced approach is needed to drive the technology to generate vibrant content.</p><p>We see that when it is used strategically and intentionally - and not simply for the sake of being on trend - then it delivers great results and can contribute to a more diverse, inclusive and equitable creator economy, with 65% of markers willing to pay more for skilled creator content designed using generative AI.</p><p>If creators can deliver on this promise, there are rewarding outcomes and a vibrant future for the sector. Almost three in four (70%) marketers plan to increase marketing spend on creator content using generative AI in the next 12 months, with 65% planning on diverting budget away from other marketing channels.</p><p>It’s an exciting time for the technology and the industry. More investment will only accelerate the improvement in the quality and diversity of the creative output, with consumers benefiting too.</p><p>It means the dynamic has now shifted from who can do it first, to who can do it best. Leader brands will be those that invest in refining their generative AI content,ensuring it aligns with brand identity, resonates with their audience and adds genuine value to consumers.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/features/how-generative-ai-is-influencing-the-creator-economy</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Senior creative Meghan McKenna says generative AI's influence is only going to grow. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">2Zn9DMYRqD8i7GxvYVKrM8</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/53ymWfDZqaVoWmvcaGmKT5.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 10:00:39 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Digital Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[graphic design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tech]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/53ymWfDZqaVoWmvcaGmKT5.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Jonathan Kitchen via Getty Images]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[An image of a brain among computer circuitry]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[An image of a brain among computer circuitry]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Confusing Super Mario optical illusion just keeps giving ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Super Mario is the subject of an optical illusion that's been baffling the internet for years now. Shared on Reddit, the image is of Mario running *on* a staircase, but the question is: is he running up, or down? </p><p>With the angle of the stairs ambiguous, the Nintendo star could be running either way from this still image, which has caused untold debate. But luckily, since this picture is originally from an episode of Super Mario Bros Super Show, there's an easy way to find out – and we've shared below. But first, check out the illusion for yourself and see what you think (then head to our list of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/optical-illusions">best optical illusions</a> ever).</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1528px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.28%;"><img id="hWhKQZBxhfeLZRC3EQikX5" name="super-mario.jpg" alt="Super Mario running on stairs" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hWhKQZBxhfeLZRC3EQikX5.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1528" height="860" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Saban Productions, DIC Enterprises, Nintendo of America, Sei Young Animation)</span></figcaption></figure><p>"He is going up look at his left foot it gives it away," one Reddit user points out. But it's not so simple according to another, who applies a more complex theory:<br><br>"I get what people are saying with it looking up from the feet but I remember as a kid visiting castles that staircases were only ever one way to prevent right handed (attacking) swordsman coming up the stairs from being able to get a full swing off...so by that logic he should be going down....". </p><p>A stellar point. And another great question comes up, "Who builds stairs with the steps angled 45 degrees from horizontal?" someone asks. Well, Bowser, of course.</p><p>The episode (Mario and Joilet, episode 23, from 1999) is below – scroll to 13:33 to find out conclusively. </p><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kva9GdnfGnY" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>If you're into video game character-related illusions, you'll love the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-logo-optical-illusion">Sonic X logo, which contains a great one</a>.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/optical-illusion-super-mario</link> <description> <![CDATA[ A retro video reveals the truth. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">idFLq7NGK9mC78VhNAjNPb</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hWhKQZBxhfeLZRC3EQikX5.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 08:22:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[optical illusion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Video games]]></category> <category><![CDATA[latest ]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ georgia.coggan@futurenet.com (Georgia Coggan) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hWhKQZBxhfeLZRC3EQikX5.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Saban Productions, DIC Enterprises, Nintendo of America, Sei Young Animation]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Super Mario running on stairs]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Super Mario running on stairs]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ YouTube appears to reverse controversial UI redesign after backlash ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Testing is crucial in UI design, but ideally not on a live product using a massive cohort of users. It's not clear exactly what YouTube has been doing in recent weeks and whether the UI redesign seen by some users was intended to be permanent or was just a large scale test, but it seems the platform may have decided against implementing the change following a not inconsiderable backlash.</p><p>The streaming channel seems to have reverted back to its previous UI for those users in the US and elsewhere who had been seeing a revamped look that made video recommendations much more visible. However, YouTube is always tweaking design (just see our piece on the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/youtube-logo-history">YouTube logo history</a>), so this may not be the end of it.</p><div class="see-more see-more--clipped"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet hawk-ignore" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">new youtube UI with the suggestions at the bottom is so cluttered pic.twitter.com/okEkHA2HwT<a href="https://twitter.com/ananayarora/status/1778016986490118184">April 10, 2024</a></p></blockquote><div class="see-more__filter"></div><div class="see-more__button-container"><span class="see-more__button" role="button" tabindex="0" aria-label="See more">See more</span></div></div><p>The redesigned UI plonked video recommendations and the Shorts shelf right under the video player where the video details and comments normally appear. These were relegated to a smaller space in sidebar.</p><p>Of course, a backlash on Reddit and X is not necessarily a sign that you should ditch a new UI design. First reactions can be unreliable as there will always be a certain amount of resistance to a change merely because it feels unfamiliar initially. But the reaction against the YouTube redesign was fairly unanimous, with users expressing serious doubts about the practicality of the overly cluttered interface. </p><p>It seems that YouTube has now rowed back: at least most people seem to now be seeing the traditional layout. However, some report still seeing the trial UI. The intention was presumably to make video recommendations more prominent, making it even more tempting to get sucked down a YouTube rabbit hole. Presumably, if YouTube's tweaking things it things the current UI isn't doing that as well as it could, so hat objective is still there, so there's a chance we might see more tweaks coming our way.</p><p>Meanwhile, YouTube's owner, Google, is the latest company to be <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/artists-sue-google-imagen-ai-image-generator">sued by artists</a> over its AI image generator.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/youtube-ui-change</link> <description> <![CDATA[ I can see why. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">TaRh9DUGjXTCdkWC2xrv9V</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bkRU2hSYbPuGkjvyrQNCLi.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 07:45:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[graphic design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[UI]]></category> <category><![CDATA[UX]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[youtube]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ joe.foley@futurenet.com (Joe Foley) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bkRU2hSYbPuGkjvyrQNCLi.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Joe Foley]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[YouTube logo in a web browser]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[YouTube logo in a web browser]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ It sounds like Apple's Safari 18 will all be about AI ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Google, Samsung and Microsoft have been shouting about AI so much it sometimes seems that every major new tool or design change is an excuse to throw this buzz term about. Now it seems Apple's going to join the party. </p><p>According the latest rumours, Apple's testing a redesigned version of its web browser that will be named Safari 18. It's said to feature an AI-powered tool that Apple's calling Intelligent Search as well as some UI tweaks (for more UI design news, see the controversy around the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/youtube-ui-change">YouTube redesign</a>).</p><div class="see-more see-more--clipped"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet hawk-ignore" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Exclusive: Apple is testing a version of Safari that includes UI tweaks, advanced content blocking features and a new AI-powered tool dubbed Intelligent Search, AppleInsider has learned. https://t.co/MLd3ETo17T<a href="https://twitter.com/appleinsider/status/1785299748561260567">April 30, 2024</a></p></blockquote><div class="see-more__filter"></div><div class="see-more__button-container"><span class="see-more__button" role="button" tabindex="0" aria-label="See more">See more</span></div></div><p>News of the testing was apparently leaked to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/04/30/apple-to-unveil-ai-enabled-safari-browser-alongside-new-operating-systems" target="_blank">AppleInsider</a>, which is often on the ball on such things. It reports that Safari 18 is expected to launch later in the year alongside iOS 18 and macOS 15. It seems that Intelligent Search will be the headline AI-driven feature. The tool will identify topics and key phrases on a web page to summarise the contents. Apple's own large language model (LLM) will reportedly pick out phrases that give explanations or describe the structure of objects and repeated words and key sentences will be recognized as topics.</p><p>So far, so ChatGPT. The difference is that this will be on-device, which some Apple fans note should make it more secure. Meanwhile, other new tools reportedly coming to Safari 18 reportedly include a sophisticated-sounding adblocker-like tool called Web Eraser, which would allow users to remove elements on web pages, such as banner ads, images or whole page sections, with Safari remembering the changes and applying them in subsequent sessions too, with users to be given an option to revert restore the webpage to its original state.</p><p>Some say this sounds like it could be useful, but it would be even more wonderful if this could also detect and block AI-generated text. Alas, there's no suggestion that this is on the cards. The purported tool is also being criticised as hypocritical by some as it will see Apple allowing users to block ads on websites while it sells ads in Apple News.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1248px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="btifdKwbZUo3ihN5xA7mZH" name="1714937174.jpg" alt="Apple Safari UI on an iPad" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/btifdKwbZUo3ihN5xA7mZH.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1248" height="702" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple)</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's also claimed that Safari 18 will have some UI tweaks, including a new menu pulling together a range of page controls. This will include the new tools mentioned above but also bring in controls already available but spread through the UI like zoom options, privacy controls, reader mode and extension shortcuts. Finally, it's rumoured that next year Apple will introduce a more powerful visual search feature to provide "information on consumer products", along the lines of the Visual Lookup feature for Siri.</p><p>As always we should note that these are rumours based on purported leaks, and even if they are being tested, there's no guarantee they'll all reach the next UI update. That said, they sound very plausible, and we've already seen Apple starting to take up its rivals' frequent use of AI in marketing materials with the launch of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/apple-macbook-air-m3-2024">latest MacBook Airs</a>. They have the same chip as the M3 MacBook Pro from last year, but the chip's now suddenly being billed as great for AI (see the best deals on the laptop below).</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/apple-safari-ui-redesign</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Users have mixed opinions. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">nPPczemBFycUB8QnSkSc47</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/j8eWnUvGqF3KzPEnEwehag.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 06:00:56 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[UI]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[UX]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Apple]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Safari]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ joe.foley@futurenet.com (Joe Foley) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/j8eWnUvGqF3KzPEnEwehag.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Mariia Shalabaieva via Unsplash]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Apple Safari logo on a blue background]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Apple Safari logo on a blue background]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ First Impressions: Ukrainian artist Iryna Khymych on combining art and literature ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Ukrainian-born artist Iryna Khymych works as a freelance illustrator. Now living in New York, she is passionate about combining art and literature when painting strong characters and all things glowing. </p><p>If you're inspired by Iryna's ethereal artwork, check our guides to the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-drawing-tablet">best drawing tablets</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-laptop-for-drawing">best laptops for drawing</a>. You can also take a look at our collection of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/digital-art/art-on-the-ipad-1232669">best drawing apps for iPad</a> to bring your ideas to life. </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1674px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:127.54%;"><img id="eoc4nJM4W9fz8yQrrJ2EA3" name="UNI240.trad_first.Anna_Dreaming.jpg" alt="Iryna Khymych art" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eoc4nJM4W9fz8yQrrJ2EA3.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1674" height="2135" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text"><strong>Anna Dreaming: </strong>My inspiration for this piece, created in oils on board, came from Monet’s Haystacks series. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Iryna Khymych)</span></figcaption></figure><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>Where did you grow up and how has this influenced your art?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>Until I was 14 years old I grew up in a small town in western Ukraine called Irshava. I’ve been creating art since second grade and have always been fascinated with the human figure and portraiture. I remember art teachers telling me that I needed to know how to draw and paint other things besides people.</p><p>However, my real love of fantasy art wasn’t born until I watched The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in 2002 and discovered Donato Giancola’s work. It was there and then that I knew what I wanted to paint for the rest of my life: fantasy art. </p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>What, outside of art, has most influenced your work throughout the years?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>Nature and architecture. I bring my camera with me everywhere I go and have thousands of pictures that I’ve photographed of beautiful skies, incredible golden-hour lighting, moss, the shadow between two marble walls, water fountains and leaves. I try to look at the world with the wonder of a child and get inspired by the smallest of things.</p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>Is there a painting that you saw in your formative years that changed everything? What was it?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>Oh my gosh, yes! It was Donato Giancola’s Elegy for Darkness: The Lady Shalott. I was breathless when I saw this glowing white figure being carried by these men and a knight holding her feet; it’s just so exquisite! To this day it remains one of my favourite pieces of his and it was the painting where my love of all things glowing came from.</p></article></section><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:768px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:133.20%;"><img id="SoAYcDTdDtDcw3XZzUz227" name="UNI240.trad_first.Finished_Small.jpg" alt="Iryna Khymych art" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SoAYcDTdDtDcw3XZzUz227.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="768" height="1023" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text"><strong>Tessa in Spring: </strong>The awakening of nature andits fleetingness was the subject for this oil on paper piece. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Iryna Khymych)</span></figcaption></figure><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>Is making a living as an artist all you thought it would be?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>Everything and more! Every day I get up and I get to do what I love. How could this life not be the best? </p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>How has the art industry changed for the better since you’ve been working in it?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>You know, it’s really hard right now to see the good in the art industry with the rise of AI art. It seems like we, the artists, have to always fight and prove that our skills are worthy of being paid for.