Ideas rarely appear from nowhere. They form through memory, observation, conversation and the conditions of their time. Some are acted on immediately, others sit quietly until someone gives them form. A Study of Ideas explores that space between thought and making – where ideas begin, what shapes them and what allows them to become real.
As part of the continued collaboration between Assembly Label and McMullin, and in celebration of a new interpretation of the Rice Paper Lamp, we visited the homes and studios of creatives across different disciplines to explore the ideas, habits and observations that shape the way they think.
For More Studio, the physical and digital are rarely separate ways of thinking. A street sign, second-hand book or interface on a screen can all enter the same conversation.
Founded by Matt and James, the Melbourne-based creative practice works between design and technology, bringing new tools and emerging technologies into the creative process from the outset. The two met through a chance collaboration five years ago, connecting over an instinctive creative alignment that still shapes the practice today.
We spoke with them about the thinking and creative exchange behind their work.
How would you describe More Studio?
Matt: We’re really trying to find contemporary technologies and how they can be used to better the design process.
James: We felt that the digital medium was underutilised. Rather than treating it like printed material or a static rendition of an idea, we wanted to pursue what was unique to it and how technology could shape creative decisions from the beginning.
When a new brief arrives, where do you begin?
Matt: There might be business objectives that need to be met, but we look at it through more of a storytelling and visual lens. Then you’re guided by the wandering, daily life, past experiences and noticing patterns and how they might be connected.
Where do you tend to look for references?
Matt: Old signage walking around, anything kind of found – on trucks or on the way to work. The library is always a big one, as well as second-hand books and old Vogue magazines. 70s to 90s art direction has always been a big reference. It’s hugely physical.
James: There’s a lot of historical research into the visual, and that happens outside of projects too. When a project begins, it becomes more intentional. We think about our work in the context of what’s come before and what might come afterwards, while being really aware of the present moment too.
How does an idea move between the two of you?
James: We talk a lot, but sometimes I feel like communication isn’t even verbal. We just get it.
Matt: We have a different kind of lens. There’s momentum and endurance – we egg each other on a little bit. Sometimes one of us knows something isn’t quite right and the other person gives that reassurance. It’s knowing where to push.
At what point do design and technology begin shaping one another?
James: For us it can happen really early. A lot of the experience of most brands is digital, so we’re always thinking about what is lost and what is gained by that medium – you might lose a sense of presence or materiality but gain a lot in terms of storytelling.
Can you tell us about the studio?
Matt: I love the studio. There’s a big industrial rack full of books, magazines, old art ephemera and posters. It’s like an extended living room that we’re curating. People bring in various things, someone will bring in a book and we’re all like, “What’s going on here?” It’s all very shared.
James: The people are a massive part of why the space is so good. It’s the natural conversations we’re having all day, the formulation of ideas through discussion probably have a bigger impact on our work than you might think.
What has your attention lately?
Matt: My daughter, seeing her assert her independence is really cool. I’ve also been buying books – Dick Bruna and children’s stories and illustration, and the simplicity of those. That’s been leaking into projects.
James: I’ve also been doing a lot of reading about geography – space, place and environment as concepts that overlap but are still very distinct from each other. A bit of archaeology as well.
What do you find yourselves returning to?
Matt: I have a deep-seated infatuation with front façades and doorways. I photograph these a lot for strange material or colour pairings, a lot from my Central America travels are repeating on my desktop background, I find them endlessly inspiring.
James: Shin Matsunaga is one we return to a lot – he’s a Japanese designer and artist who did a lot of the classic logos you’ll see in Japan. Travelling Japan in general is a big reference for us. I think anything that we pull in or refer back to is because there’s a timeless quality to it. Timelessness is a measure for the work that we want to do.
If someone spent a day at More Studio, what do you think they would notice?
Matt: How much coffee we drink. But also getting food together as a group. There’s a spontaneity to the discussions that happen throughout the day.
Lastly you all went for the same Assembly Label Brody Tapered Wool Pant – what’s the story there?
Matt: I have a pair of pinstripes, and I love that they can be worn up or down. They’re really versatile while still adding some class – you could wear a bomber and hoodie over the top, and they’d still look quite nice.
James: That’s why I wanted them too. Ive been waiting for a pair of pinstripe pants for a long time – they just feel classic and easy.
Coffee order?
Both long black.
Do you work best with music or silence?
Music.
What are you listening to lately?
James: Johnny Nash and one of the guys from Kikagaku Moyo collab album.
Matt: Flo on NTS always and Macca at the moment from NTS.
Digital or handwritten notes?
James: Digital.
Matt: Handwritten.
One object you’d save from the studio?
Matt: Probably the mocha master.
James: The speakers…probably some books.
Colour you’ve been drawn to recently?
Matt: I’m looking at a lot of colour theory atm, a very washed out purple, turquoisey almost, not quite periwinkle but something a bit lighter.
James: Probably a colour pairing, a purple and light blue.
Something small that made you happy this week?
James: A simple answer but it’s been quite sunny recently.
Matt: My daughter, at droop off she does a double take something, and comes up and gives me a cuddle, especially after a traumatising morning getting ready.
