TheNde
Design/UX· · 2 min

Crafting with Creativity.

Today’s digest is packed with creativity and tech. From innovative design strategies to a nostalgic marketing revival, the design world is buzzing. Plus, big names like Rockstar and Samsung are making headlines — here's what you need to know.

In brief
  1. Crafting with Creativity
  2. Nostalgia Meets Marketing
  3. Game Changing Innovations
01 · Design/UX

Crafting with Creativity

Create your own brushes in Procreate
Create your own brushes in Procreate

If you’re into digital art, check out how to create your own Inktober-inspired brushes in Procreate. Phoebe Shore's tutorial makes it easy to get started with spooky designs.

And for Halloween lovers, Cricut has you covered with quick craft ideas to amp up your spooky season. Whether it's a glowing tote bag or festive bunting, these projects are perfect for a last-minute touch.

02 · Design/UX

Nostalgia Meets Marketing

Dolmio's puppets make a nostalgic comeback
Dolmio's puppets make a nostalgic comeback

Dolmio is back with its iconic puppet family, blending nostalgia with modern branding. This clever revival speaks to a growing desire for human-led design in advertising.

On the topic of memorable branding, Nothing is proving that authenticity trumps flashy ads, leveraging cool and relatable marketing strategies that resonate with their audience.

03 · Design/UX

Game Changing Innovations

Rockstar's NPCs in GTA 6 are a game-changer
Rockstar's NPCs in GTA 6 are a game-changer

Rockstar Games is pushing boundaries for GTA 6 by art-directing every NPC with a staggering 600,000 animations. It's all about making virtual characters feel real and relatable.

And in a fun twist, they've cleverly embedded gameplay footage into a recent episode of South Park, showcasing their innovative marketing approach.

04 · Design/UX

Design in the Age of AI

AI isn't the end of creativity, says industry veterans
AI isn't the end of creativity, says industry veterans

As AI tools become more prevalent, industry professionals like Christopher Glass emphasize the continued importance of tactile design. There's still room for creativity amidst the tech shift.

Meanwhile, the rise of AI agents is changing what designers focus on, shifting from screens to designing interactions and behaviors.

05 · Design/UX

Tech Deals and Trends

Big savings on top graphic design laptops
Big savings on top graphic design laptops

Amazon is slashing prices on top graphic design laptops, making it a prime time to upgrade your gear. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 chip is now $160 off, a solid deal for creatives.

Elsewhere, the Dunu Vitruvian IEMs promise a refined audio experience, catering to audiophiles looking for a balanced sound.

Key numbers
600,000

That's the number of animations Rockstar has created for GTA 6's NPCs, aiming for a more lifelike experience.

Source
$160

That's how much Amazon has dropped the price of the 14-inch MacBook Pro for graphic designers.

Source
40 years

Dolmio celebrates this milestone with a nostalgic return of its puppet family.

Source
Top stories
Creative Bloq

Rockstar Art-Directed 600,000 Animations for GTA 6

Rockstar Games has taken NPC design to new heights in GTA 6, creating unique characters with individual personalities through 600,000 animations. This innovation aims to enhance player immersion and redefine how NPCs are perceived in gaming.

Creative Bloq

Dolmio Revives Nostalgic Puppet Family

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Dolmio has brought back its beloved puppet family, tapping into nostalgia while re-establishing a connection with audiences. This move contrasts sharply with the trend toward digital-first branding.

Creative Bloq

AI and Design: Adapting to Change

As AI influences production design, experts argue it’s not the end of creativity but a shift in how designers approach their work. Emphasizing the importance of practical effects, the industry is adapting while still valuing human creativity.

Quick links
  1. How to create your own Inktober-inspired brushes in ProcreateGet tips on creating unique brushes for your digital art projects in Procreate. — Creative Bloq
  2. How a séance shaped this beautiful psychic platform rebrandDelve into the unconventional design process that transformed a psychic services platform. — Creative Bloq
  3. How this artist turned childhood nightmares into video game monstersExplore how John Kenn Mortensen's dark illustrations inspired his latest video game project. — Creative Bloq
  4. Samsung proves it’s king of the folding phones in shady Apple dissSamsung takes a playful jab at Apple in a new ad showcasing their folding phones. — Creative Bloq
  5. The Interface Is Disappearing: What Designers Actually Design in the Age of AI AgentsAs AI agents become prevalent, designers are shifting focus from screens to interactions. — Dribbble
  6. Space Is the New SaaS: 4 Lessons From Designing Websites for Aerospace StartupsLearn about the unique challenges of designing websites for aerospace startups. — Dribbble
  7. Cross-Platform Design: Working Across Apple and Google Without Losing Your Point of ViewTips for designing a consistent product experience across different platforms. — Dribbble