</p><p>That being said, I do love the fact that today you have so many resources if you want to become an artist. You have instructional videos, SmArt School, Schoolism and New Masters Academy just to name just a few. This has made becoming an artist much more accessible, and just browsing on Instagram today I’m amazed by these teens who draw or paint way better than me when I was their age.</p></article></section><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:789px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:133.08%;"><img id="QGPwdhP7jUQLKykLsnpmPB" name="UNI240.trad_first.Vin_Final_Retouched_Small.jpg" alt="Iryna Khymych art" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QGPwdhP7jUQLKykLsnpmPB.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="789" height="1050" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text"><strong>Vin: </strong>My take on Vin, the lead character from Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy Mistborn trilogy. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Iryna Khymych)</span></figcaption></figure><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>What advice would you give to your younger self to help you along the way?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>Be patient and practise a lot. I tell this to people who reach out to me for advice all the time. You may not see the improvement, but I promise you that if you practise and are consistent with it, it will pay off.</p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>Tell us about your first paid commission, does it stand as a representation of your talent?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>My first commission was actually with Tor Publishing and it was for their promotion of V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue, which is a book that I loved. It was absolutely perfect for me, because it combined my passions for both reading and painting. On top of that, it was such an honour to be included in a project with one of the best authors out there.</p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>What’s the last piece you finished and how do the two differ?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>The last piece I finished is actually for a group art show with the<br>WOW x WOW Gallery called Anna Dreaming and, honestly, looking at Addie and Anna, I’ve come such a long way. Sometimes it’s hard to see progress, but then questions like this make you look and evaluate your past work and compare the two, and you can’t help but see how you have grown.</p><p>I highly recommend this exercise for artists who think they aren’t improving. My edges, my values and my handling of the medium have significantly improved. Thank you to my mentor Howard Lyon!</p></article></section><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1603px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:131.00%;"><img id="3uKsGDXTrXZAgPmZSquFSJ" name="UNI240.trad_first.Eos_Small.jpg" alt="Iryna Khymych art" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3uKsGDXTrXZAgPmZSquFSJ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1603" height="2100" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text"><strong>Dawn:</strong> I feel a real connection to this piece. It’s a depiction of Eos, the Greek goddess of the dawn. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Iryna Khymych)</span></figcaption></figure><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>What character or scene that you’ve painted do you most identify with?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>I would say Dawn. I love painting Greek goddesses and this one just spoke to my soul. After all, without dawn things wouldn’t glow!</p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>What’s your next step in either art or life?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>I’d like to concentrate on loosening up my brushwork, on more value control, and on creating a better narrative in my pieces. That’s easier said than done! But I have no doubt that with the help of my mentor, Howard, I’ll be able to achieve all of my goals.</p></article></section><p>To discover more of Iryna’s artwork, head to her <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.irynakhymych.com/" target="_blank">website</a> or follow her <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.instagram.com/irynakhymychart/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. </p><p><em>This content originally appeared in ImagineFX magazine, the world's leading digital art and fantasy art magazine. ImagineFX is on sale in the UK, Europe, United States, Canada, Australia and more. Limited numbers of ImagineFX print editions are available for delivery from our </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2961&awinaffid=103504&clickref=cbq-gb-1073672146184646582&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.magazinesdirect.com%2Faz-single-issues%2F6937004%2Fimaginefx-magazine-single-issue.thtml" target="_blank"><em>online store</em></a><em> (the shipping costs are included in all prices).</em></p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/features/first-impressions-iryna-khymych</link> <description> <![CDATA[ The artist talks fantasy inspirations and industry life ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">vi9xmp8aYbg6tKJeCNVZnn</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/X9PYxh87QEe2Y5YhU9xwYV.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 20:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[magcontent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Traditional Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Illustration]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ mail@imaginefx.com (ImagineFX staff) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/X9PYxh87QEe2Y5YhU9xwYV.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Iryna Khymych]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Iryna Khymych art]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Iryna Khymych art]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Photo AI 3 review: denoising and upscaling that delivers unbelievable results ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">Photo AI 3 details</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text"><strong>Price </strong>$100 / £100<strong><br>Company </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.topazlabs.com/topaz-photo-ai" target="_blank">Topaz Labs</a><strong><br>OS</strong> Windows 10 or 11, macOS Big Sur 11 and higher<br><strong>Processor</strong> Intel OR AMD, with AVX instructions, released after 2013<br><strong>Memory</strong> 16 GB RAM<br><strong>Graphics card</strong> NVIDIA GTX 980 Ti or higher, AMD Radeon 570 or higher, Intel UHD 600 Graphics or higher</p></div></div><p>Ai tools are seeping into every area of life. Each new software release seems to have a new AI element to it and graphics cards are being specifically designed and manufactured to facilitate the growth. Alongside software that contains AI features, there are also software that are 100% driven by AI and one of these is Photo AI 3. AI is in the name so you’d expect that to be the case. It's also an app that has been optimised for <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/nvidia-rtx-4080-super">Nvidia RTX</a>, which signals growing support and another reason to upgrade to an <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-nvidia-graphics-card">Nvidia graphics card</a>.</p><p>I’m no stranger to AI in software. In recent months, I’ve had the privilege of testing <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/luminar-neo">Luminar Neo</a> and have witnessed some amazing generative tools for adapting images. Those who are familiar with the latest AI features in <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/tag/photoshop">Photoshop</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/everything-you-need-to-know-about-adobe-firefly">Adobe Firefly</a> will know what I’m talking about. I’ve also used <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/sogni-ai">Sogni AI</a>, an image generator that similarly has its competitors, including DALL·E 3 and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/midjourney-website-ai-image-generator">Midjourney</a>.</p><p>Photo AI 3 is one of those dream tools that every photographer would love to have in their app dock but the price tag could put some off. All of the features, including noise reduction, sharpening, and upscaling, are available in <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/lightroom">Lightroom</a>, so many won’t feel the extra payment is necessary. Below I dive in and see if Photo AI 3’s features are worth the money.</p><h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-photo-ai-3-0-review-denoiser-ai"><span>Photo AI 3.0 review: denoiser AI</span></h3><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3024px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.94%;"><img id="N68uAwLcgkdsvNxK3oGMtJ" name="Photo AI 3_6.png" alt="Photo AI 3" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/N68uAwLcgkdsvNxK3oGMtJ.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3024" height="1722" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future, Nice M Nshuti)</span></figcaption></figure><p>One of the biggest features of Photo AI is the denoise tool. I use Lightroom’s noise removal functionality a lot, so I thought this was just going to be a replica but boy was I wrong. This denoiser is next level and there wasn’t a single photo that was beyond Photo AI’s ability to clean up.</p><p>With three different AI models, Normal, Strong, and Extreme, there is a denoise model for all types of noisy images. The most extreme model warns that fine details might be lost and this was definitely something that I experienced. I thought it would make sense just to set it to Extreme for every image but this actually led to a lot of unexpected degradation in the images. Choosing the right model for the level of noise proved to be absolutely paramount.</p><p>Aside from the model you choose, it is also possible to adjust some other parameters, starting with Strength. This dictates the amount of noise that is removed. As with all the parameters, adjusting them is a case of making small, incremental changes to see how they affect the image. </p><p>The Minor Deblur and Original Detail settings attempt to introduce detail back into the image that might have been lost during the denoising process. These perform adequately enough, although I generally found that the default settings gave me almost perfect results most of the time.</p><p>Photo AI 3’s denoiser is a great feature that is able to salvage photos from unattractive noise. This will be particularly helpful for photographers who work a lot in low light or for those wanting to restore and improve old photographs that have high noise levels.</p><h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-photo-ai-3-0-review-sharpening-tools"><span>Photo AI 3.0 review: sharpening tools</span></h3><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3024px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.94%;"><img id="pKs37Wydzqrj45xj4rHSJQ" name="Photo AI 3_3.png" alt="Photo AI 3" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pKs37Wydzqrj45xj4rHSJQ.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3024" height="1722" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future, Lauren Pelesky)</span></figcaption></figure><p>After removing the noise from your photo, it’s time to add other enhancements and the next one on the list is the sharpening tool. This behaves differently from traditional sharpening techniques by naturally reversing the actual causes of the blurriness. This involves identifying the root cause, such as camera shake, missed focus, or motion blur, and then almost reverse engineering the image, but with those causes not contributing to the result.</p><p>I have to say that I had less impressive results in this area than I did with the denoiser. That is in part due to how incredible the denoiser is and maybe I was expecting the same magic to be performed.</p><p>I tried the sharpen enhancement on a number of different images and if they weren’t too affected by these issues, then it was okay but as soon as I moved onto more challenging images, the problems started occurring. I picked images that suffered from all the different possible root causes of blurriness and on all of them, I couldn’t get Photo AI to satisfactorily sort the problems out. I do hope this is a significant area for improvement in future releases.</p><h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-photo-ai-3-0-review-upscaling-features"><span>Photo AI 3.0 review: upscaling features</span></h3><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3024px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.75%;"><img id="MrZjL2AwpS6CBeMy888C6j" name="Photo AI 3_4.png" alt="Photo AI 3" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MrZjL2AwpS6CBeMy888C6j.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3024" height="1716" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future, Nice M Nshuti)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Getting back on more positive ground, the upscale tool is as impressive as the denoiser. It is with features like this that I think AI really comes into its own. Being able to convert dated images into super high res images for printing is a big win as far as I’m concerned, as is rescuing and reprinting old family photos. </p><p>Photo AI 3 is trained on millions of different images and is therefore able to intelligently add pixels where they’re needed. It is possible to set the upscale pixels as well as choose from a selection of different models to get the best results.</p><p>I tried upscaling a number of photos and found that the necessary detail was retained in all of them. You can therefore use this application confidently, knowing that it’ll be able to upscale most images that you throw at it.</p><p>I did find that I was regularly running out of memory when using the application. This wasn’t necessarily a big problem but it did mean that I couldn’t do much else at the same time as using it and if I pushed it too hard for too long, then I had to resort to restarting the application.</p><h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-should-i-get-photo-ai-3-0"><span>Should I get Photo AI 3.0?</span></h3><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3024px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.75%;"><img id="4ZAqi4CCTY8me73xKgLws3" name="Photo AI 3_5.png" alt="Photo AI 3" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4ZAqi4CCTY8me73xKgLws3.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3024" height="1716" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future, Nice M Nshuti)</span></figcaption></figure><p>I really like Photo AI 3. It’s got a super simple interface that makes working with it an absolute joy. The minimal number of parameters are all easy to use and include their own tooltips with clear explanations. The fact that it works on both Mac and PC, as well as shipping with a batch processor, makes it perfect for slipping into most people’s workflows. If you find yourself removing noise and upscaling images on a regular basis, then there's no better tool out there at the moment.</p><p>The built-in denoiser and upscaler tools are the stars of the show, with Photo AI 3 able to deliver incredible results on both fronts. The sharpening tools left a lot to be desired and I hope there's significant improvement on this in future versions. The £199 price tag will put a lot of people off but for what it offers, and what it can do, the value is unrivalled.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/photo-ai-3</link> <description> <![CDATA[ With an intuitive interface and amazing AI powered tools, Photo AI 3 will be very popular. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">rHjKAkEXSLwjfgdWUkKHKZ</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MPSDsxYDKE36FZDWn8bEGA.png" type="image/png" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 15:05:05 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[photo editing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai tools]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Graphic Design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Digital Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[3D]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Photography]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Review]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ paulo.n.hatton@gmail.com (Paul Hatton) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/png" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MPSDsxYDKE36FZDWn8bEGA.png"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Future, Hans Isaacson]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Photo AI 3.0 review; pixelated images cleaned up in an AI app]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Photo AI 3.0 review; pixelated images cleaned up in an AI app]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ "There's no substitute for hard work”: Warhammer’s Thomas Elliott on how to kickstart your art career ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Breaking into the industry can be a tricky time in any young artist's career – once you've honed your skills, there's no official guide to success. As part of our 'Kickstart your art career' series, I sat down with sci-fi and fantasy artist Thomas Elliott to find out how he got his big break. </p><p>Beginning his career as a Warhammer artist for Games Workshop, Thomas forged an impressive portfolio, eventually migrating to become art director at Arch Villain Games. Currently working as a freelance illustrator, his artwork has a Lovecraftian influence, combining his fine art painting skills with an immersive imagination. </p><p>If you're just getting started in the art world, check out our guides to the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-drawing-tablet">best drawing tablets</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-laptop-for-drawing">best laptops for drawing</a> to keep your kit up to date. For some handy tips, take a look at our <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/procreate-tutorials-hub">Procreate tutorials</a> to help hone your skills. </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:7991px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:78.15%;"><img id="sJP5nCYfukeoSHPEuVaqz4" name="Agori Warsuit Final Full res Thomas Elliott.jpg" alt="Thomas Elliott art" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sJP5nCYfukeoSHPEuVaqz4.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="7991" height="6245" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Thomas Elliott)</span></figcaption></figure><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>What inspired you to become an artist?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>I grew up on a steady diet of classic sci-fi films. I loved the original Star Wars films – Flash Gordon was a huge influence. I just really loved the world-building and the imagination, so it primed me for a career in sci-fi. </p><p>From there, I went on to discover Warhammer at the age of 11 or so – art is a huge part of the Warhammer franchise. You have all these fictional armies and fictional races and they're all beautifully illustrated in these books. At about the age of 12, I thought "All I want to do when I grow up is work for Games Workshop."