Subject Studios

How did Subject Studios begin?

We always wanted to do more than our specified freelance fields, we didn’t want to feel stuck in a box and pigeon hole ourselves and I think we both knew there was a lot of experimenting and natural growth creatively for us. So from that Subject Studios formed from various conversations and group chats involving close friends about the creative industry and what we could do within it. Since those beginning ideas we managed to set up the creative platform we envisioned and now are delving into the mediums and areas we always have set out to do. As a studio we initiate projects to explore and push our creativity but also are able to offer a unique set of tools to clients.

Tell us about any collaborations you have been doing: past, present & future?

We have been collaborating with many creatives through multiple disciplines such as photographers on various publications and dj’s on Subject Mixes predominantly within the youth. A collaborative studio exhibition is in progress for the end of this month and for the future we’re looking to collaborate more on physical products such as books, clothing and art. We believe that collaboration is key to what we do and what we want to achieve, we want to be involved with good ideas and people who are passionate.

Where do you gather your inspiration?

Our studio is in the heart of Wellington’s culture, right outside our doorstep are a lot of upcoming small businesses perfecting their craft be it baking, natural soda, chocolate, peanut butter or coffee it is inspiring to be around and to hear their stories. Online there are a lot of mediums we look at - blogs, websites, interviews and social media. What really resonates with us is clothing, furniture, architecture and books, one day we may get excited about a certain font and another day it could a sneaker, a chair or a new building going up in Sweden. We’re both constantly saving images and their sources which we document on our Subject Reference page to share. It’s important to tie inspiration together from a range of sources when working on a project as it allows you to not feel constrained or restricted in any way.

Where do you think design is heading in the next five years and how will you adapt?

It’s moving so quickly, it’s hard to envision what it would be like since the level of relevancy is changing constantly. We think design has developed a lot in the past three years regarding how accessible it is, with everyone in our generation wanting to be a creative; this is great for collaboration as a lot of young creatives want to make a difference within the industry, but can saturate the market. In terms for us staying relevant and adapting we have to keep pushing our expectations and our boundaries and not settle for anything less.