Olivia Hingley
Author · Other
Studios:It’s Nice That
In their own words
Rather than falling into the same binary trap of the very thing he’s disavowing, Alex wanted to avoid simplifications of cowboy ‘bad’ – instead, his photos show moments of intimacy or vulnerability among men that are rarely represented.
Articles & interviews
- Vinca Petersen’s Skye Photo Series Imagines an Alternative Future
Photographer Vinca Petersen’s new series 'Hulala' documents her move to the Isle of Skye, where she built a sustainable home and community using straw bale construction. The project, developed with writer Gem Fletcher, explores themes of intimacy, alternative living, and collective creativity. Through portraits and documentary imagery, Petersen reflects on connection, change, and the potential for new ways of living.
- Bayeux Tapestry and Folklore Shape Hastings Castle’s Warm New Branding
Designers Clare and Charlie Noon created a new brand identity for Hastings Castle that draws inspiration from the Bayeux Tapestry and local folklore. The rebrand introduces a custom typeface, Conqueror Sans, and a warm, handcrafted visual language that breaks from traditional heritage aesthetics. The flexible identity supports the castle’s regeneration as a contemporary cultural and community space.
- Matilde Viegas’ Photo Series Celebrates Portugal’s Bustling Market Life
Photographer Matilde Viegas’ series 'Dia de Feira' captures the sensory richness and human connection of Portuguese market life. Created as a personal project to counter the automation of modern living, the work blends candid portraiture and documentary imagery. Exhibited at Porto’s Leica Gallery with a short film by Mafalda Salgueiro, the project celebrates community, tradition, and everyday beauty.
- Designers Bring DIY Style to Pigeons & Planes Annual Mixtape
The article profiles designers Jean Pierre Consuegra and Leo Horton, who collaborated on the visual identity for Pigeons & Planes’ annual mixtape 'See You Next Year 3'. Embracing a DIY, textural aesthetic, the pair used scanners, stamps, and handwritten elements to create a raw yet graphic look. The feature explores their creative partnership, long project timelines, and the role of social media in connecting collaborators.
- How Alfie Whiteman
The article profiles former Tottenham goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman, who has transitioned into photography and direction. His debut exhibition, 'A Loan', explores themes of loneliness, vulnerability, and self-discovery through self-portraiture taken during his time in rural Sweden. The feature discusses his creative influences, emotional journey, and new career with production company Somesuch.
- This little book is a design archive of the most delicate memento – the Spanish napkin
Photographer Felipe Hernández Duràn has published a new book titled *Servilletas: Spanish Napkins*, an archive of 600 napkins collected from bars and restaurants across Spain over the past decade. The publication, produced with Ojos de Buey, captures the graphic and cultural diversity of Spanish dining culture through these disposable yet meaningful artifacts. The pocket-sized book mirrors the napkins’ form and celebrates their role as everyday mementos of shared meals and memories.
- London’s Ours! Celebrating the posters, billboards and publicity stunts that put two fingers up to Thatcherism
The article spotlights the new Four Corners publication 'London’s Ours!', which revisits the radical visual culture of the Greater London Council during the early 1980s. Designed by Claire Mason and written by Hazel Atashroo, the book explores how the GLC used posters, billboards, and community art to challenge Thatcher-era politics and promote progressive causes. The feature delves into the design choices, historical context, and enduring influence of this politically charged visual legacy.
- Valery Poshtarov’s portraits of fathers and sons holding hands is a study of “what remains unsaid between men”
The article profiles Sofia-based photographer Valery Poshtarov and his ongoing project 'Father and Son', a photographic series exploring masculinity, tenderness, and intergenerational connection through portraits of fathers and sons holding hands. The project, spanning multiple countries, culminates in a photobook featuring a hand-drawn heart cover symbolizing enduring human connection.
- Jas Bell on crafting a visual solar system for SZA
The article profiles creative director Jas Bell and his decade-long collaboration with musician SZA, exploring how he crafts a cohesive visual universe around her music. Bell discusses his creative process, influences, and the trust-based partnership that allows their visuals to evolve authentically with each musical era.