</p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>How did you turn that childhood passion into a career?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>I was very inspired by the arts, but the funny thing was, I studied the wrong degree. Rather than studying illustration – or something a bit more appropriate – I ended up studying fine art. When picking my higher education choices as a 19-year-old, I didn't differentiate between the disciplines. If it had art in the name, it was the same. </p><p>I spent four years doing fine art, but I was doing art about sci-fi for people who didn't care about sci-fi art. After graduating, I decided that I'd rather make sci-fi art for the people who wanted to consume it, so I spent about six years retraining myself. </p><p>I'd picked up some technical skills at art school. I'm able to do life drawing and I've got great observational skills. But drawing from my head and more complex picture construction – which is necessary for the sort of art that Warhammer needs – I didn't have those skills. So I spent a couple of years consuming any media that would help, like online videos and tutorials, each focusing on a different thing to help retrain myself.</p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>Do you think your fine art degree helped with your career? </h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>Absolutely. My art school was quite classical so they valued technical skills. Even though it wasn't strictly what I would have been doing if I wanted to make a beeline for this kind of career, it all overlaps. There's never a time when being able to draw anatomy isn't relevant. I was picking up transferable skills where I could.</p><p>I think there are a lot of people who are in a rush to leave university and go straight to their dream job. There's no shame in taking a few years out to develop your portfolio and deepen your skills. Looking back on it, I did rush. I was picking up a lot of freelance work that I hated, for clients that I hated, just because I felt like it was what I should be doing. </p></article></section><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:4713px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:132.51%;"><img id="wgjcHVwhCbgrimqUoW6V5U" name="Commander Frankon Full Res Thomas Elliott.jpg" alt="Thomas Elliott art" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wgjcHVwhCbgrimqUoW6V5U.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="4713" height="6245" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Thomas Elliott)</span></figcaption></figure><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>What's the best piece of advice you've received during your career? </h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>There's no substitute for hard work. It doesn't matter if you're a concept artist or an illustrator, whatever, putting in the man hours, and being the best artist you can be is the way forward. </p><p>If there's a room with 100 people in it, and you've got the best portfolio, you will get the work. Making sure you're that one person is the most important thing. Draw every day, even if it's just half an hour, just to make sure the skills are warm in your mind. </p></article></section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>How do you get over a creative block?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>I like to take a step back, slow down, and remove expectations for myself. There's nothing worse when you're having a creative block to be telling yourself that you should be doing something. It's okay to take a few days off. </p><p>When you do feel ready to come back to it, I find doing small things that you're capable of is best. It doesn't have to be your best piece, it's about making sure that you've got the pencil in your hand and you're slowly going up through the gears again. Another thing is trying out new mediums. If you feel like you're a bit stuck or a bit fed up, change it up a bit.</p></article></section><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:5391px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:123.09%;"><img id="A834Hdwpv2DUAMDbz5UyGF" name="Karl Vorbach text full res.jpg" alt="Thomas Elliott art" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A834Hdwpv2DUAMDbz5UyGF.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="5391" height="6636" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Thomas Elliott)</span></figcaption></figure><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>What's one piece of advice that you'd give to someone looking to break into the industry? </h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>It takes time. You look at all of the big names and suspiciously they're all over 40. It takes a lifetime to get to where you want to go, and everybody has to start somewhere. </p><p>No one is born with the skills that they die with. Even the most amazing artists that you look up to had a time when they were feeling frustrated and unable to draw properly – keeping sight of that is very important. It's about admiration, not comparison.</p></article></section><p><em>If you'd like to see more of Thomas' art. Check out his </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.artstation.com/thomaselliott" target="_blank"><em>ArtStation</em></a><em> or follow him on </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.instagram.com/thomas.elliott.art" target="_blank"><em>Instagram</em></a><em>. </em></p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/features/kickstart-your-art-career-thomas-elliott</link> <description> <![CDATA[ The sci-fi and fantasy artist shares the importance of taking your time. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">GYmQ2EwLjiBQNGzktsdBPH</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YupEyHuh4aW2sQUHVQ2Fkj.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Interview]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Digital Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Traditional Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Career]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Illustration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inspiration]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YupEyHuh4aW2sQUHVQ2Fkj.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Thomas Elliott]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Thomas Elliott art]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Thomas Elliott art]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Absolut vodka's attempt to fix AI is kind of weird ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>One of the many controversial aspects of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-ai-art-generators">AI image generation</a> is bias. Big text-to-image models were trained on millions of images taken from the internet, a large proportion of which presumably reflect a very limited view of human beauty. The result is that generative AI tends to reproduce a lack of diversity in body types and skin colours. </p><p><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/google-gemini">Google's attempt to correct this</a> in Gemini led to a Asian Nazi-filled disaster, but some are persevering, including Absolut (yes, the vodka brand). So, it's following <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/dove-ai">Dove's lead</a> by pledging never to use AI-generated images of people, right? Er, no. Quite the opposite. It think "AI is here to stay" and that it can help fix it by producing more diverse 'AI-generated fashion images' that it wants to spread all over the internet so they influence future AI models... or something.</p><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AYTp-o2eo4w" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>Absolut's campaign is a collaboration with <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.thecopylaboratory.com/" target="_blank">Copy Lab</a>, a studio that offers AI visuals for brands and that claims to run the 'world's first AI fashion magazine'. According to the press release, they "pushed an AI algorithm across multiple models to craft a series of bold fashion images that juxtapose the outdated and damaging stereotypes perpetuated by society." </p><p>Basically, they processed 10,000 image prompts to generate images showing a diverse range of body shapes, complexions and skin tones. Some will feature in the second edition of Copy Lab's magazine, and they've also been uploaded to the stock image site <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://unsplash.com/@absolut" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Unsplash</a>. Absolut says the campaign has the potential to "engage a global audience, thereby increasing and expanding the AI algorithms’ learning of diversity within fashion, fostering a more inclusive future." </p><p>Well... OK. But even if the likes of Midjourney or OpenAI do loot the web again in the future, at the risk of incorporating a load of AI images with five-fingered humans into their training data, and even if 10,000 prompts can make the smallest of dents, did these images need to be AI-generated? Dove's photography of real people is just as likely to get hoovered up without introducing an element of AI incest into the equation.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:6000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="g5XzLXbB68vEw6vVDDdVH8" name="absolut-mjFc946CPXY-unsplash.jpg" alt="An AI-generated fashion image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/g5XzLXbB68vEw6vVDDdVH8.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="6000" height="3375" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">An AI-generated image from the Absolut collection </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Absolut / Copy Lab / AI-generated)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Absolut does recognise that it can't solve the issue alone, and it says it's also aiming more generally to encourage others use more diverse AI images. That's kind of loable, perhaps, but I can't help feeling that it's a bit of a misstep for the brand. </p><p>It's framing the project as part of its long line of socially conscious campaigns. Absolut was quick to tap into the potential of the LGBT market back in the early 1980s, and it's since run campaigns highlighting issues ranging from sexual consent to voting to sustainability.</p><p>"For over forty years, Absolut has advocated for inclusivity, fluidity, and diverse representation," Debasree Dasgupta, Global VP Marketing at Absolut said. “Our brand ethos is rooted in the concept of mixing—mixing ideas, identities, people, perspectives, and drinks. Given this foundation, we feel a deep responsibility to confront bias in AI head-on. By challenging these biases, we aim to contribute to the creation of a more equitable and inclusive technology that positively impacts individuals and communities on a global scale."</p><p>Perhaps there's an element of accepting the inevitable and trying to at least make it less bad, but the longest-running theme in Absolut's branding has been an emphasis on the use of natural ingredients. Promoting artificially generated images feels totally alien to that even if it does aim to correct a problem with the technology.</p><p>For more AI controversy, see the news about the the new <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/tess-ai-art-generator">'ethical AI image generator' </a>created in collaboration with artists.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/absolut-ai-campaign</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Are they sure this is on brand? ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">XecUSJzHWuqXHskBCPMHVb</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4CcjLs63p5rcakKejXBSV.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 06:00:20 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Digital Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[graphic design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Branding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Advertising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Photography]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ joe.foley@futurenet.com (Joe Foley) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4CcjLs63p5rcakKejXBSV.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Absolut / Copy Lab / AI-generated]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[An AI-generated fashion image]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[An AI-generated fashion image]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ These stunning artworks are made with recycled phone cases ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>The brand might be beloved by Gen Z, millennials and no shortage of celebrities, but CASETiFY knows it’s part of an industry that isn’t exactly famous for its sustainability credentials. Plastic phone cases. With new smartphones launching every year, the plastic cases that cover them can end up feeling somewhat disposable – but CASETiFY has found some novel uses for its recycled products.</p><p>As part of its Re/CASETiFY upcycling program, CASETiFY has launched ‘“JOURNEY TO Re/BiRTH”, a series of installations coinciding with Earth Month 2024. Taking place in New York City, Korea, China, Australia, and Thailand, these have seen artists big and small turn recycled phone cases into impressive public artworks. (If you're in need of protection, check out the best <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-iphone-14-cases">iPhone cases</a> available now.)</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:66.67%;"><img id="jmpjdLL7d9caZoiJwSTy49" name="IMG_9934.jpg" alt="CASETiFY exhibition" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jmpjdLL7d9caZoiJwSTy49.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1280" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Kim Su-rin created a 3D-printed stone pagoda </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: CASETiFY)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Creative Bloq attended the launch of the event at Seoul Arts Centre. Here, three rising South Korean artists used both cases and Re/CASETiFY pellets (“a high-performance material made from phone cases that have reached the end of their original usefulness”) to create sculptures free for public viewing.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:90.99%;"><img id="szQgPL6U7iimti82geo89A" name="IMG_9952.jpg" alt="CASETiFY exhibition" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/szQgPL6U7iimti82geo89A.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1747" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Dayoung Hwang created a sculpture inspired by the shape of a pair of seashells </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: CASETiFY)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Kang Young-min turned over 3,000 phone cases into the largest version yet of his signature chair design. Meanwhile, digital-based artist Kim Su-rin presented a 3D-printed stone pagoda mixed with Re/CASETiFY pellets as well as raw corn starch materials. Dayoung Hwang, who usually works by combining nature and imagination, created a sculpture inspired by the shape of a pair of seashells, expressing the union of people and nature.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:66.67%;"><img id="sWAx7EiF7Srosav2ETSkJ8" name="IMG_9522_00.jpg" alt="CASETiFY exhibition" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sWAx7EiF7Srosav2ETSkJ8.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1280" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">CASETiFY's recycled phone cases are turned into plastic pellets </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: CASETiFY)</span></figcaption></figure><p>But it isn’t just artworks that CASETiFY has seen its old cases transformed into. The brand has also collaborated with upcycling footwear brand Tlejourn<strong> </strong>to create a pair of sandals. And of course, the Re/CASETiFY range includes new tech cases made from recycled products.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:600px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:66.67%;"><img id="6cjL4hQ5m7h7wNxhWKRcVA" name="recasetify-th-sandal-01_orig.jpg" alt="CASETiFY exhibition" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6cjL4hQ5m7h7wNxhWKRcVA.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="600" height="400" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">The brand has also turned old phone cases into a pair of sandals </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: CASETiFY)</span></figcaption></figure><p>To date, CASETiFY has upcycled over 84,000 kg of plastic. In a press release, the brand announces that it hopes to “go one step forward and spark dialogues with communities around the world regarding sustainability,” through its Re/CASETiFY campaign. </p><p>Stay tuned for our full interview with the three artists featured in Seoul.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/casetify-art</link> <description> <![CDATA[ CASETiFY finds a creative use for its recycled products. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">nV5YQcGJ7PaVdcBNYiqGSB</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cgm4yd63Atp9crvhXGjo97.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 14:08:37 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Digital Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Accessories]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cgm4yd63Atp9crvhXGjo97.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[CASETiFY]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[CASETiFY exhibition]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[CASETiFY exhibition]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Here are the 5 best Lego Star Wars deals this May the 4th ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>It's May the 4th, which means its Star Wars Day, which in turn means big Lego Star Wars deals. Today only, there's an <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.lego.com/en-us/page/star-wars-day-deals" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">official Lego Star Wars Day event</a> offering gifts such as a Trade Federation Troop Carrier with purchases over a certain amount. Members can also claim extra points on certain purchases.</p><p>However, Amazon's also getting in on the action with direct discounts on a range of Lego Star Wars goodies, including <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Mandalorian-Collectible/dp/B0883SGWXB" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Baby Yoda reduced from <del>$89.99</del> to $61.99</a> (you'll have to be as quick as a Jedi to grab that one). See our pick of the best deals below, or head to the main <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/79D57AE1-6192-438C-B806-E5A8D255EEF6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Amazon Lego Star Wars page</a> to browse all the deals.</p><p>Looking for more ways to celebrate May the Fourth? See our pick of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-star-wars-posters">best Star Wars posters </a>of all time and the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/5-free-star-wars-fonts">best Star Wars fonts</a>.</p><h2 id="best-may-the-4th-lego-star-wars-deals-in-the-us-2">Best May the 4th Lego Star Wars deals in the US</h2><ul><li>Skip to <a href="#may-the-fourth-lego-star-wars-deals-in-the-uk">May the Fourth LEGO Star Wars deals in the UK</a></li></ul><div class="product"><a data-dimension112="3ce372db-0bfb-4012-812d-86cb2a08677a" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Mandalorian Grogu (Baby Yoda): $89.