Studio Note 001

Building the studio

22 March 2026

Improved the studio, made the website, started posting more, and feel like the design voice is finally starting to show itself.

Hi! This is an update on what’s been going on here recently - basically just my mental ramblings about the studio, the work, and the process. I want to start posting more consistently about the process and the work, and this feels like the first step in that direction. I’ll try to post one of these every month or so, but we’ll see how that goes. The studio is really coming together now - it’s starting to feel like a real creative space that I actually want to spend time in. This is an update on the last 3 weeks, as I’ve started to treat this thing more like a brand and less like a hobby. Thanks for reading and following along! - Swirski Studio

So, what's been going on?

Improved the studio, bought a mannequin, lighting and a storage display rack. Made a first MVP photo backdrop from an old tablecloth, hung up by ceiling plaster holders.

Studio mannequin setup — Finally!! I can take actual photos!

Also finally put up the mirror and IKEA shelf in the studio - a huge milestone as it has been laying there for like 6 months. WOOP! (woop) Also have just finished binging the middle and idk what i will do with myself now. Loads of ideas for future projects.

Website

MADE A WEBSITE! How can i forget this… smashed it out in like 3 weeks. if you are reading this, CONGRATS! you are on the website! Super basic, but allows my pieces to really shine. Looks like being a developer is a pretty useful skill to have when you want to make a website for your brand. Who would have thought?

Creative Direction

Playing around with pop art applique - looks awesome and might be a defining feature of my brand.

Pop art applique test one — First test with appliques. Looks awesome and feels very me.

Cardboard applique stencil experiment — Cardboard stencil experiment. Rough, handmade, reusable.

Trying to find more of a consistent voice in design and construction… We are getting there, but we need to really commit to something. Pop art applique sounds about right for me though.

Music

Been spamming MF Doom - as always... Also found some awesome Sade x MF Doom mashups. And I’ve been listening to the MF Doom Christmas special again?? In March? Sure, whatever. Trying to branch out and find some new stuff to spam on repeat. Japanese city pop from the 80s has been in heavy rotation as well.

MF Doom vinyl record — MF Doom has been the main soundtrack of the studio lately.

Sketch of MF Doom mask and applique stencil ideas — Sketching out some MF Doom inspired applique ideas.

Finished Piece

Made a bandana! This was really just a test to see how and IF I can film myself working, and what angles and shots will work in the future. But this piece actually turned out so good!!

Finished bandana — The final result of the bandana experiment. - minus one round of sewing

Current Piece

Flat lay of materials for pop art applique utility vest — Fabrics that I will most likely use to create the pop art applique utility vest - thrifted blazer, leftover denim, and vintage curtain.

Sketch of utility vest concept with pop art applique — Sketching out the utility vest concept.

Making the vest to sell - first item i will list. We will see how that goes.

Future Ideas

Really want to make the Doom inspired outfit - tunic and heavy cape patchwork denim. This has been on my mind for quite a while now and i have a very clear image of how it would look... I will get on this more sometime soon hopefully.

Notes

Problem

Looking at the fabric sourcing issue - no solution yet long term.

Wins

Created the brand bible! That was a big win also. Started posting more consistently. Made the bandana and documented it - this went well.

Side

Added a small book brick display in the studio - hurts like hell when I walk into it though… not that i do that.