- Kimera foundry on having its typeface front the Oscar-winning film, Sentimental Value
The article profiles Munich-based type foundry Kimera and its founder Michael Clasen, focusing on the use of their typeface Waldenburg in the Oscar-winning film 'Sentimental Value'. It explores Kimera’s research-driven approach to type design and how Waldenburg’s humanist yet precise qualities complemented the film’s tone. The feature highlights the significance of an independent foundry’s work reaching a global cinematic audience.
- Heated Rivalry’s cinematographer shares the visual secrets behind the hit series
The article is an interview with cinematographer Jackson Parrell about his work on the hit Canadian TV series 'Heated Rivalry'. Parrell discusses how the team achieved a cinematic look on a limited budget through creative adaptation, efficient location use, and a focus on visual storytelling. The piece highlights the show's unexpected success and the ingenuity behind its production process.
- Get in, loser! Dinamo’s auto-inspired typeface has arrived, with 108 fonts in the boot
Dinamo has launched ABC Schengen, a new auto- and industry-inspired typeface family designed by Seb McLauchlan with Luke Charsley. Six years in development, the project explores the visual language of European trade, transport, and manufacturing, resulting in 108 fonts and three companion revivals. The article delves into the design process, inspirations, and collaborative nature of the release.
- The third book from The Gourmand makes room for the mushroom
The article covers The Gourmand’s third book in its food-focused series, published by Taschen, which explores the world of mushrooms through photography, essays, and recipes. Creative director David Lane and editor-in-chief Marina Tweed continue their minimalist visual approach, with photography by Bobby Doherty capturing the mushroom’s iconic form. The publication blends culinary, historical, and design perspectives into a richly visual and conceptual exploration.
- A new book catalogues both the grand and inconspicuous icons of British design
The article covers 'Projecting British Design', a new book published by the modernist that showcases 100 archival slides from the Design Council’s post-war collection. Designed by Thomas Steeles, the publication highlights both iconic and everyday British design objects, emphasizing the cultural and historical value of the archive. The project celebrates the tactile and educational legacy of design in the UK.
- Sara Hagale on the nuanced art of capturing facial expression
The article profiles illustrator Sara Hagale, exploring her evolving focus on capturing nuanced facial expressions through her recurring character—a tiny, wide-eyed girl that represents a distilled version of herself. It discusses her process, emotional storytelling, and upcoming solo exhibition 'Maybe You Know the Place' at Hashimoto Contemporary in New York City.
- The Bible, iPhones and hardware manuals inspired Mindy Seu’s book about sex on the internet
The article explores Mindy Seu’s new book, 'A Sexual History of the Internet,' designed by Laura Coombs. The publication translates a live lecture-performance into a tactile, palm-sized book inspired by the Bible, iPhones, and hardware manuals. The design reverses the relationship between digital and print, using timecodes and physical materials to evoke the digital experience while preserving censored online content.
- An exhibition of Palestinian photographers visualises the lasting significance of ‘land’
The article covers 'Ard: To Belong to Land', an exhibition at Galleria Gola in Milan curated by Dalia Al-Dujaili, showcasing eight Palestinian photographers exploring the profound relationship between Palestinians and their land. The show highlights themes of identity, resilience, and belonging through intimate and politically charged imagery. It underscores photography’s role as both witness and archive of Palestinian life and resistance.
- Keeping the doctor away! Clue perfumey asks 29 artists to draw an apple
Clue Perfumery’s co-founders Caleb Vanden Boom and Laura Oberwetter launched 'Every Apple', a stone sculpture infused with aromatic oil, celebrating the apple’s form and scent. To mark the release, they invited 29 artists to create unique interpretations of the fruit, resulting in a diverse collection of illustrations. The project highlights Clue’s collaborative ethos and its blend of art, scent, and design.
- The visual world of Jerkcurb’s new album is made with inherited paint and a touch of magical realism
The article profiles London-based musician and artist Jacob Read, known as Jerkcurb, and the creation of his new album 'Night Fishing on a Calm Lake'. It explores how inherited paints from his late father influenced both the visual and musical aspects of the project, blending art and sound through a lens of magical realism. The piece highlights his creative process, emotional themes of loss and renewal, and the tactile, painterly approach that defines the album’s aesthetic.
- Has judging a book by its cover gone too far?