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Mandalorian Grogu (Baby Yoda): $89.99" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Mandalorian-Collectible/dp/B0883SGWXB" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1509px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:99.34%;"><img id="aYXANRLi7PhVtRMx7ViPgd" name="1714827838.jpg" caption="" alt="" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aYXANRLi7PhVtRMx7ViPgd.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1509" height="1499" attribution="" endorsement="" credit="" class=""></p></div></div></figure></a><p><strong>Lego Star Wars Mandalorian Grogu (Baby Yoda): </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Mandalorian-Collectible/dp/B0883SGWXB" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="3ce372db-0bfb-4012-812d-86cb2a08677a" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Mandalorian Grogu (Baby Yoda): $89.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Mandalorian Grogu (Baby Yoda): $89.99"><del><strong>$89.99</strong></del><strong> $61.99 at Amazon</strong></a><strong><br>Save $28: </strong>Baby Yoda looks cuter than ever in this 1,073-piece figure, which has a posable head, mouth and ears and a gearshift knob from the Razor Crest spaceship. Suitable for kids from 10 up, it also comes with a minifigure. But hurry, there's a limited number on offer.<a class="view-deal button" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Mandalorian-Collectible/dp/B0883SGWXB" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="3ce372db-0bfb-4012-812d-86cb2a08677a" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Mandalorian Grogu (Baby Yoda): $89.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Mandalorian Grogu (Baby Yoda): $89.99">View Deal</a></p></div><div class="product"><a data-dimension112="57d700bc-87d1-466d-bdf9-3b25453ebc8c" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Chewbacca collectible : $89.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Chewbacca collectible : $89.99" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Chewbacca-Buildable-Collectible-Original/dp/B0BXQ4ZGQM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1509px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="GbfMzrtgMtsFqNAMuTmSW3" name="1714829235.jpg" caption="" alt="" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GbfMzrtgMtsFqNAMuTmSW3.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1509" height="1509" attribution="" endorsement="" credit="" class=""></p></div></div></figure></a><p><strong>Lego Star Wars Chewbacca collectible : </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Chewbacca-Buildable-Collectible-Original/dp/B0BXQ4ZGQM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="57d700bc-87d1-466d-bdf9-3b25453ebc8c" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Chewbacca collectible : $89.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Chewbacca collectible : $89.99"><del><strong>$89.99</strong></del><strong> $61.99 at Amazon</strong></a><strong><br>Save $28: </strong>Chewbacca must surely be one of the most difficult Star Wars characters to turn into a Lego display figure, but the texture on this collectible looks quite amazing. It comprises 2319 pieces plus a minifigure of our favourite wookie. Again, there's 30% off but in limited numbers.<a class="view-deal button" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Chewbacca-Buildable-Collectible-Original/dp/B0BXQ4ZGQM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="57d700bc-87d1-466d-bdf9-3b25453ebc8c" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Chewbacca collectible : $89.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Chewbacca collectible : $89.99">View Deal</a></p></div><div class="product"><a data-dimension112="1e341a65-4223-4fb0-9c07-8b87edd8256b" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £79.99" data-dimension48="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £79.99" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Helmet-Collectible-Building-Pieces/dp/B08NFCW4WY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:300px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="CVQg2Ub2eLZZSmrMYcAxJ8" name="Vader.jpg" caption="" alt="" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CVQg2Ub2eLZZSmrMYcAxJ8.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="300" height="300" attribution="" endorsement="" credit="" class=""></p></div></div></figure></a><p><strong>Lego Darth Vader display helmet: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Helmet-Collectible-Building-Pieces/dp/B08NFCW4WY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="1e341a65-4223-4fb0-9c07-8b87edd8256b" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £79.99" data-dimension48="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £79.99"><del><strong>£79.99</strong></del><strong> £63.99 at Amazon</strong></a><strong><br>Save £16:</strong> Alternatively, if you're more on the Dark Side, show your allegiance with this glorious Lego Darth Vader helmet recreated in full menacing detail. With a display stand and nameplate included, it's the perfect decoration for a desk or shelf.<a class="view-deal button" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Helmet-Collectible-Building-Pieces/dp/B08NFCW4WY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="1e341a65-4223-4fb0-9c07-8b87edd8256b" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £79.99" data-dimension48="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £79.99">View Deal</a></p></div><div class="product"><a data-dimension112="6b715d3f-375c-4945-a932-3d863e77d3ff" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Ghost & Phantom II: $159.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Ghost & Phantom II: $159.99" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Featuring-Buildable/dp/B0BXQ52QGT" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1509px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="FrhiRvcHnrZN8ZYaUBmv2o" name="1714827925.jpg" caption="" alt="" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FrhiRvcHnrZN8ZYaUBmv2o.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1509" height="1509" attribution="" endorsement="" credit="" class=""></p></div></div></figure></a><p><strong>Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Ghost & Phantom II: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Featuring-Buildable/dp/B0BXQ52QGT" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="6b715d3f-375c-4945-a932-3d863e77d3ff" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Ghost & Phantom II: $159.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Ghost & Phantom II: $159.99"><del><strong>$159.99</strong></del><strong> $129.99 at Amazon</strong></a><strong><br>Save $30: </strong>This is another deal with very limited numbers. The 1,394-piece Ghost and Phantom II starships come with 4 Lego Star Wars minifigures: General Hera Syndulla and Lt. Beyta, each with a blaster pistol, Jacen Syndulla and First Officer Hawkins, plus a Chopper (C1-10P) droid.<a class="view-deal button" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Featuring-Buildable/dp/B0BXQ52QGT" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="6b715d3f-375c-4945-a932-3d863e77d3ff" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Ghost & Phantom II: $159.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Ghost & Phantom II: $159.99">View Deal</a></p></div><div class="product"><a data-dimension112="23cc7c80-eaf2-434c-852d-cc0ad94785bb" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Luke Skywalker's X-Wing Fighter: $49.99" data-dimension48="Luke Skywalker's X-Wing Fighter: $49.99" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Skywalkers-Fighter-Awesome-Building/dp/B08HW1NFWQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1509px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:99.34%;"><img id="sudL5kbMJmeauTqxi3aATY" name="1714827787.jpg" caption="" alt="" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sudL5kbMJmeauTqxi3aATY.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1509" height="1499" attribution="" endorsement="" credit="" class=""></p></div></div></figure></a><p><strong>Luke Skywalker's X-Wing Fighter: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Skywalkers-Fighter-Awesome-Building/dp/B08HW1NFWQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="23cc7c80-eaf2-434c-852d-cc0ad94785bb" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Luke Skywalker's X-Wing Fighter: $49.99" data-dimension48="Luke Skywalker's X-Wing Fighter: $49.99"><del><strong>$49.99</strong></del><strong> $34.99 at Amazon</strong></a><strong><br>Save $15: </strong>This 474-piece X-wing features an opening cockpit, retractable landing gear, 2 spring loaded shooters, and wings that can be switched to attack position with a button. There's even R2-D2 figure to fit in along with Luke, Princess Leia and General Dodonna minifigures.<a class="view-deal button" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Skywalkers-Fighter-Awesome-Building/dp/B08HW1NFWQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="23cc7c80-eaf2-434c-852d-cc0ad94785bb" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Luke Skywalker's X-Wing Fighter: $49.99" data-dimension48="Luke Skywalker's X-Wing Fighter: $49.99">View Deal</a></p></div><h2 id="best-may-the-4th-lego-star-wars-deals-in-the-uk-2">Best May the 4th Lego Star Wars deals in the UK</h2><p>Located in the UK? Here are three Lego Star Wars Day deals we've picked out there.</p><div class="product"><a data-dimension112="2d5924ad-ad0e-4342-b504-1155cca68c38" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £59.99" data-dimension48="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £59.99" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-75304-Toy/dp/B08G4GPS3Q" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:300px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="CVQg2Ub2eLZZSmrMYcAxJ8" name="Vader.jpg" caption="" alt="" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CVQg2Ub2eLZZSmrMYcAxJ8.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="300" height="300" attribution="" endorsement="" credit="" class=""></p></div></div></figure></a><p><strong>Lego Darth Vader display helmet: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B085WV2WGC/ref=redir_mobile_desktop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="2d5924ad-ad0e-4342-b504-1155cca68c38" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £59.99" data-dimension48="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £59.99"><del><strong>£59.99</strong></del><strong> £50.98 at Amazon</strong></a><strong><br>Save £9:</strong> Give yourself to the Dark Side with this impressive LEGO Darth Vader helmet recreated in gloriously menacing detail, with a display stand and name plate included. Put this on your desk to show who's boss.<a class="view-deal button" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-75304-Toy/dp/B08G4GPS3Q" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="2d5924ad-ad0e-4342-b504-1155cca68c38" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £59.99" data-dimension48="Lego Darth Vader display helmet: £59.99">View Deal</a></p></div><div class="product"><a data-dimension112="a72453ac-bc60-42d8-b745-e79d020acc7f" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars R2-D2 Model Set: £89.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars R2-D2 Model Set: £89.99" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-Anniversary-Minifigure-Memorabilia-75379/dp/B0CFVZC2GF" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1509px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:99.34%;"><img id="F5Wjt8KfDuYzcBp9pyCNEZ" name="1714828226.jpg" caption="" alt="" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/F5Wjt8KfDuYzcBp9pyCNEZ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1509" height="1499" attribution="" endorsement="" credit="" class=""></p></div></div></figure></a><p><strong>Lego Star Wars R2-D2 Model Set: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-Anniversary-Minifigure-Memorabilia-75379/dp/B0CFVZC2GF" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="a72453ac-bc60-42d8-b745-e79d020acc7f" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars R2-D2 Model Set: £89.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars R2-D2 Model Set: £89.99"><del><strong>£89.99</strong></del><strong> £71.99 at Amazon</strong></a><strong><br>Save £18: </strong>This Lego R2-D2 display model has playful details including a 360-degree rotating head, a detachable third leg and an attachable periscope and tools. It comes with an R2-D2 minifigure and a 25th anniversary minifigure of Darth Malak.<a class="view-deal button" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-Anniversary-Minifigure-Memorabilia-75379/dp/B0CFVZC2GF" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="a72453ac-bc60-42d8-b745-e79d020acc7f" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars R2-D2 Model Set: £89.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars R2-D2 Model Set: £89.99">View Deal</a></p></div><div class="product"><a data-dimension112="cad43099-7f6f-4955-8b54-95c041319088" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars TIE Bomber: £59.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars TIE Bomber: £59.99" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-75347-Starfighter-Lightsaber-Collectable/dp/B0BBRZMRDP" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1509px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:99.34%;"><img id="rGPrkFRLQEwC3S7ZGGNvQ9" name="1714828430.jpg" caption="" alt="" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rGPrkFRLQEwC3S7ZGGNvQ9.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1509" height="1499" attribution="" endorsement="" credit="" class=""></p></div></div></figure></a><p><strong>Lego Star Wars TIE Bomber: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-75347-Starfighter-Lightsaber-Collectable/dp/B0BBRZMRDP" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="cad43099-7f6f-4955-8b54-95c041319088" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars TIE Bomber: £59.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars TIE Bomber: £59.99"><del><strong>£59.99</strong></del><strong> £41.78 at Amazon</strong></a><strong><br>Save £18.21:</strong> There's 30% off this starfighter kit from The Empire Strikes Back. Coming with 3 minifigures, it has an openable cockpit and a warhead bay with torpedo-dropping function for 4 torpedoes (6 included) and 2 stud shooters.<a class="view-deal button" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-75347-Starfighter-Lightsaber-Collectable/dp/B0BBRZMRDP" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="cad43099-7f6f-4955-8b54-95c041319088" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars TIE Bomber: £59.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars TIE Bomber: £59.99">View Deal</a></p></div><p>See below for more deals in your region, or check out our pick of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/the-best-lego-sets-for-adults">best Lego sets for adults</a>.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/lego-star-wars-day-deals-2024</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Save up to 31% you will with these Star Wars Day bargains. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">Af7pfPecWDz9qFoFjvhKfB</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gSFcLaiH98Mkm2yKQCczQL.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 13:40:04 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lego]]></category> <category><![CDATA[3D]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Digital Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Star Wars]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ joe.foley@futurenet.com (Joe Foley) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gSFcLaiH98Mkm2yKQCczQL.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Lego / Future]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Two of the best Lego Star Wars deals for Lego May the 4th Star Wars Day show Lego Baby Yoda and Lego Chewbacca]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Two of the best Lego Star Wars deals for Lego May the 4th Star Wars Day show Lego Baby Yoda and Lego Chewbacca]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Star Wars superfans can now design their own droid ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>To celebrate Star Wars May on May 4th Day Autodesk has teamed-up with Disney and Lucasfilm for a unique artistic challenge that will have fans of the movies opening <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/maya-2025">Maya</a>, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/3ds-max-2025">3ds Max</a> or <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/advice/fusion-360">Fusion</a> and excitedly noodling new droid designs.</p><p>The challenge launched today by Autodesk is simple: design a droid. Autodesk has a long history of working with Lucasfilm, and Autodesk software was used to design and make the new Star Wars droid that will appear in Disney+ TV show The Acolyte, streaming June 4, so this contest feels perfectly on brand (see our pick of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-star-wars-posters">best Star Wars posters</a> and the best <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/lego-star-wars-day-deals-2024">Lego Star Wars Day deals</a> for more May the 4th goodness).</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1152px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="3LrozSj2fkNTGDTk3KcxSi" name="autodesk-droid-2.jpg" alt="Autodesk Star Wars droid challenge" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3LrozSj2fkNTGDTk3KcxSi.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1152" height="648" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Autodesk software has been used to design the new droid in Star Wars The Acolyte, can you do the same? </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney / Autodesk)</span></figcaption></figure><p>This competition is open to anyone over the age of 18 and will last the entire month of May, and you can submit your droid designs by going to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="http://autodesk.com/droid">autodesk.com/droid</a>. Winners can scoop some impressive prizes too; the winner of the Mechanical Grand Prize having their design made real and displayed at Lucasfilm and get a VIP tour of the studio and meet a Lucasfilm exec (leave your portfolio everywhere); while the winner of the Animated Grand Prize will have their droid digitally showcased at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, as well as a VIP tour and have their design professionally 3D-printed to keep.</p><p>The serious bit: the Autodesk Star Wars droid design contest closes on June 4 at 11:59pm ET. Winners will be announced on June 18. Visit the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.autodesk.com/droid">contest landing page</a> for more information to submit an entry today.</p><p>If you need more inspiration, take a look at our <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/10-top-3ds-max-tutorials">3ds Max tutorials</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/3d-tips/maya-tutorials-1232745">Maya tutorials</a>, and maybe upgrade your kit with one of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-drawing-tablet">best drawing tablets</a> and the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-laptops-for-3d-modelling">best laptops for 3D modelling</a>.