Ideas with cultural depth

Random Studio partners with brands, institutions and founders to create stories, publications, campaigns and experiences with lasting meaning.

We combine creative direction, editorial thinking, visual storytelling and cultural curiosity. From the first idea to its final expression, we help our partners find the story worth telling—and shape the most compelling way to tell it.

Our work can become a book, campaign, film, object, exhibition, dinner, learning experience or something that has not yet been named.

We do not create more simply for the sake of more.

We create work that deserves attention.

For commissions and creative enquiries:
studio@notthatrandom.com

What we do

Creative direction and concepts

We develop the central idea, narrative and creative world behind a project.

This may include:

• creative strategy and positioning;

• campaign and launch concepts;

• cultural research and insight;

• art direction;

• naming and narrative development;

• visual and editorial direction;

• creative team curation.

We begin by identifying what is distinctive, meaningful and true. From there, we develop a concept that can guide every part of the project consistently.

Editorial storytelling and publishing

Random began with publishing. Editorial thinking therefore remains at the heart of our approach.

We help brands and institutions turn knowledge, heritage, people and ideas into stories that audiences genuinely want to spend time with.

Our editorial work can include:

• branded books and magazines;

• anniversary and heritage publications;

• interviews and oral histories;

• editorial campaigns;

• essays, copy and long-form storytelling;

• children’s and educational publications;

• photography and visual narratives;

• editorial strategy and content direction.

We approach publications as objects with lasting value—not disposable marketing material.

For independent titles published by Random itself, visit Random Editorial.

Campaigns and visual storytelling

We create campaigns led by a strong idea rather than by content volume.

Depending on the project, we can develop:

• campaign concepts;

• brand stories;

• photography;

• illustration;

• short films;

• social storytelling;

• launch narratives;

• interviews and portraits;

• visual identities for individual projects.

Every element should contribute to a coherent story. We focus on work that feels recognisable, considered and culturally relevant across the places where it appears.

Experiences and cultural programming

Some stories are best experienced rather than simply seen.

Random Studio develops meaningful encounters between brands, culture and audiences through:

• launches and gatherings;

• dinners and hospitality concepts;

• talks and conversations;

• workshops and learning programmes;

• exhibitions and installations;

• screenings;

• cultural events;

• immersive brand experiences.

We consider the complete experience: the idea, place, programme, people, atmosphere, objects and details guests carry with them afterwards.

Artist collaborations

We connect selected projects with artists, illustrators, photographers, writers, makers and other creative voices.

Our particular interest lies in creating thoughtful opportunities for Chinese diaspora artists and creatives without reducing their practices to a single identity or aesthetic.

Artist collaborations may take the form of:

• commissioned artworks;

• campaigns and illustrations;

• limited editions;

• publications;

• installations;

• cultural programming;

• talks and workshops;

• collaborative objects.

Where relevant, Random can curate the creative team and guide the collaboration from initial brief through production and delivery.

Projects we are suited for

Random Studio is especially suited to partners looking to create:

• a book or publication people will want to keep;

• a culturally informed campaign;

• an anniversary or heritage project;

• a compelling story around a founder, place or community;

• an editorial platform or magazine;

• a thoughtful product or collection launch;

• an immersive dinner, exhibition or gathering;

• an educational or family-focused experience;

• an artist collaboration or limited edition;

• a project connecting European and Chinese diaspora perspectives.

We are interested in projects where culture, creativity, education, hospitality, lifestyle or storytelling play a meaningful role.

Who we work with

We work with selected partners across:

• culture and the arts;

• publishing and media;

• fashion, beauty and lifestyle;

• design and interiors;

• hospitality and travel;

• food and restaurants;

• education and family;

• museums and cultural institutions;

• foundations and public organisations;

• companies seeking a more thoughtful cultural perspective.

We also work with founders and organisations that hold valuable stories, knowledge or archives but need help translating them into a compelling public form.

Why Random Studio

Editorial before advertising

We approach every project as editors.

That means looking beyond what a partner wants to promote and asking what an audience might genuinely find interesting, useful, beautiful or moving.

The result is work with greater substance and a longer life.

Culture with context

Cultural relevance is not created by adding visual references at the end of a process.

It begins with listening, research, specificity and an understanding of the people whose stories are involved.

Our perspective is shaped by publishing, art, design, hospitality, education and Chinese diaspora culture in the Netherlands.

One idea across many forms

A strong idea should be able to live across a publication, film, object, event or campaign without losing its meaning.

We create the central narrative first and choose the formats that serve it best.

Selective by design

We choose projects carefully.

Working selectively allows us to become deeply involved, build the right creative team and protect the quality and integrity of the final work.

How we work

1. Listen

We begin with the organisation, its ambitions, audience and context.

We want to understand what needs to change, what already holds value and what has not yet been articulated.

2. Define

We clarify the central challenge, desired outcome, project scope and creative opportunity.

This gives every later decision a clear purpose.

3. Create

We develop the concept, narrative, visual direction and proposed expressions.

Depending on the commission, we can also bring together writers, artists, photographers, designers, filmmakers, researchers and production partners.

4. Make

We guide the work from concept through production, maintaining coherence across every detail and discipline.

Our role may range from initial creative direction to the development and delivery of the complete project.

Selected commissions

Our portfolio will feature selected projects across editorial publishing, creative direction, storytelling, cultural programming and experiences.

Each case study will explain:

• the partner and context;

• the creative challenge;

• our strategic and creative approach;

• the work we developed;

• the people involved;

• the final result.

For portfolio requests or projects that cannot yet be shown publicly, contact studio@notthatrandom.com.

Work with Random Studio

We welcome considered enquiries from brands, institutions, cultural organisations and founders.

A useful initial enquiry includes:

• a short introduction to your organisation;

• the project or opportunity;

• what you hope to achieve;

• the intended audience;

• the desired timing;

• an indicative budget or budget range.

We can then assess whether Random Studio is the right creative partner and determine the best next step.

For commissions and creative enquiries:
studio@notthatrandom.com

For joint ventures, sponsorships and projects where Random participates as a partner rather than a commissioned studio, contact partnerships@notthatrandom.com.

Faq

What does Random Studio do?

Random Studio provides creative direction, editorial storytelling, branded publishing, campaigns, cultural programming and experiences for selected brands and institutions.

Where is Random Studio based?

Random Studio is based in the Amsterdam region in the Netherlands and can work with partners in the Netherlands and internationally.

Does Random Studio create branded books and magazines?

Yes. We develop editorial concepts, branded books, magazines, heritage publications, interviews, photography and other publications designed to hold lasting value.

Does Random Studio organise events?

Random Studio develops cultural events, launches, dinners, workshops, exhibitions, talks, screenings and immersive experiences. The scope can range from creative concept and programming to complete creative direction.

Does Random Studio work with artists?

Yes. Random Studio can curate and commission artists, illustrators, photographers, writers and makers for suitable projects. We have a particular interest in creating meaningful opportunities for Chinese diaspora artists and creatives.

What is the difference between Random Studio and Random Editorial?

Random Editorial creates and publishes Random’s own books, magazines and cultural stories. Random Studio creates commissioned work for external brands, institutions and organisations.

What is the difference between a commission and a partnership?

In a commission, a client hires Random Studio to provide agreed creative services. In a partnership, Random and another organisation jointly develop, support or invest in a project with shared interests and visibility.

How can I commission Random Studio?

Send a project introduction, objectives, timing and indicative budget to studio@notthatrandom.com. We will review the enquiry and determine whether the project fits our capabilities and creative direction.