Charli XCX
Musician · Other
3 articles · Nov 2024 — Oct 2025
Articles & interviews
- "Anti-Brand is Just Strategic Branding, Experts Say"
Creative Boom · Oct 20, 2025
Written by Cat How of How&How, this opinion piece argues that so-called 'anti-branding' is not a rejection of branding but a strategic evolution of it. Using examples like Jolene’s child-drawn logo, Charli XCX’s Brat album, and Patagonia’s 'Don’t Buy This Jacket' campaign, How contends that these are calculated branding moves disguised as rebellion. The article dismantles the myth of authenticity in design, asserting that all visual identities are deliberate brand strategies.
How&HowJolenePatagoniabranding - Music Albums Create Visual Universes for Enhanced Fan Experience
It's Nice That · Aug 14, 2025
The article explores how contemporary musicians are increasingly treating album campaigns as immersive visual worlds, integrating design, photography, and set direction into cohesive brand identities. It highlights projects like Chappell Roan’s 'The Subway' and Charli XCX’s 'Brat', and discusses Bijan Berahimi’s exhibition 'Eyes and Ears' that surveys this trend. Designers and creative directors emphasize the growing importance of visual storytelling in music marketing.
- Gatekeeping in Business: Special Offer Insights
It's Nice That · Nov 14, 2024
The article profiles New York studio Special Offer and its founder Brent David Freaney, exploring the studio’s elastic, community-driven approach to design. It focuses on their work for Charli XCX’s 2024 album 'brat', which became a defining visual moment of the year, and touches on collaborations with Martine Syms. The piece highlights Special Offer’s philosophy, design process, and influence on contemporary visual culture.
Special OfferCharli XCXAtlantic Recordsbranding