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/star-wars-autodesk-design-a-droid</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Autodesk celebrates Star Wars with a unique challenge. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">LSJS8GhLzyHZeEEs9j84q3</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FZGNdjF7iJXonDWWX5GuSb.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 13:00:30 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[3D]]></category> <category><![CDATA[3D modelling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Animation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VFX]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CGI]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rendering]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Film]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Star Wars]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Filmmaking]]></category> <category><![CDATA[game development]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Concept Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[entertainment]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ ian.dean@futurenet.com (Ian Dean) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FZGNdjF7iJXonDWWX5GuSb.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Disney / Autodesk]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Autodesk Star Wars droid challenge; a robot stands on a desert planet]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Autodesk Star Wars droid challenge; a robot stands on a desert planet]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ The best Star Wars posters are design classics ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>For many people, the best Star Wars posters are among the most memorable and evocative movie posters made. From the original trilogy to the more recent prequels, there have been plenty of stunning compositions to promote the franchise, from clever minimalist teaser posters to extravagant main poster designs for each film.</p><p>Below we analyse and rank the best Star Wars posters as chosen by our team. For more ways to mark Star Wars Day on May the Fourth, see our piece on the best <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/5-free-star-wars-fonts">Star Wars fonts</a> and how the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/early-star-wars-logo">Star Wars logo</a> could have looked very different.</p><h2 id="11-star-wars-episode-1-poster-by-drew-struzan-2">11. Star Wars Episode 1 poster by Drew Struzan</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="zNNdKEzABzQ8n2afQvxWgQ" name="Episode 1.jpg" alt="One of the best Star Wars posters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zNNdKEzABzQ8n2afQvxWgQ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="1000" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney )</span></figcaption></figure><p>Drew Struzan is one of the artists most associated with Star Wars. He made one-sheets for the original Star Wars trilogy and went on to do covers for the Expanded Universe novels and more. He was the logical person to turn to for the release of the long-awaited prequel in 1999, and his design captured all potential that the movie had (whether you think it delivered is another matter). I particularly like Darth Maul's eyes starting menacingly from the background.</p><h2 id="10-revenge-of-the-jedi-poster-by-drew-struzan-2">10. Revenge of the Jedi poster by Drew Struzan</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="iYmwsxhdnfCe7wvhmzHMXR" name="Revenge of the Jedi.jpg" alt="One of the best Star Wars posters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iYmwsxhdnfCe7wvhmzHMXR.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="1000" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney )</span></figcaption></figure><p>This Star Wars poster is also the work of Drew Struzan, but it couldn't be more different. An early teaser for Return of the Jedi from before Lucas decided to revert back to the original title (he decided that a<strong> </strong>true Jedi wouldn't seek revenge), it's bold and striking, with Darth Vader looming in the background in a striking two-tone red and black and a climatic fight scene in the foreground.</p><h2 id="09-the-first-star-wars-poster-by-howard-cheykin-2">09. The first Star Wars poster by Howard Cheykin</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="PXH4VRP9ZCyqYM2VcS7z5R" name="Early Star Wars.jpg" alt="One of the best Star Wars posters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PXH4VRP9ZCyqYM2VcS7z5R.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="1000" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney )</span></figcaption></figure><p>This painterly posters is believed to be the very first Star Wars poster produced. Printed in the summer of 1976, it was an early design for the first film. Luke doesn't look very much like Luke, but Chaykin only had a few stills and paintings by concept artist Ralph McQuarrie to base the illustration on. I love the mix of comic book and almost Japanese style, and note McQuarrie's early Star Wars logo in the bottom right.</p><h2 id="08-the-last-jedi-poster-2">08. The Last Jedi poster</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="Ext9Lz9KDsajqEDSrSRBWP" name="Last Jedi.jpg" alt="One of the best Star Wars posters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Ext9Lz9KDsajqEDSrSRBWP.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="1000" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney )</span></figcaption></figure><p>Simplicity is the key to the success of this Star Wars poster design for The Last Jedi, which features only Luke, Kylo Ren, and Rey. The minimalism and the flare from the lightsaber conjure up nostalgia, but the execution is modern and there's a subtext of the idea that the baton is being passed to the next generation.</p><h2 id="07-the-acolyte-poster-2">07. The Acolyte poster</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="eWqYKCvhWPKHfn3us2z6CP" name="Acolyte.jpg" alt="One of the best Star Wars posters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eWqYKCvhWPKHfn3us2z6CP.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="1000" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney )</span></figcaption></figure><p>The newest entry on my list, the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/star-wars-acolyte-poster">Stars Wars: The Acolyte poster</a> is simultaneously both a tribute to previous designs and a huge departure. The minimalist use of the lightsaber recalls a classic Return of the Jedi teaser poster (we'll see that below), but the new illustration puts a gritty, gory, almost Tarantino-like twist on the motif. It's a clever design and clearly links the new Disney series to the Star Wars universe while also preparing us for something very different: a Star Wars-set thriller.</p><h2 id="06-star-wars-episode-1-teaser-poster-2">06. Star Wars Episode 1 teaser poster</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="hMiwo63CR3NcyuXXoYf6pP" name="Episode 1 minimal.jpg" alt="One of the best Star Wars posters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hMiwo63CR3NcyuXXoYf6pP.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="1000" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney )</span></figcaption></figure><p>Designed by Ellen Lee, this clever minimalist Star Wars poster is very different from what we usually expect from the franchise. With no floating heads, lens flares or spacecraft in sight, it shows a young Anakin Skywalker walking towards us in the desert with his head down. But look closer, and we see he's already casting an ominous shadow of his future self. This has to be the deepest and most philosophical Star Wars poster, inviting us to question the impact of nature vs nurture.</p><h2 id="05-noriyoshi-ohrai-apos-s-star-wars-posters-2">05. Noriyoshi Ohrai's Star Wars posters</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="YV6v2PoaNPm8Xo5gAerRkS" name="Empire Japan.jpg" alt="One of the best Star Wars posters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YV6v2PoaNPm8Xo5gAerRkS.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="1000" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney )</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's hard to choose a favourite from among the lavish action-packed Star Wars posters created by the late Japanese illustrator Noriyoshi Ohrai, but I think I go for the Empire Strikes Back. He packed so much into his compositions. That can sometimes be overwhelming and messy, but here it feels exciting and exuberant and gels well with the atmosphere of the films. The Japanese type just makes all the more intriguing. </p><h2 id="04-roger-kastel-the-empire-strikes-back-poster-2">04. Roger Kastel The Empire Strikes Back poster</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:865px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:149.83%;"><img id="PvrYFNC9XJW5ixbhnpKfSk" name="Screenshot 2024-05-03 103711.png" alt="The original Empire Strikes Back poster" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PvrYFNC9XJW5ixbhnpKfSk.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="865" height="1296" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney )</span></figcaption></figure><p>Gone with the Wind in space? Nope, this is another poster for the Empire Strikes Back. Designed by Roger Kastel for the US release, it was withdrawn in the end and replaced by a different design, reportedly because Billy Dee Williams complained that he wasn't featured despite his role as Lando Calrissian (contractual obligations are one of the main reasons we get the obligatory floating head design in film posters). However, I prefer the combination of fiery colours and the soft airbrushed look of this original version.</p><h2 id="03-star-wars-poster-by-tom-jung-2">03. Star Wars poster by Tom Jung</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="LcG6iSxD9q6ZhbsveA9fKS" name="Star Wars 1 2.jpg" alt="One of the best Star Wars posters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LcG6iSxD9q6ZhbsveA9fKS.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="1000" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney )</span></figcaption></figure><p>I might be biased here because I had a postcard of this on my wall when I was a kid, so for me, this is <em>the </em>Star Wars<em> </em>image. In a way there's nothing particularly clever about it: it's just all the main characters on a spacey backdrop. But the balance and proportion in the composition is expertly achieved.</p><h2 id="02-return-of-the-jedi-teaser-poster-by-tim-reamer-2">02. Return of the Jedi teaser poster by Tim Reamer</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="MSzj888Zw3h8LTWDxyjxPQ" name="Return of the Jedi.jpg" alt="One of the best Star Wars posters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MSzj888Zw3h8LTWDxyjxPQ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="1000" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney )</span></figcaption></figure><p>We've already seen a couple of minimalist Star Wars posters where the lightsaber did all the work. Here's the original inspiration from Tim Reamer, and it still makes an impact today. By the time the third film came along, the lightsaber was instantly recognisable among cinemagoers, so this poster would have worked even without the logo, but it's all the more powerful for the story it tells. At the end of the Empire Strikes Back, Luke lost his lightsaber fighting Darth Vader, so the poster tells us he's back and ready to continue the fight.</p><h2 id="01-star-wars-poster-by-tom-jung-2">01. Star Wars poster by Tom Jung</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:100.00%;"><img id="zhP2hvWUwJJneixWu9tU7Q" name="Star Wars 1 alt.jpg" alt="One of the best Star Wars posters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zhP2hvWUwJJneixWu9tU7Q.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="1000" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney )</span></figcaption></figure><p>Finally, topping our list is another classic Tom Jung poster from the original Star Wars film. While the one we've already seen is perhaps better known, I think this one has the more evocative design. The asymmetric composition alone makes it interesting and fairly uncommon in movie posters, but it works. </p><p>I think the illustration perfectly encapsulates George Lucas's vision of the film as a combination of sci-fi, fantasy and adventure. An unusually muscular Luke Skywalker and Princess Leah look like they've walked into space straight from the cover of a swords and sorcery novel. It makes you wonder why Mark Richard Hamill didn't get cast for Conan the Barbarian a few years later. Turn to the background, and it seems we're in a different film but with equally epic scope.</p><p>For more inspiration, see our pick of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-film-posters-all-time">best movie posters</a>.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-star-wars-posters</link> <description> <![CDATA[ The force was with these designs. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">F3WtEhUwaXyn75UTqyR3kc</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VEGzdr6RUTXqsgASXnUmfN.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 10:00:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Graphic Design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Digital Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Posters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[poster design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Star Wars]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Movies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Illustration]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ joe.foley@futurenet.com (Joe Foley) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VEGzdr6RUTXqsgASXnUmfN.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Disney ]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[One of the best Star Wars posters]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[One of the best Star Wars posters]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ How to screen record on an iPad ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Screen recording on an iPad is a useful feature for capturing app demonstrations, gameplay, or creating tutorials. But if you're new to iPad or you've simply not recorded your screen before, you may not know how to do it. </p><p>That's why we've put together this guide, including a useful video which I created by.... screen recording on my iPad. So, whether you want to record your screen with or without sound, follow these steps to enable screen recording on your iPad (fyi, it's the same on all <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/ipad-model-list">iPad generations</a>):</p><div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_ETLCNy9z_EyURSsaj_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_ETLCNy9z_EyURSsaj_div'></div></div></div></div><h2 id="how-to-screen-record-on-an-ipad-2">How to screen record on an iPad</h2><section class="howto-block"> <h3>01. Customise controls</h3> <p><ul></p><p><li>Swipe down from the upper right corner of your iPad screen to open the Control Center.</li></p><p><li>Tap “Customise Controls” in settings to manage the available features.</li></p><p><li>Ensure that the option “Access Within Apps” is turned on.</li></p><p></ul></p> </section><section class="howto-block"> <h3>02. Add 'Screen Recording'</h3> <p><ul></p><p><li>Scroll down to the “More Controls” section</li></p><p><li>Tap “Screen Recording” to add it to the included controls.</li></p><p><li>Once added, the screen recording icon will appear in the Control Center.</li></p><p></ul></p> </section><section class="howto-block"> <h3>03. Start recording</h3> <p><ul></p><p><li>Tap the icon to start recording.</li></p><p><li>You’ll see a three-second countdown before recording begins.</li></p><p></ul></p> </section><section class="howto-block"> <h3>04. Stop recording</h3> <p><ul></p><p><li>To stop recording, return to the Control Center and tap the screen recording icon again.</li></p><p><li>Alternatively, tap the red status bar at the top of the screen and select “Stop.”</li></p><p></ul></p> </section><section class="howto-block"> <h3>04. Access your recordings</h3> <p><ul></p><p><li>Screen recordings are automatically saved to your photo library in the Photos app.</li></p><p><li>To find all your screen recordings, open Photos and tap “Screen Recordings” below Media Types in the sidebar.</li></p><p><li>Remember to adjust settings like microphone access and resolution based on your preferences.</li></p><p></ul></p> </section><section class="article__schema-question"><h3>How long can you screen record on an iPad?</h3><article class="article__schema-answer"><p>By default, the screen recording feature stops after 10 minutes. However, if you’re running iOS 11 or later, you can extend the recording time to up to 24 hours using the Screen Recording Limits feature. But the maximum duration of a screen recording on an iPad depends storage space, resolution or battery life:</p><ul> <li>Storage Space: The available storage on your device plays a crucial role. If your iPad has limited storage, you won’t be able to create lengthy recordings. Consider freeing up space by deleting unnecessary files or apps.</li> <li>Resolution: Higher resolutions (such as recording in 1080p) consume more storage. Adjust the resolution based on your needs.</li> <li>Battery Life: Screen recording can drain your battery. While there’s no fixed time limit, keep an eye on your battery level during longer recordings.</li></ul></article></section><p>Need a new iPad? See our <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-ipad-for-drawing">best iPad for drawing</a> guide, and the deals below:</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/how-to/how-to-screen-record-on-an-ipad</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Learn how to screen record on iPad by following these simple steps. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">3YVbzXfsGSmEdNqUk9N7kL</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xZRXk4SyFpfDqKxuCxp4N5.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 08:00:58 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Apple]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tech]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xZRXk4SyFpfDqKxuCxp4N5.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Ben Brady]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[iPad]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[iPad]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Uncovering the secrets behind Monarch: Legacy of Monsters ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Looming large on AppleTV+ are kaiju, as well as the mysterious global organisation founded to keep track of them, which lurks in the shadows of public consciousness. Created by Chris Black and Matt Fraction, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters bridges and fills in the gaps of Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) while following its own narrative in the past and contemporary times.