The article by Olivia Hingley explores how social media and marketing trends have influenced contemporary book cover design, questioning whether visual appeal has overtaken literary substance. Featuring insights from designers Na Kim and David Pearson, it examines the homogenisation of aesthetics and the rise of 'photographable' covers driven by online culture. The piece reflects on how these shifts affect both readers’ choices and the creative freedom of designers.
- What happens when Adult Swim invites fans to play exquisite corpse?
Adult Swim hosted a live 'Exquisite Corpse' drawing challenge at the Manchester Animation Festival, inviting fans and animators to collaborate on spontaneous illustrations. The event, part of Adult Swim’s touring creative initiatives, aimed to reconnect people through analogue creativity and in-person networking. Led by Mark Taynton of Warner Bros. Discovery, the challenge celebrated community, humour, and talent scouting opportunities for aspiring animators.
- Small Death from Martha Naranjo Sandoval is a photobook that visualises how emigration impacts selfhood
The article profiles photographer Martha Naranjo Sandoval and her new photobook 'Small Death', published by Mack. The book explores themes of emigration, identity, and transformation through intimate analogue photographs taken after her move from Mexico to New York. It features contact sheet scans and minimal text, emphasizing sequencing and visual storytelling.
- How travelling with nothing but pencils and a notepad helped Harriet Yakub tackle her fear of a blank page
The article profiles Irish illustrator Harriet Yakub and her self-initiated travel notebook project, created while journeying through East Asia with only pencils and a notepad. Through limited materials and daily sketching, she overcame her fear of the blank page and reconnected with analogue illustration. The project reflects her rediscovery of creative confidence and a renewed appreciation for physical drawing.
- Christine Furuya-Gössler’s photographs are a powerful memento of a life cut short
The article profiles a new publication by Chose Commune titled 'Christine Furuya-Gössler Photographs (1978–1985)', which presents over 130 images by the late photographer Christine Furuya-Gössler. Edited by Cécile Poimboeuf-Koizumi and supported by Seiichi Furuya, the book highlights Christine’s evolution as a photographer and her intimate documentation of family life before her death in 1985. The piece reflects on the emotional and historical resonance of her work and its rediscovery decades later.
- Jennie Baptiste: From Fan to Photographer of Hip Hop Elites
The article profiles photographer Jennie Baptiste, tracing her journey from photographing musicians at HMV signings as a teenager to her first retrospective exhibition, 'Rhythm and Roots', at Somerset House. It explores her early influences, creative process, and her role in documenting Black British culture and the UK hip hop scene.
- "Casca Archive: Unveiling Northeast Brazil's Vernacular Design"
The article profiles designer and educator Victor Yves and his creation of the Casca Archive, a digital platform preserving vernacular design from Northeast Brazil. Combining personal passion with cultural research, Yves built the archive’s identity and website to reflect the region’s folk traditions and visual richness. The project emphasizes collaboration, inviting public contributions to expand the archive as a living, evolving resource.
- "Book Explores Tehching Hsieh's Year in a Cage, Dissects Time"
The article explores a new photobook published by Athens-based Void documenting Tehching Hsieh’s seminal performance piece ‘One Year Performance 1978–1979’, in which the artist lived in a cage for a year. It delves into Hsieh’s reflections on time, labor, and the philosophy behind his endurance-based art, while also discussing the book’s creation and its significance decades later. The piece includes insights from Hsieh on his process, photography, and the meaning of ‘wasting time’.
- DEI Cuts Stall Major Project for Black Designers Group
The article examines how recent political and corporate rollbacks of DEI initiatives have impacted the creative industry, focusing on the non-profit Where Are The Black Designers?. Co-founders Mitzi Okou and Roshannah Bagley discuss the postponement of their planned festival 'The Spaces in Between' due to funding cuts. The piece highlights the broader implications of reduced support for diversity-focused creative communities.
- Anthony Burrill Links Music, Protest, and Kindness to Design Success
The article covers a Nicer Tuesdays talk in London where typographic artist Anthony Burrill discussed how music, protest, and kindness influence his design philosophy. Interviewed by Olivia Hingley, Burrill reflected on his optimistic outlook and the origins of his well-known motto 'work hard and be nice to people.'
- Max Lancaster Captures Shipping Crew's Life at Sea
The article profiles London-based photographer Max Lancaster and his project 'Life Suspended Between Ports', a photographic exploration of life aboard a container ship. Inspired by maritime isolation and camaraderie, Lancaster documents the routines and emotions of a 25-person crew, capturing themes of solitude, connection, and endurance at sea.
