Visual Inspiration Edit #1

Art Direction campaigns, editorials and brand activations that inspired me.

Dec 15, 2024

Hi everyone,

Hope you’re having a lovely weekend. I spent my weekend doing loads of cute Christmas market activities in Berlin and recovering from my trip to London, brainstorming on Christmas gifts for my family and planning my content for January.

Today I’m sharing an inspiration edit with campaigns, projects and just random bits that I loved and came across this month. Hope you like it!

Songs of Siren Brand Launch

Starting off strong with the launch of Songs of Siren, that draws from the essence of the feminine and the mystique of the archetypal siren. This launch campaign sets a vivid scene at a swimming pool where water becomes part of the story. The shimmering pieces catch the light and create a sense of motion and depth. Each design is one of a kind which gives the collection its own voice. The art direction by Indiana Roma Voss (production by CURRENT) brings everything together while Dion Bal captures each image with a sense of intimacy and strength. It all feels like entering another world where the siren spirit is alive and endlessly inspiring.

Erewhon Socks

I absolutely love this Erewhon sock merchandise video. It is a perfect example of simple yet clever art direction. Everything is filmed from the viewpoint of people shopping in the store, putting the socks front and center while showing that we are inside a supermarket. This concept can be used again and again for future merchandise, with different characters, fun ideas and more.

Salomon x Y Project

I love the Salomon x Y Project images. They feel bold and grab my attention right away. I like how they mix the outdoor and adventurous spirit of Salomon with the street style of Y Project. The images transform simple moments into strong statements through playful angles that draw focus to the shoes and still bring in denim in each shot, which feels very Y Project. They feel alive and emotional even without showing any models. There is a raw and energetic quality to them and every detail stands out.

Currently I am having 20% of a paid subscription until the end of this year. I’m revamping my newsletter from next year, offering more personal guidance and practical skills for art directors.

Get 20% off for 1 year

As a paid subscriber, you’ll also get access to exclusive perks this month, including personalised feedback and guidance. Whether you’re a student looking for project critiques, a small business needing ideas for your next launch, or a creative seeking portfolio or career advice, I’m here to help. Submissions are open until December 19th.

Starting in January, paid subscribers will get monthly briefs, templates, and hands-on guidance to build their own art direction projects and practice skills. You’ll also gain access to visual playbooks and concept labs, featuring inspiration, reference libraries, and concept breakdowns to spark your next big idea. I’m also working on a 30 day ‘Craft Your Art Direction DNA’ challenge.

Emily Lipson for Dazed Magazine

I was obsessed with these images from Emily Lipson for Dazed Magazine Fall Issue. It feels slightly absurd, yet stylised. The images make you pause for a second to see what is going on. The grading and hairstyles feel a bit 70’s and I’m simply just loving them, I was genuinely entertained by each image and took a moment to take in each element.

Louis Vuitton x Murakami Remastered Films

Louis Vuitton is bringing back their Murakami collaborations in January 2025 ‘Two decades after the iconic collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, the House presents a vibrant re-edition collection on January 1st, 2025’. To celebrate this, they remastered two animated films from the past and relaunched it on their YouTube channel. As someone who loves anime I loved watching every single bit of it and I am very excited to see the new collaborations with Murakami and the visual communication of it next year.

Kody Phillips

I recently discovered the brand Kody Phillips and felt like I was stepping right into his world the moment I started scrolling through his Instagram page. I absolutely love when brands have such a strong sense of storytelling that extends beyond set design and styling. I am talking about creating characters that feel alive in every single communication. It shows how you can take a concept and express it in so many different ways. In each image every detail is thoughtfully considered.

The lighting and backgrounds set a mood that feels genuine and the props hint at stories waiting to be explored. Each piece draws you further into this narrative environment where characters are not just models but personalities that shape the overall feeling. This approach to art direction transforms the brand into an immersive experience that feels both authentic and intriguing. It makes it clear that we are not just looking at clothes but stepping into a living breathing narrative that keeps us engaged and curious.

Hope you enjoyed this art direction inspiration edit. Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and the chat is always open if you want to chat inspiration, talk to other subscribers and get tips.

I would love to know in the comments, what campaign/editorial/activation etc you recently saw that inspired you. It’s always great to hear inspiration outside your own algorithm!