</p><p>If you're inspired to kickstart your own VFX journey, check out our guides to the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/the-best-monitors-for-video-editing">best monitors for video editing</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-laptops-for-3d-modelling">best laptops for 3D modelling</a>. To keep track of the latest releases, take a look at our guide to the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-upcoming-vfx-films">best upcoming VFX films</a>.</p><a target="_blank"><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="XnY8xRXgyZtgbajh59Vcmj" name="Dino2.jpg" alt="Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XnY8xRXgyZtgbajh59Vcmj.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Jess Hall decided to go with anamorphic lenses as they compress perspective, which brings the kaiju closer to the viewer. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple TV)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>The overriding throughline for the 10 episodes is how the histories of the Randa family and Monarch are interwoven with each other. “The show is so many things,” says Jess Hall, the cinematographer on episodes 101 and 102. “It’s both a family drama and a story about trauma, and then you’ve got this action element. Matt Shakman (series executive producer, and director of episodes 101 and 102) and I talked early on about not wanting the action scenes to be tableau. </p><p>We were like, ‘How do we balance the drama and spectacle?’ One of the ways to bring those elements together was to say that, ‘Action should be drama. And how does it become dramatic?’ It’s dramatic because your characters are in the action. If you can’t smell it, you’re not close enough. It’s like war photography.”</p><a target="_blank"><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="4xz6Se5QHp92v8FtiVnueG" name="crebe.jpg" alt="Monarch: Legacy of Monsters VFX" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4xz6Se5QHp92v8FtiVnueG.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">A constant challenge for VFX was conveying the creatures’ proper size and scale. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: WĒTĀ FX)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>This desire to be closer to the action motivated the choices in lenses. “Matt and I are big lovers of anamorphic photography and were like, ‘This should be global, cinematic, anamorphic, and have big scope,’” states Hall, who shot mainly with the ARRI ALEXA LF camera, and for the big VFX shots on an ARRI ALEXA 65. </p><p>“One reason aside from all of that that I liked the idea of anamorphic was that you compress the perspective. Even if you have creatures shot on an 18mm lens, they disappear into the background and become smaller. If you shoot them on a 50mm anamorphic lens, you bring them twice as close as a 25mm spherical lens. I liked this idea of bringing them closer, and making it intimate and immersive."</p><p><em>“</em>The most inventive thing I did was design a super wide angle anamorphic lens so we could be on the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. The iconic shot of the show for me, or certainly of what I shot, is when Cate Randa gets off the bus, trying to rescue the children. You’re behind her and for the first time you’re over her shoulder, and you see Godzilla right there and turn. It’s about that relationship between the two. I couldn’t have got that composition without that 32mm ARRI ALFA anamorphic lens. The ALFA anamorphics is something ARRI built originally for Greig Fraser on The Batman, and since have built more sets.” </p><a target="_blank"><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="ogARZZPDoMDLZEuWJsoeWZ" name="spider.jpg" alt="Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ogARZZPDoMDLZEuWJsoeWZ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">The Mother Longlegs appears in what feels like a cut scene from Kong: Skull Island. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple TV)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>Technology has evolved since 2014 when Godzilla was released, which is something Rising Sun Pictures, Rodeo FX, Framestore, FuseFX, Outpost VFX, MPC, Weta FX, Storm Studios, Vitality VFX, BOT VFX, Mr. Wolf, Crafty Apes, Scarab Digital, The Third Floor, Proof, MPC Visualization, and an in-house team took advantage of when creating over 3,000 VFX shots. </p><p>“There’s a lot less cheating that needs to be done these days versus 10 years ago,” states visual effects supervisor Sean Konrad. “As an example, in Episode 106, Rodeo FX figured out how to make the collisions of Godzilla’s spines with the environment spit out procedural sims based on a common setup, meaning that they would get an initial RBD/volume/particulate setup based on the animation of Godzilla in the scene, and then go in to heroise it after. Shading is a lot better too, so fewer hacks are necessary for a volume to look good in an environment.</p><p>“And animation is, of course, important. The approach we like with these creatures is that their size and weight means there needs to be acceleration and follow-through in the bulk movements. It’s not simply that large creatures move relatively slower; when you look at an elephant, they can run fast and have a very quick charge. But it takes a lot more to slow them down, and that momentum is vital for selling scale and weight.” </p><a target="_blank"><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="fFpG8SL7TwgBJrYYqqfr6j" name="mag.jpg" alt="Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fFpG8SL7TwgBJrYYqqfr6j.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple TV)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>There’s no shortage of new kaiju, such as the Endoswarmer. “The script initially refers to the creatures as millipedes,” explains Konrad. “After discussion with Matt Fraction and Chris Black, we went a little more alien. We looked at undersea imagery and found an arthropod kind of creature that had an interesting carapace and used that as the basis. And then our production designer Caroline Hanania had a book of detailed macro photography of insects that we used for the colour palette and detailing on the creature.”</p><p>Meanwhile, the Frost Vark is a cross between a giant star-nosed mole and a pangolin. “It took a few times to get the proportions of the hind legs correct and make them feel anatomically plausible,” says Konrad. “Framestore’s history of quadruped animation was helpful. We had animation leads who had worked on large creatures before, and were able to figure out how to tweak things early in the process.” </p><p>Supernatural powers also had to be considered for the creature’s design. Konrad adds: “It sucks heat out of objects. We had to visualise that specifically to make sure the Frost Vark didn’t look as though it was spitting ice, which meant giving it a vortex path and making sure there was particulate and other things in its path for a sense of directionality.”</p><a target="_blank"><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="yywYRC79ravkZcQhyehWs9" name="dino1.jpg" alt="Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yywYRC79ravkZcQhyehWs9.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple TV)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>The Mantleclaw was inspired by Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes. “The carapace is made from the rock in the terrain, and we played into the idea of this being an evolutionary cousin of the rock critters we see in Hollow Earth in Godzilla vs. Kong,” remarks Konrad. </p><p>“One of the fun things here was an idea brought to the table by Marc Varisco from Rising Sun Pictures, who executed this sequence. There were puddles all over the Lanai Lookout rock, and Marc picked up on that, so added bits of water dribbling off the sides of the creature as it stands up, as well as sand and rocks.”</p><p>There was a long, complicated design history behind the Ion Dragon. “We thought about this being a Toho monster, or related to Filipino mythology of the natural environment we find in a jungle, but ultimately we found nothing to quite tick all the boxes. What we actually wanted in this scene was something that felt incongruent. Why is an aquatic creature in a jungle and why does it have wings?</p><a target="_blank"><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="23pXxg4PcZLwifpSc7ZS4P" name="monster.jpg" alt="Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/23pXxg4PcZLwifpSc7ZS4P.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">The Frost Vark is one of the new additions to the MonsterVerse. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple TV)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>“This allowed us to tease a bit more mystery out of a scene where we’re filling in a major plot beat in the story. With the Ion Dragon, our concept images had much smaller wings, so when we did a first pass of animation it felt like it was constantly having to beat its wings to keep aloft, so we made them a lot bigger to give it a more plausible glide animation.” </p><p>There were also complex shots to be executed in the dead end of the Hollow Earth tunnel system, referred to as Axis Mundi. “We see actors frozen in a moment of time while the camera orbits around them,” states Konrad. “In one we see the Ion Dragon in the distance, and in another we see a lightning bolt go through the chest of one of the explorer team members.</p><a target="_blank"><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="ZKGtToPtqF4GHPYhaCTjMZ" name="oooo.jpg" alt="Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZKGtToPtqF4GHPYhaCTjMZ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">One of the challenging special effects to get right was the goo that belongs to the Ion Dragon. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple TV)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p>“The second shot was especially difficult to execute. We thought about doing a bullet time, multiple- camera thing, but Andy Goddard [director of episodes 109 and 110, and series producing director] wanted a more grounded camera, which required keeping the actors perfectly still. Our actor was suspended on cables while the camera craned down. Both of them did a great job, but I was impressed by how still the cable suspension shot ended up being. You can’t even see any breaths.”</p><p>The special effects team led by Paul Benjamin used practical mortar explosions to create the lightning strikes. “The lightning erupts from the ground and with it comes a ton of dust and debris,” Konrad says. “We imagined the camera was inside of that, so we had a bit of volumetric dust, then Weta built some simple geometry for the lightning. Storm had developed the multicoloured look of the lightning already, so that made it more straightforward.</p><p>“The final bit to help sell the lightning going through May’s body was to get Weta FX to add burnt clothing tearing vertically, and becoming silhouetted by the lightning bolt. I like the shot a lot, and it was one of those things that took a while to fully imagine.” </p><a target="_blank"><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="pxuwCAryiN6t95Lkf7ALUh" name="dinoo.jpg" alt="Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pxuwCAryiN6t95Lkf7ALUh.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple TV)</span></figcaption></figure></a><p><em>This interview originally appeared in 3D World magazine, the world's leading digital art, CG and VFX magazine. 3D World is on sale in the UK, Europe, United States, Canada, Australia and more. Limited numbers of 3D World print editions are available for delivery from our </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2961&awinaffid=103504&clickref=cbq-gb-9500925663817729482&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.magazinesdirect.com%2Faz-magazines%2F6936329%2F3d-world-magazine-subscription.thtml" target="_blank"><em>online store</em></a><em> (the shipping costs are included in all prices).</em></p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/features/monarch-legacy-of-monsters</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Executive producer Matt Shakman and cinematographer Jess Hall discuss balancing the drama and spectacle. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">MewQT9nezdeTZwkjrHyuUX</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6BTbdqgeuqPmRzd7iqj5cY.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 08:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[magcontent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[3D]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Film]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Movies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VFX]]></category> <category><![CDATA[video editing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Video production]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inspiration]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6BTbdqgeuqPmRzd7iqj5cY.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Apple TV]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Monarch: Legacy of Monsters]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Monarch: Legacy of Monsters]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ This 7-Eleven logo design detail has got people in a spin ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Another day, another logo "secret". This time, certain corners of the internet have been sent into collective meltdown after realising that the 7-Eleven logo features a lowercase letter that nobody noticed (myself included). It turns out that the iconic logo has had a lowercase 'n' this whole time and now my life feels like a lie. </p><p>Some of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-logos">best logos</a> have hidden features that most of us never notice, like Amazon's secret smile or Toblerone's hidden bear. It's these little quirks that make them memorable and iconic. </p> <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@twosometravellers/video/7360969739071409415" data-video-id="7360969739071409415" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@twosometravellers" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@twosometravellers">@twosometravellers</a> <p></p><a target="_blank" title="♬ The Feels - Labrinth" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/The-Feels-7226957670224627714">♬ The Feels - Labrinth</a></section> </blockquote> <p>The enlightening news about 7-Eleven was brought to our attention by travel TikTokker's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@twosometravellers" target="_blank">@twosometravellers</a> who shared a video of the logo with the caption "I was today years old when I realised this about the 7-Eleven logo". Pointing out the design quirk, the couple questioned "Has it always been small? Was it ever big? What else are we not realising? What game are they playing? We have so many questions!!!!"</p><p>It turns out that the origins of the lowercase 'n' are simply a matter of preference. The story goes that the wife of the company's president back in the 1960s thought that all-caps were too aggressive, suggesting that the lowercase 'n' would soften the design. While I agree, the grammar nerd in me is screaming – I'll never be able to unsee it.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:5000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:66.74%;"><img id="om8sp6geTrRpsr7kaP7RtV" name="GettyImages-1228942350.jpg" alt="7-Eleven logo" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/om8sp6geTrRpsr7kaP7RtV.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="5000" height="3337" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Getty Images)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Consider yourself a logo buff? Check out this <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/fake-famous-logo-quiz">tricky logo quiz</a> that stumped the internet. For more hidden design details check out the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/vans-logo-hidden-meaning">Vans logo</a> that isn't as radical as it seems. </p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/7-eleven-logo-design</link> <description> <![CDATA[ I can’t unsee it. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">QQkAt4gZWqkNLsRsQNaWKj</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kQQ2xjKijAzndRPdoWTyQn.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 06:50:42 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Logo ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Logos]]></category> <category><![CDATA[logo design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Branding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inspiration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Typography]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kQQ2xjKijAzndRPdoWTyQn.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Getty Images]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[7-Eleven logo]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[7-Eleven logo]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Last chance to submit entries for the Creativepool Annual 2024 ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>There's not long left for creatives to make their submissions for the Creativepool Annual 2024. Agencies and creatives from around the world have time until 23 May to submit their most innovative and impactful work to a panel of brand marketers and agency leaders for the chance to be showcased.</p><p>Now in its 11th year, the Creativepool Annual aims to highlight the best work from the creative industry in its tome, which serves as both a trophy and marketing piece. The Annual is billed as “The Most Award,” as it claims to be the creative industries' most influential, most voted, most shared, most collaborative and most carbon-positive prize.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.30%;"><img id="pFpDQ8NhFDHoHfnos5n7Ui" name="annual.jpg" alt="Creativepool Annual award" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pFpDQ8NhFDHoHfnos5n7Ui.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="563" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">The cover of the Creativepool Annual 2024 </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Creativepool)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Creative Pool Annual also claims to be the most distributed creative award in the industry since tens of thousands of copies are distributed and downloaded by key industry players worldwide, giving entrants global visibility. It's also a creative award that offers entrants two chances to win for each submission. Alongside the traditional jury award, the Creativepool community casts their votes for the people’s choice prize.</p><p>As well as the usual free categories, the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://creativepool.com/annual/2024/" target="_blank">Creativepool Annual 2024</a> sees the introduction of four new work categories intended to reflect the changing landscape of the creative world and to acknowledge new emerging fields and innovative practices. </p><p>The new categories are: </p><p><strong>Art:</strong> the first non-commercial category for the Annual, acknowledging the purest, unadulterated form of creative expression.</p><p><strong>Artificial Intelligence:</strong> In recognition of the burgeoning impact of AI in the creative sector</p><p><strong>Self-Initiated:</strong> dedicated to personal projects and celebrating the creativity and dedication it takes to bring self-conceived ideas to life.</p><p><strong>Spatial Design:</strong> recognising the importance of the spaces we live and work<br>and celebrating innovative design in the physical realm.