- "Pub Worker Illustrates Overheard Conversations"
Illustrator Edie Medley’s project ‘I’m Not Listening’ captures snippets of conversations she overhears while working as a pub manager. The series humorously and empathetically documents everyday exchanges, turning them into expressive comics that celebrate the social life of pubs. The article highlights how Medley transforms her hospitality work into creative inspiration and commentary on community spaces.
- Photographer Sam Nicklin Mixes Vintage Ads, Color, eBay Finds
The article profiles still life photographer Sam Nicklin, whose project 'Colours' transforms his collection of everyday objects into striking, colour-coordinated compositions. Drawing inspiration from vintage advertising and his love of collecting, Nicklin’s work blends nostalgic aesthetics with contemporary styling. The feature explores his creative process, influences, and commissioned work for luxury brands.
- Blur's Dave Rowntree Shares Pre-Fame Band Photos in New Book
The article profiles Blur drummer Dave Rowntree and his new photobook 'No One You Know', published by Hero Press. The book compiles candid photographs from Blur’s early years, capturing the unfiltered energy of the band before fame. Rowntree discusses rediscovering the images during lockdown and collaborating with journalist Miranda Sawyer to bring the project to life.
- "September's Nicer Tuesdays: Tickets for Design Talks Now Available"
It’s Nice That announces the September 2025 edition of its Nicer Tuesdays event in London, featuring talks by Anthony Burrill, An Chen, and Robin Howie of Fieldwork Facility. The evening will explore topics from timeless typography to place-based design and creative balance, with music and refreshments provided by sponsors. The event will take place at EartH Hackney on 2 September 2025.
- Alfie Wheatley Turns Brighton's Season into Typographic Art
The article profiles London-based designer Alfie Wheatley and his self-initiated publication documenting Brighton & Hove Albion’s 2024/25 football season through experimental typography. Each match is represented by a unique typographic spread inspired by the opposing team, stadium visuals, and football culture. The project served as a creative outlet for Wheatley, blending his passion for design and football into a personal, expressive print piece.
- Jwan Yosef’s Paintings Explore Seduction and Sexuality Dynamics
The article profiles artist Jwan Yosef and his new monograph 'Intimacies', published by Baron Books. The book gathers his early series exploring seduction, sexuality, and restraint through cropped, suggestive imagery and a limited color palette. Yosef reflects on his process, materials, and the evolution of his practice from Syria to Sweden and now Los Angeles.
- Dennis Morris: Capturing Music's Iconic Faces
The article profiles photographer Dennis Morris, known for his iconic portraits of musicians like Bob Marley and the Sex Pistols. It explores his early life in London, his beginnings in photography, and his new exhibition and book 'Music and Life' at The Photographers’ Gallery, which juxtapose his music and social documentary work. Through an interview, Morris reflects on his creative journey and the enduring connection between music and his photographic practice.
- Alex Bex Explores Cowboy Myths in "Memories of Dust" Series
The article profiles photographer Alex Bex and his project 'Memories of Dust', a photographic exploration of modern cowboy culture and masculinity. Shot on film and using natural light, the series revisits the myth of the Western cowboy, revealing moments of tenderness and vulnerability among men. Through this work, Bex challenges traditional gender narratives and the performative nature of masculinity.
- Anna Mills Creates Unique Lettering for Musicians
The article profiles London-based designer and illustrator Anna Mills, known for her bespoke hand-drawn lettering for musicians such as Wolf Alice, Biig Piig, and Orla Gartland. It explores her analogue-first process, preference for imperfection, and how her tactile approach aligns with the resurgence of handmade aesthetics in the music industry. Mills’ work blends traditional drawing with subtle digital refinement, resulting in expressive, characterful typographic identities for artists.
- "Book Celebrates Era of Fan-Made Record Sleeves from 1950-2000"
The article profiles 'Sleeve Notes', a new book published by CentreCentre and curated by photographer Dominique Russell, documenting fan-made record sleeves from 1950–2000. Designed by Patrick Fry, the publication celebrates the DIY creativity of music fans in a pre-digital era, featuring archival photography and a nostalgic visual identity. The project highlights the cultural value of handmade music ephemera and the enduring connection between music and visual expression.
