A Study Of Ideas: MORE Studio

For us, getting dressed and making a home have never felt separate — both are built slowly, from the things you choose to live with. That thinking first brought Assembly Label and McMullin together with the Rice Paper Table Lamp. Now we've taken it off the table and onto the floor: same idea, new proportions. A Study of Ideas explores the space between thought and making — visiting the homes and studios of creatives to understand what shapes the way they think.

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 understand 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 wondering, daily life and noticing patterns and how they might be connected.

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 understand what was unique to it and how technology could shape creative decisions from the beginning.

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 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.

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 form each other. A bit of archaeology as well.

What do you find yourselves returning to?

MATT I really like going to Savers and finding second-hand books. A lot of artist books.

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. 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.