The concept of family in America is diversifying – only half of American households now fit the nuclear family stereotype. As a result, people want brand marketing to be more representative, which is why IKEA US has released a festive advert highlighting how norms have changed.

After a year marked by divisive rhetoric and seemingly incessant bad news, it’s unsurprising that 2016’s Xmas ads move away from the idea of magical jollity. Canvas8 spoke to Rob Thomas, founder of Practical Semiotics, to understand why the idyllic holiday montage is a thing of the past.

Spanish liqueur brand Ruavieja has launched a short film campaign that explores how close friends have less time together than they think. In doing so, Ruavieja urges viewers to think twice how people can maximise the time they spend together – and sharing Ruavieja is one of them.

Starting a family may once have been as simple as getting married, buying a home, and having kids, but as life stages blur and gender roles become less relevant, the traditional rules are being rewritten. Canvas8 spoke to sociologist Philip N. Cohen to understand how the family unit is changing.