- Josh Greet Revitalizes Sports Photography with Sci-Fi, Horror Elements
Photographer Josh Greet’s series 'Phenomena' reimagines sports photography through the lens of sci-fi and folk horror. Created in collaboration with community project Arrival at One, the work captures runners and climbers in Dartmoor’s moody landscapes using physical lighting and in-camera effects. The project merges local folklore with cinematic color palettes to challenge conventional sports imagery.
- "Jody Evans Captures Spirited Drag Event 'Pomp!' Amid Queer Nightlife Challenges"
Photographer Jody Evans captures the chaotic and joyous energy of Pomp!, a London drag cabaret founded by performer Dirrty Harry. The series documents the event’s DIY, unfiltered performances that celebrate queer creativity and resist the commercialization of nightlife. The feature highlights Pomp!’s inclusive community and the photographer’s spontaneous, immersive approach.
- Helen Oxenbury Reflects on 60 Years of Illustrating for Children
The article is a feature interview with celebrated children's book illustrator Helen Oxenbury, reflecting on her six-decade career and her approach to illustrating childhood. She discusses her beginnings, influences, and process, as well as her exhibition at London’s Burgh House. The conversation highlights her authenticity, humor, and enduring impact on children’s literature.
- "Felicity Ingram's Photobook Celebrates Global Rave Culture"
Photographer Felicity Ingram releases her debut photobook, Technophoria, a 220-page visual exploration of global rave culture spanning cities from London to Tokyo. The project, created with creative director Sarah Bassett and casting director Emma Mattell, captures the individuality and community of nightlife scenes worldwide. The book reflects Ingram’s shift from beauty photography to social documentary, inspired by personal loss and a desire for creative freedom.
- Lotte Wubben-Moy Directs Her Arsenal Contract Renewal Announcement
Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy took on the role of creative director for her own contract renewal announcement, transforming a routine football update into a heartfelt short film. The project celebrates Arsenal’s fans and London’s community, blending spoken-word narration, grainy visuals, and collaborative art direction from SJ Todd of SJT Studio. The film highlights Wubben-Moy’s creative ambitions and her belief in bridging sport and art.
- Amiee Byrne Creates Hyper-Realistic Ceramic Art from Trash
The article profiles Amiee Byrne, a Melbourne-born, LA-based artist who transforms discarded everyday objects into hyper-realistic ceramic sculptures. It explores her creative process, inspirations, and collaborations with Machine Histories, highlighting her dedication to craftsmanship and the emotional challenges of working with ceramics.
- "Gay Times Relaunches with Provocative Still Life Cover"
Gay Times magazine has relaunched with a bold new visual direction, debuting a still life cover shoot by photographer and art director Marloes Haarmans. Collaborating with set designer Pierre Vaillant, Haarmans created conceptual sculptures combining everyday objects and sex toys to explore queer identity and modern gay semiotics. The project marks a new era for the publication under art director Jack Rowe, emphasizing inclusivity and creative experimentation.
- Kate Pritchard's Unpredictable Compositions Merge Whimsy and Design
The article profiles freelance designer and illustrator Kate Pritchard, whose work blends literary inspiration with playful, surreal compositions. Drawing from sources like poetry, vintage ephemera, and everyday curiosities, she creates posters and illustrations that challenge conventional layout and composition. Her process merges analytical storytelling with experimental visual techniques.
- Plains of Yonder Crafts Easter Egg-Filled Intro for The White Lotus
The article profiles Seattle-based studio Plains of Yonder and their creation of the opening sequence for season three of HBO’s The White Lotus. Co-founders Mark Bashore and Katrina Crawford discuss their research-driven process, drawing inspiration from Thai temple paintings to craft a darker, more mysterious tone. The piece explores how the studio’s meticulous approach and visual storytelling continue to make the show’s credits a cultural talking point.
- Moulaye Diarra Captures Dakar Youth Dreams in Photo Series
Photographer Moulaye Diarra’s series 'What if we were dreaming…' captures the hopes and inner worlds of Dakar’s youth through ethereal, film-based portraits. The project explores themes of freedom, reinvention, and identity in a rapidly changing Senegalese society. Diarra’s sensitive approach and dreamlike visual style create intimate, poetic depictions of his subjects.