</p><p>Additionally, two new award categories have been added: Network of the Year and Design Agency of the Year. You can view all <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://4wnnp534.r.eu-west-2.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fcreativepool.com%2Fannual%2F2024%2Fcategories%2F/1/010b018e388b2a56-e532f1d6-ecce-42a0-ae0d-7be5c391effa-000000/ke0f9NsKVoR-lhGFGicoYPC53gY=150" target="_blank">The Annual categories here</a>.</p><p>Winners will have their work published in the 2024 Annual, of which 5,000 copies are printed and distributed to international agency and brand leaders. They will also receive limited-edition Gold, Silver or Bronze Annuals and will be offered Free Pro Creativepool Membership, alongside a winner’s badge on their Creativepool profiles. The Annual Launch Party will be held in London on the 5 September.</p><p>Make your submission on the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://creativepool.com/annual/2024/" target="_blank">Creativepool Annual 2024 website</a>.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/creative-pool-annual-2024-last-chance</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Entries for the creative sector's 'Most' award close on 23 May. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">x3fS9bychKLjvhr9UbSUnQ</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4bdqUvmdVrkZUStS6D84Hi.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 19:58:23 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[graphic design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[awards]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Advertising]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ joe.foley@futurenet.com (Joe Foley) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4bdqUvmdVrkZUStS6D84Hi.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Creativepool]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Creative Pool Annual award]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Creative Pool Annual award]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Somehow, I don't hate Nike's new jacket-tent hybrid ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Nike has designed one of the most ingenious yet bizarre fashion creations to date, combining the humble raincoat with a fully functioning sunshade tent. It looks about as strange as it sounds, but for some reason, I don't hate it. </p><p>Techwear has been a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/canva-design-trends-2024">hot design trend</a> for some time now, but Nike has taken functional adaptive clothing to the extreme. With the help of collapsible lightweight poles, the jacket instantly transforms into a compact tent when unzipped, combining function and (slightly questionable) fashion.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="7GTQWVMMqm3F8sdhRuX3AN" name="NikeTent.jpg" alt="Nike ISPA poncho" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7GTQWVMMqm3F8sdhRuX3AN.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Nike )</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Metamorph Poncho is part of Nike's ISPA brand which stands for “Innovate. Scavenge. Protect. Adapt.” With a focus on utility and performance, the sublabel creates optimised apparel and footwear (and tents too apparently) that embody function and style.</p><p>Function? Yes. Style? Maybe not so much. In its poncho form, the jacket resembles more of a duvet, giving you that '3 AM trip to the fridge chic' look. It's a statement piece, to say the least, adorned with Nike's slick ISPA branding to give it that hybrid streetwear feel. </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="Fm4RPgrhr3cfQUouWU2mZZ" name="Nike2.jpg" alt="Nike ISPA poncho" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Fm4RPgrhr3cfQUouWU2mZZ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Nike )</span></figcaption></figure><p>Created in lightweight water-repellent nylon, the jacket excels in its functionality. With a detachable hood and reversible design, it's adaptable to your needs – even serving as a functional bag when it's not in use. Of course, it doesn't come without a price, but considering you're getting a multifunctional clothing/tent/bag hybrid, $620 isn't that steep, right? </p><p>For more bizarre fashion stories, check out <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/optical-illusion-shoes">Louis Vuitton's fake leg boots</a> that are a real-life optical illusion. For more Nike news, check out why <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/nike-us-olympian-uniforms-controversy">athletes are slamming the new USA track team kit</a>.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/nike-tent-jacket</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Points for style and function. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">hXJmzryGDVFmqndCPXN73X</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ffp9B5xnZ5AYNDhzoGSyan.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Product design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Logo ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inspiration]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ffp9B5xnZ5AYNDhzoGSyan.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Nike]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Nike ISPA poncho]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Nike ISPA poncho]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Tiger Woods is ready to ruin his new logo design ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Tiger Woods has made a bold new claim about his Sun Day Red logo during a press tour for the brand's grand debut. Speaking on the Today Show, Tiger told host Carson Daly that he wants to 'ruin' the new logo mere months after its <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/tiger-woods-new-logo">big reveal</a> back in February. </p><p>Tiger made a storm earlier this year after axing his 27-year-long partnership with Nike (R.I.P to the iconic <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/tiger-woods-nike-ads">Nike x Tiger Woods ads</a>, you'll be sorely missed). Since then he's taken matters into his own hands, launching his independent brand Sun Day Red – but why does he want to ruin the logo so soon? The answer is in the lines. </p><div class="see-more see-more--clipped"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet hawk-ignore" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tiger Woods sits down with Carson Daly to talk about golf, growing up in Southern California, his father and his new apparel line, Sun Day Red. pic.twitter.com/2TFbSNxzxq<a href="https://twitter.com/TODAYshow/status/1785650089395904960">May 1, 2024</a></p></blockquote><div class="see-more__filter"></div><div class="see-more__button-container"><span class="see-more__button" role="button" tabindex="0" aria-label="See more">See more</span></div></div><p>The Sun Day Red logo is more than just a homage to Tiger's name – it turns out there's an ingenious hidden design feature. Look closely at the stripes of the Tiger and you'll count fifteen lines, representing Tiger Woods' fifteen major championship wins. It's a classy subtle flex that can be easily modified when Tiger inevitably 'ruins' it with another victory. </p><p>It looks like Tiger's not intending to abandon the logo anytime soon, claiming "If the trademark is this, then my job is to ruin it." Ruin seems a strong word – I'd consider it more of an evolution – but I'm excited to see how the design develops. For more Tiger Woods updates, check out the moment he <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/tiger-woods-old-logo">turned his back on his old logo</a> after the Nike split and for more sporting design, check out the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/umbro-logo-history">new Umbro logo</a> that celebrates a 100-year legacy. </p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/tiger-woods-wants-to-ruin-logo</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Sun Day Red is made to evolve. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">YxhTC9beyPvELk9GjDnjdg</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8PyVPKBwcPCnZANKRBrp8L.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Logo ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Logos]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Branding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[logo design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inspiration]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8PyVPKBwcPCnZANKRBrp8L.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Tiger Woods promoting new brand Sun Day Red]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Tiger Woods promoting new brand Sun Day Red]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Don't hate me, but I think this new AI art tool could have a use ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>AI art isn't what it was a year ago. For good or bad the tools are here and they're evolving incredibly fast. Working out ways to bring AI tools into your workflow is one of the most current dilemmas facing many digital artists. As Martin Nebelong argues in his opinion piece on <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/ai-art-is-too-generic">'AI art is only a threat if we let prompt-jockeys take control'</a>, learning ways to make AI work for us and not replace us is crucial.</p><p>One of these new AI tools that can be a useful addition to your workflow is <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.leiapix.com/" target="_blank">LeiaPix</a>, which quickly turns 2D illustrations into 3D animation, ideal for bringing a sketch, painting or scene to life. LeiaPix is akin to turning your 2D art into short stereoscopic animations that feel like old lenticular images.</p><p>I've tried LeiaPix myself and was taken aback by how good the 3D animated results are; I drop a sketch I made in <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/procreate-tutorials-hub">Procreate</a> on an <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/tag/ipad-pro">iPad Pro</a> and watch as loose lines animate with a new perspective. Although at around five seconds this is short and illustrative, it's impressive. You can get the same effect by spending time creating 3D in Photoshop to enhance still images in After Effects, but LeiaPix takes seconds to convert 2D art into short animations. </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1152px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="7TuwCraVRBAnVU8R6mdXNm" name="field-2.jpg" alt="LeiaPix; an image of a field" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7TuwCraVRBAnVU8R6mdXNm.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1152" height="648" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Ian Dean)</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:576px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="TYhQW8Mpo3K6EJfQ9QXH9D" name="field.gif" alt="LeiaPix; an image of a field" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TYhQW8Mpo3K6EJfQ9QXH9D.gif" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="576" height="324" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Ian Dean)</span></figcaption></figure><p>I can see how LeiaPix can be an effective tool for artists who need to show clients how concepts could work in motion or sell the emotion of an idea. If you work in <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/archviz-everything-you-need-to-know">Archviz</a> or game concept art and need to quickly see how a design works in motion this could be a good tool. The results here are lower quality than LeiaPix outputs due to our site restrictions on file sizes, but you can see good examples on social media, from artists like <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.instagram.com/digitalartsensei/" target="_blank">@digitalartsensei</a>, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C301CK4M18e/" target="_blank">@hybridportraits</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://twitter.com/benny_drop/status/1755267131200147816" target="_blank">@benny_drop</a>.</p><p>The idea for creating the platform is to enable non-3D creatives the chance to give their 2D digital art a new level of depth, and offers a glimpse of how art can be experienced in a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-vr-headsets">VR headset</a> or AR, but it certainly looks good on a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-monitor">4K monitor</a>. To find out more I caught up with the developer behind the tool.</p><p>"The version that’s available today was designed with a broad audience in mind, from photographers and film-industry professionals to hobbyists and digital creators who want to add depth, dimension and emotion to their work," says LeiaPix director David Sitbon. "In short, if you want to turn a flat image or video into something more engaging with some wow factor, LeiaPix is for you."</p><div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_Ay5Ty2Yc_U9PFvL4Z_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_Ay5Ty2Yc_U9PFvL4Z_div'></div></div></div></div><div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_Ay5Ty2Yc_U9PFvL4Z_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_Ay5Ty2Yc_U9PFvL4Z_div'></div></div></div></div><p>The app features tools to enable you to zoom, pan and even dolly shots with an instant preview to test how your animation will look ahead of the final render. The pitch is, LeiaPix is a quick way into 3D animation for 2D artists making it a tool anyone can use. (If you want to create deeper animation, see our guide to the best <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-laptop-for-animation">laptops for animation</a> or <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-laptops-for-3d-modelling">3D modelling</a>.)</p><p>"We want to change the perception that the emotion unlocked through 3D content, due in large part to the sense of immersion created by depth, is only for the highly skilled or those with access to expensive software," shares David. "Naturally a 3D experience can’t be replicated on a 2D device, but the platform can give everyone a taste of it, regardless of the type of device they’re using and making it an accessible option for anyone looking to elevate their digital content."</p><p>David says Leia Inc takes an ethical view of how AI art tools are developed and used, and LeiaPix has been "grounded in ethical principles, such as using our own data set for training".</p><figure><blockquote><p>The platform can give everyone a taste of it, regardless of the type of device they’re using</p><figcaption><cite>David Sitbon, director, LeiaPix</cite></figcaption></blockquote></figure><p>You can find the company's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.leiainc.com/legal/privacy-policy" target="_blank">rights and privacy policy on its website</a>, as David clarifies: "We're aware of the power of AI and the importance of using it responsibly. This means being transparent about how our technology works, respecting users' control over their content, and making best efforts to manage proper use. For us, it's crucial that LeiaPix remains a tool that supports creativity and innovation without compromising ethical standards."</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/i-try-leiapix-ai</link> <description> <![CDATA[ LeiaPix turns 2D art into 3D animation. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">ZVMqJeKSTSZiTua9EDkao8</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TYhQW8Mpo3K6EJfQ9QXH9D.gif" type="image/gif" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 13:00:51 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Digital Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[3D]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Animation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Illustration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai tools]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Graphic Design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[game development]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Concept Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gaming]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interview]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ ian.dean@futurenet.com (Ian Dean) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/gif" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TYhQW8Mpo3K6EJfQ9QXH9D.gif"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Ian Dean]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[LeiaPix; an image of a field]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[LeiaPix; an image of a field]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Artists are collaborating with a new 'ethical' AI image generator ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>AI image generation remains controversial for several reasons, and at the top of the list is the issue of copyright. Several text-to-image generators were trained using images scraped from the web without permission, and some are able to replicate, or at least attempt to recreate, the style of specific artists, who receive no credit or royalties.</p><p>Tess promises to be different. It's the first <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-ai-art-generators">AI image generator</a> I'm aware of that's being billed as a direct collaboration with artists. It specifically aims to copy and replicate the style of its collaborating artists and pays them royalties when their style is used.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.30%;"><img id="NmfQq9hupxemfApcf4y2Xd" name="Tess2.jpg" alt="An Image generated by Tess AI image generator" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NmfQq9hupxemfApcf4y2Xd.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="563" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">An image generated by Tess' 'Foreign Nostalgia' model based on the work of arist David O </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Tess)</span></figcaption></figure><p><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.tess.design/" target="_blank">Tess</a> came out of beta this week, and it's being billed as the "first ethical AI image generator". If that phrase sounds familiar, that's because it was used a lot on the launch of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/adobe-firefly-stock-images">Adobe Firefly</a> last year. However, there's a key difference in Tess's approach.</p><p>Adobe argues that Firefly is more ethical in comparison with the likes of Midjourney, DALL-E and Stable Diffusion because it was trained on licensed images from Adobe Stock, where contributors receive at least some form of compensation. It also includes content credentials clarifying that images were produced by AI. But just how ethical it is has been questioned. Some Adobe Stock contributors complained that they weren't able to opt out, and it's been pointed out that Adobe Stock itself <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/adobe-firefly-trained-on-midjourney">contains AI-generated images</a>, including images made using Midjourney.</p><p>What makes Tess different is that it's built to specifically copy the work of collaborating artists through a series of dedicated individual models. The artists are named, they license their work, and they receive royalties when their style is used. On launch, there are 15 artists on board, including <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.davidostudio.com/about" target="_blank">David O’Meara</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.instagram.com/tukuart/?hl=en" target="_blank">Jose Elgueta</a>.