If Design Cases
1 case across 1 studio
Designers behind the work
Designers and creative leads credited on If projects in press coverage.
News & interviews
- The top 15 illustrators of 2026, as chosen by the community
Creative Boom · Apr 16, 2026
Creative Boom’s 2026 community poll highlights 15 illustrators shaping the global illustration scene, emphasizing originality and human touch in an AI-saturated era. The list spans established names like Noma Bar and Malika Favre to emerging talents such as Anna Micheloni and Genie Espinosa. The article celebrates craftsmanship, individuality, and the enduring commercial relevance of distinctive illustration.
The New YorkerThe Guardianillustration - Derek Abella got laid off on Valentine's Day
Creative Boom · Apr 14, 2026
The article profiles Miami-born, New York-based illustrator Derek Abella, whose career took off after being laid off on Valentine's Day 2020. It explores how his Art Deco-inspired, emotionally resonant illustrations gained traction during the pandemic, leading to collaborations with major media outlets and brands. Abella reflects on resilience, creative growth, and his evolving artistic direction as he approaches a new decade in his career.
The New York TimesThe New Yorkerillustration - Top 20 graphic designers of 2026, as voted for by creatives
Creative Boom · Apr 13, 2026
Creative Boom reveals the top 20 graphic designers of 2026, as voted by thousands of creatives in its annual State of Creativity survey. The list highlights influential figures such as Paula Scher, Jessica Walsh, Simon Dixon, and Verónica Fuerte, showcasing a mix of established icons and emerging voices shaping the global design landscape. The article celebrates diversity in practice, from branding and typography to motion and illustration.
- How Classmate Studio gave physical form to Postlife’s digital themes
The Brand Identity · Jan 16, 2026
The Brand Identity’s feature explores how Classmate Studio designed the second issue of Postlife Magazine, titled 'Technosocial.' The Helsinki and Budapest-based studio translated the magazine’s exploration of technology and humanity into a tactile editorial design using procedural 3D typography, metallic finishes, and uncoated paper. The project balances digital and organic aesthetics, reflecting the publication’s conceptual themes.
Classmate StudioDum Dum StudioPostlife Magazineeditorial - Luciano Castelli on restlessness, ritual and why he 'can't stop' making art
Creative Boom · Dec 16, 2025 · Interview
Creative Boom interviews Swiss artist Luciano Castelli about his five-decade career spanning painting, performance, music, and photography. The discussion centers on his new exhibition 'Whispers of Japan' at Kulturstiftung Basel H. Geiger, exploring his fascination with Japanese culture, Butoh, and self-portraiture. Castelli reflects on his restless creativity, collaborations with Salomé, and his role in the 1980s Junge Wilde movement.
Kulturstiftung Basel H. Geiger (KBH.G)art - Pantone crowns 'Cloud Dancer' as its Colour of the Year 2026, inviting creatives to breathe again
Creative Boom · Dec 4, 2025
Pantone has named 'Cloud Dancer' (PANTONE 11-4201), a soft white hue, as its Colour of the Year 2026. The shade is described as a calming, reflective tone that invites clarity and creative renewal. The announcement includes collaborations with illustrator Emiliano Ponzi and brands like Motorola, Play-Doh, and Spotify, marking a year-long celebration of simplicity and creative space.
Pantone Color InstitutePantoneMotorolabranding - Here Design: modern day craftsmanship and the concept of beautility
Creative Boom · Nov 25, 2025
Creative Boom profiles Here Design, a London-based studio known for its philosophy of 'beautility'—the union of beauty and utility in design. Founders Mark Paton, Kate Marlow, and Tess Wicksteed discuss their craft-led approach, evolution over two decades, and commitment to cultural nuance and sustainability. The article explores their philosophy, notable projects, and how the studio balances creativity, purpose, and wellbeing.
Here DesignFortnum & MasonBalveniebranding - Studio Najbrt creates a flexible system for Avenga’s global tech merger
The Brand Identity · Nov 14, 2025
Studio Najbrt developed a flexible global identity system for Avenga following its merger with Qinshift. The Prague-based studio created a distinctive logo featuring a loop motif, custom typography in collaboration with Displaay Type Foundry, and 3D visual assets rendered in Blender. The project balanced global scalability with a unique, non-cliché aesthetic for the tech sector.
Studio NajbrtDisplaay Type FoundryAvengaQinshiftbranding - Brian Collins
Creative Boom · Oct 27, 2025 · Interview
In this Creative Boom Podcast episode, Katy Cowan interviews Brian Collins, co-founder of COLLINS, about creativity, resilience, and the evolving role of design. Collins discusses his 'second dragon' philosophy, lessons from his career, and his perspective on AI as a creative partner. The conversation blends personal storytelling with insights into the future of creativity.
- "November's Nicer Tuesdays: Get Tickets for Porto Rocha, Jennie Baptiste Talks"
It's Nice That · Oct 15, 2025
It’s Nice That announces the November 2025 edition of its Nicer Tuesdays event in London, featuring talks from Porto Rocha, Jennie Baptiste, Boomranng Studio, and Alice Isaac. The lineup spans design, photography, and collage, with discussions on identity, culture, and creative process. The event will be held at EartH Hackney with music by Epidemic Sound and sponsorship from El Rayo and Lovecorn.