For one week solely: entry the CR archive without cost!
Usually reserved for subscribers only. For this week we are opening our archive to all readers and offering you the opportunity to delve deep into the history of the commercial creative industry over the past 40 years.
Perhaps you spend your time looking back at how we've covered big brands or companies over the years, whether it's creative brands like Nike or Coca-Cola or the most creative agencies and studios in the industry, including Wieden + Kennedy or Pentagram are . The latter appeared in the magazine in the summer of 1980 in an article that contained the immortal opening line: "Pentagram is an arrogant design group, as its partners readily admit."
Article about Coca-Cola from the July 2011 issue
Nike story from April 1999
Pentagram in the summer 1980 edition of CR
Here you will find a large number of interviews with leading designers and creatives from the last few decades.
This includes insights from countless inspiring characters from Irma Boom to Hattie Stewart, Tyler Mitchell and legendary designer Ken Garland, who passed away last week.
Interviewed designer Irma Boom in December 2011
The interview with Tyler Mitchell was featured in the June / July 2020 issue of CR
Hattie Stewart interview from July 2018
Ken Garland in an interview with Mark Sinclair in the February 2013 issue
If awards are your thing, you have nearly two decades to read Creative Review Annual editions, as well as countless Photography Annuals and one or the other Illustration Annual and Type Annual.
These themes provide perhaps the strongest barometers of fashion that has emerged and gone in the commercial creative industry over the years.
Opening spread of the first CR annual edition in April 2003
Cover picture of the CR year 2021
The archive can also be a good place to follow the broader trends that have emerged over the years as the industry has grappled with issues of diversity and inclusion, as well as its complex relationship with customers.
Often these questions, which are still so topical today, go far back than one might think.
Article about the representation of women in advertising from May 1997
David Abbott on Customers in the July 1982 issue of CR
And if all you're looking for is a fun rummaging around, you can certainly lose many hours in the archives looking for yourself, your friends, your company, your enemies.
Even just looking at how the ads that have run in the magazine have changed over the decades, it can be fun and insightful (believe me, some of the ads from the 80s are shocking).
Advertisement for the Power Macintosh G3 in the April 1999 issue of CR
Conspicuous ad for Corbis in the April 2003 issue
So don't miss the opportunity to romp around in the CR archive for free this week before we don't block it again for subscribers until May 31st.
Access the CR archive