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.30%;"><img id="Xm55rjQHfu8dB3bgedStJd" name="Tess3.jpg" alt="An Image generated by Tess AI image generator" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Xm55rjQHfu8dB3bgedStJd.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="563" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">An image generated by Tess's 'Postcards' model </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Tess)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Tess has been developed by San Francisco-based Kapwing, an online video editor founded by <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://twitter.com/JuliaEnthoven" target="_blank">Julia Enthoven</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://twitter.com/RealEricLu" target="_blank">Eric Lu</a>, who previously worked on Google Image Search. It currently offers 22 different <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.tess.design/models" target="_blank">models</a>, each fine tuned using 10 to 20 works created by in a particular artist in consistent style. Users can choose the style they like and use text prompts to generate the images they want. Tess then splits subscription revenue 50/50 with participating artists based on the number of generations that use their model or models. Tess says it's paid out over $15,000 in royalties so far. </p><p>As for the customers, the image generator is aimed at creators, journalists, media entrepreneurs and small business marketers. Customers pay a base subscription is $20/month and get access to embedded tools for editing images and generating prompt ideas.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.30%;"><img id="x3bPHZJdiGzBAniEEWdsZc" name="Tess artist profile.jpg" alt="An artist profile on Tess AI image generator" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x3bPHZJdiGzBAniEEWdsZc.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="563" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">An example of an artist profile on Tess </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Tess)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Tess says it's also the first AI image generator that gives artists a choice on how they want to use Generative AI. Contributors can set up a private model to explore the technology, or they can choose to list it in the public marketplace to earn royalties. Tess provides <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.tess.design/blog/how-to-attribute-an-ai-image" target="_blank"><u>attribution guidelines</u></a> that aim to ensure artists get credit and visibility when images generated using their models are shared, and clients can also contact artists directly through the info on their profile. </p><p>So is it too good to be true? Well, I noted already that each model is trained on just 10 to 20 works by the collaborating artist. The underlying model behind the whole thing is Stable Diffusion, the well-known open-source AI-image generator whose developer, Stability AI, is being sued by artists for alleged copyright infringement. </p><p>Enthoven says she sees no contradiction. She says Tess has protections in place to prevent its models from producing images in the style of an unlicensed artist and that the additional training on specific artists' images means that outputs are significantly transformed from what Stable Diffusion would produce alone.</p><p>That might not be enough to convince some that a truly ethical AI image generator can ever exist. That said, Tess does appear to offer a way for artists to at least get something out of it, both financially and in terms of exposure. The debate for those considering joining will be whether it opens up a new avenue for their work or risks losing customers who could choose to use their AI model instead of commissioning them for original work.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.30%;"><img id="rNzuQFXKjuYjeMGvYtFWtc" name="Tess4.jpg" alt="An Image generated by Tess AI image generator" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rNzuQFXKjuYjeMGvYtFWtc.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1000" height="563" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">An image generated by Tess's Reflections model based on the work of artist Anthony Anaya </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Tess)</span></figcaption></figure><p><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://amcguiredesigns.com/" target="_blank">Andrew McGuire</a>, an artist and muralist whose work was used to train a model called <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.tess.design/models/all-of-us-cTRM" target="_blank">All of Us</a>, said: “Tess offers a great opportunity to utilize my work in ways I could not fathom and lets me participate in the AI conversation, not be left on the sidelines,” said</p><p>The artist <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.instagram.com/ger3x5/" target="_blank"><u>Ger Jorge</u></a> said: “I think that AI is here to stay, and it is counterproductive to oppose something that will remain a part of our future, and that its greatest virtue is to somehow democratize art and its creation. Just as the person who tightened screws was affected by the arrival of an automatic tool, surely that person had the power to become the one who fixed that tool when it broke down. Today we artists can educate this intelligence so that anyone with artistic desires can carry it forward and Tess, in addition to carrying this project forward, which is no small feat, fulfills the most important part, which is to give credit and effective participation to the artist.”</p><p>For more news in AI art, see <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/news/ai-optical-illusion-hybrid-images">AI optical illusion generator</a> created by researchers at the University of Michigan.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/news/tess-ai-art-generator</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Is it too good to be true? ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">2DKFa7UdAFyDQfyQvvrbWT</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r7b7axcjNjEQSy74n7Typd.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 12:00:12 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Graphic Design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ai]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Digital Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Illustration]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ joe.foley@futurenet.com (Joe Foley) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r7b7axcjNjEQSy74n7Typd.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Tess]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[An Image generated by Tess AI image generator]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[An Image generated by Tess AI image generator]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Maya 2025 review: lacks innovation but a solid update ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">Maya 2025 features</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text"><strong>Price </strong>$1,875 / £1,970 annual, $235 / £245 monthly<strong><br>Company </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/maya/overview?term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription" target="_blank">Autodesk</a><strong><br>New features </strong>Smart Extrude, Bevel Filtering Attributes and Boolean intersections as a bevel input, revised Motion Traits system, Dope Sheet improvements, Arnold for Maya v.5.4.0, USD for Maya v.0.27, updates to Substance, Bifrost and more.</p></div></div><p>Autodesk's 3ds Max is an industry standard set of tools for 3D modelling, animation, sims and rendering that is already crammed with superb tools, so where can it go? As is common with most established 3D applications and the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-3d-modelling-software">best 3D modelling software</a> there’s little added to the 3ds Maya 2025 that wasn't in <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/maya-2024">Maya 2024</a>, so it doesn't change the game for artists, but remains a must-use suite of tools.</p><p>While this is always a little disappointing, and its often expected in the years between major updates, artists will benefit from one new major tool called Smart Extrude, as well as a range of other improvements and changes across rigging, animation and lookdev.</p><p>The single biggest update is the inclusion of the Smart Extrude tool, which has been a solid part of 3ds Max since Version 2021 (read my review of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/3ds-max-2025">3ds Max 2025</a> for more on this software). I don’t quite know why it’s taken so long for this valuable tool to make its way to Maya, but this is often the case. For this tool in particular, they’ve obviously determined that it’s less of a priority for Maya users. Make of that what you will.</p><p>Smart Extrude isn’t to be confused with a legacy Maya tool that goes by the same name, now known as Shift Extrude and more niche. The new version enables you to extrude faces interactively. Not only is this a more pleasing workflow, but it also removes the need to manually repair double faces and unwelded results that occur during a traditional Extrude. Instead, fully or partially cut-through and overlapped faces are interactively rebuilt. </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1363px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:83.20%;"><img id="DzGCjovzu7emY7aQNRxmx6" name="TDW313.r_maya2025.damien_guimoneau_breakdown.jpg" alt="Maya 2025 review; a 3d render of a dinosaur" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DzGCjovzu7emY7aQNRxmx6.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1363" height="1134" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Artist Damien Guimoneau utilises Maya’s tools to create breathtaking imagery. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Damien Guimoneau)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Maya 2025 does a great job with this rebuilding process and can almost always be relied on to generate useable results. Eliminating these types of issues dramatically reduces the work and time required to carry out such tasks. It also makes the process of extruding faces more seamless and free, increasing flexibility. </p><p>Changes to the modelling tools aren’t limited to Smart Extrude. We’re also treated to improved bevelling tools and updated edge extrusion functionality. A new Poly Bevel Filter enables artists to apply bevels based on Selected Edges, Hard Edges, or Edges by Angle/Filter Angle. Maya also keeps track of edges created by Boolean operations, making it possible to apply bevel operations to those edges only, reducing the need for going back and forth.</p><p>Improvements such as these are unlikely to leave Maya, or new Maya 2025, users head over heels, but if modelling objects is part of your day-to-day job, then it’ll certainly make your life easier. </p><div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">LookdevX for Maya 1.3.0</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">LookdevX has been updated to introduce support for the MaterialX data format, making it possible to assign MaterialX materials directly to Maya geometry. It’s also possible to utilise both USD and MaterialX shading graphs in the same session, which significantly streamlines their integration.</p></div></div><p>Animators are treated to a new Attribute Editor Deformer widget that lets them manage deformation chains without having to use the Node Graph. In the widget, it’s possible to view deformers and topology modifiers for quick and easy access to basic information about each deformer.</p><p>Maya’s Dope Sheet gets a major overhaul with a cleaner and better organised interface, similar to the Graph Editor, making interaction simpler and much more intuitive. These changes are useful for making and managing large-scale animation changes. </p><p>I also like the customisable colour palette, which helps you to distinguish different sets of keys, as well as the visual indicators for keyframe properties. Visual updates like these have been a long time coming for Maya and go a long way towards making the Dope Sheet as intuitive as the Graph Editor.</p><p><em>If you're looking to upgrade to Maya 2025 then perhaps consider a new </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-laptops-for-3d-modelling"><em>laptop for 3D modelling</em></a><em>, or a new </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-drawing-tablet"><em>drawing tablet</em></a><em> to develop your setup.</em></p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/maya-2025</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Does this year's animation, modelling, simulation and rendering toolset impress? ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">7mV56myGqZETbsP6VDo8sm</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Hi8dUKMwiTtzyZ2TNNTtvn.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 11:00:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[3D]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Digital Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Graphic Design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[3D modelling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[game art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gaming]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Film]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Filmmaking]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Animation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tech]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Software]]></category> <category><![CDATA[magcontent]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ paulo.n.hatton@gmail.com (Paul Hatton) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Hi8dUKMwiTtzyZ2TNNTtvn.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Damien Guimoneau]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Maya 2025 review; a 3d render of a dinosaur]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Maya 2025 review; a 3d render of a dinosaur]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ How to clear cache on iPad ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>If your iPad feels sluggish or you’re running low on storage, clearing the cache can help improve performance. Cache is where the system stores your browsing history and date, like images or fonts. Too much of it can bulk up the system and make things slow down. </p><p>In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to clear cache on your iPad and keep it running smoothly. The same steps apply to all the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/ipad-model-list">iPad generations</a>.</p><h2 id="how-to-clear-cache-in-settings-2">How to clear cache in settings</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:4030px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.23%;"><img id="WHW2b4jicxmyUEErB2b86b" name="IMG_3160.jpg" alt="iPad" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WHW2b4jicxmyUEErB2b86b.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="4030" height="2266" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Ben Brady)</span></figcaption></figure><section class="howto-block"> <h3>01. Open the Settings App:</h3> <p><p>Launch the Settings app on your iPad.</p></p><p><p><br></p></p> </section><section class="howto-block"> <h3>02. Navigate to General > iPad Storage:</h3> <p><ul></p><p><li>Tap General from the left column.</li></p><p><li>Select iPad Storage.</li></p><p><li>Your iPad will calculate the current storage usage.</li></p><p></ul></p> </section><section class="howto-block"> <h3>03. Identify Apps Taking Up Space:</h3> <p><ul></p><p><li>You’ll see a list of apps and their storage usage.</li></p><p><li>Look for apps that are consuming significant space.</li></p><p></ul></p> </section><section class="howto-block"> <h3>04. Clear Cache for Specific Apps:</h3> <p><ul></p><p><li>Tap the app you want to clear the cache for.</li></p><p><li>Look for an option to clear cache or delete temporary files.</li></p><p><li>Follow the prompts to free up space.</li></p><p></ul></p> </section><h2 id="how-to-clear-safari-cache-2">How to clear Safari Cache</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="bwLTNr5UFNALQeSaghcn2L" name="extensino.jpg" alt="The Apple Safari logo on a gradient background." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bwLTNr5UFNALQeSaghcn2L.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple/Future)</span></figcaption></figure><section class="howto-block"> <h3>01. Clear everything</h3> <p><p>The simplest way to clear everything, i.e history, cookies, and other browsing data, is to open Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.</p></p> </section><section class="howto-block"> <h3>02. Remove specific items </h3> <p><p>To remove specific items Browsing History and Data: go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data.</p></p> </section><h2 id="additional-tips-to-speed-up-your-ipad-2">Additional Tips to Speed Up Your iPad</h2><section class="howto-block"> <h3>01. Delete Unused Apps:</h3> <p><ul></p><p><li>Go to the Settings app.</li></p><p><li>Tap General > iPad Storage.</li></p><p><li>Select an app you no longer need and tap Delete App.</li></p><p></ul></p> </section><section class="howto-block"> <h3>02. Offload Unused Apps Automatically:</h3> <p><ul></p><p><li>Enable Offload Unused Apps in Settings > General > iPad Storage.</li></p><p><li>This removes the app but keeps its data, freeing up space.</li></p><p></ul></p> </section><section class="howto-block"> <h3>03. Regularly Delete Messages:</h3> <p><ul></p><p><li>Messages with large attachments can take up space.</li></p><p><li>Set messages to delete after 30 days in Settings > Messages.</li></p><p></ul></p> </section><section class="howto-block"> <h3>04. Restart Your iPad:</h3> <p><p>Sometimes a simple restart can clear out temporary files and boost performance.</p></p> </section><p>If you need new kit, see our <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-ipad-for-drawing">best iPad for drawing</a> list. And for other deals we've spied, see below:</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.creativebloq.com/how-to/clear-cache-on-ipad</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Boost performance and free up space with these easy steps. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">TG9o4gphqXmqhKTCU32FBQ</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WHW2b4jicxmyUEErB2b86b.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 10:00:09 +0000</pubDate> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WHW2b4jicxmyUEErB2b86b.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Ben Brady]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[iPad]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[iPad]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> </channel></rss>If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
Download the "valid RSS" banner.
Upload the image to your own server. (This step is important. Please do not link directly to the image on this server.)
Add this HTML to your page (change the image src attribute if necessary):
If you would like to create a text link instead, here is the URL you can use:
http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=https%3A//www.creativebloq.com/feeds.xml
