Universal Design Cases
Designers behind the work
Designers and creative leads credited on Universal projects in press coverage.
Designers and creative leads credited on Universal projects in press coverage.
The article profiles Madrid-based designer David Heofs and his studio Bandiz, which creates tactile, analogue-inspired visual identities for musicians. Using materials like crayons, ink, and collage, Heofs blends physical craft with digital typography to produce expressive, textural designs for clients such as Sony Music and Universal Music. The piece highlights his process-driven approach and the distinctive handmade quality of his work.
The Brand Identity profiles Erik Herrström’s debut book THE ECHO, a 218-page guide challenging Pinterest-led design and advocating for deeper cultural research in branding. Designed by STUDIO HERRSTRÖM with illustrations by Matouš Marťák, the book combines editorial design, interviews, and case studies from music and culture. It reflects Herrström’s philosophy of direction over speed and encourages designers to move beyond aesthetic alignment.
Creative Boom interviews Explorers Club founders Ayo Fagbemi and Aaron Skipper about their rapid growth, philosophy of brave and playful design, and projects for major brands like Atlantic Records, Coca-Cola, and Instacart. The duo discuss how strategy and design intertwine to create culture-shaping work, emphasizing community, clarity, and collaboration. The article explores their process, from generative identities to tactile book design and live event branding.
The article explores whether illustration is 'dead' in the age of AI, featuring insights from illustrators and art directors who share both optimism and concern. While some creatives report declining budgets and fewer commissions, others highlight renewed appreciation for human-made, conceptual, and storytelling-driven work. The consensus is that illustration is evolving, not dying, as artists adapt to AI and shifting client expectations.
London-based artist Orfeo Tagiuri created two animated music videos for Brian Eno and Beatie Wolfe’s collaborative albums, titled 'Procession' and 'Suddenly'. The works explore themes of interconnectivity and transformation, drawing inspiration from the Eames’ 'Powers of Ten' and William Blake’s prints. Created entirely in Procreate Dreams, the animations merge natural and human imagery in a fluid, improvisational style.
KOTA has redesigned Universal Production Partners’ website into a cinematic, WebGL-powered experience that mirrors the VFX studio’s filmic craft. The site dynamically changes lighting based on time of day and integrates subtle 3D transitions and interactive motion. The project balances immersive design with usability, reflecting UPP’s precision and artistry.
Creative Boom’s feature explores how IllustrationX evolved from a London-based agency into a truly global illustration powerhouse with agents across four continents. Managing director Harry Lyon-Smith and North America director Stacey Endress discuss the agency’s structure, localised approach, and commitment to artist quality. The article highlights how authenticity and international collaboration give IllustrationX a competitive edge in the age of AI-driven creativity.
The article profiles Berlin-based DTAN Studio, a multidisciplinary team known for merging analogue printmaking with motion design. Through Risograph animation and hand-cut techniques, the studio creates tactile, unpredictable visuals for clients in music, fashion, and culture. Co-founders Julia Schimautz and Bianca Brandner emphasize the human touch and experimental spirit that define their work.
