KUALA LUMPUR, 12 March 2022 – In March 2022, Studio GLUE gave a presentation on photography and sustainable product design at an event organised by Exposure + Photo at Kloe Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“From photographic meditation to sustainability action”, presented by Zarina Holmes, Founder and Creative Director, Studio GLUE, detailed the steps taken in translating photographic subjects into product design – an effort in achieving a more sustainable product design practice.
The design prototypes showcased at the talk were from the studio’s low-impact, carbon-neutral Design Shop. The design of the products featured at the event – the recyclable phone cases and stainless-steel water bottles – is inspired by the illustrations and photography of flowers in and around West London.
The discussion was framed around the components needed in developing a sustainable product design:
- Participant observation
- Photography
- Illustration
- Product proposition
- Product design
- E-commerce
- Supply chain
The talk was attended by members of the photographic community who were interested in taking their photography further into product development, as well as members of the built environment sectors such as town planners and architects.
The Design Shop aims to offer a carbon-neutral, low impact retail experience via an on-demand concept. Products are produced on-demand and sourced from the suppliers nearest to where the purchase order is to be delivered.
‘Flowers we grew and drew’
The flower illustrations featured on the products are based on flowers grown and drawn by the studio founders themselves. The flower photography was done by the Creative Director, under the artist label After the Rain.
Holmes commented: “We were delighted with the reception and ideas put forward by the photography and sustainability communities. We’d also like to thank Alami Soap for providing the homemade vegetarian soap tokens for the event.”
About Exposure + Photo
The major photography event ran from 26 February to13 March 2022 under the theme ‘Belong’ – a celebration of unity and triumph over adversity. Eleven photographers based in Malaysia and five international photographers came together to contribute towards a series of exhibitions, talks, workshops and screenings held at key cultural landmarks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event was sponsored by Canon.
About GLUE Studio
GLUE Studio was the winner of Best Creative/ Media Startup category at the Hammersmith and Fulham Brilliant Business Awards in 2018. The West London studio was founded by twins Zarina Holmes and Salina Christmas in 2012. GLUE Studio is a graphic design and marketing agency that produces creative campaigns for tech and fashion e-commerce brands in the UK and the US. The studio conducts training under Warna Workshops. It also designs and sells low-impact, sustainable products that are available online.
Warna means ‘colour’ in Malay Sanskrit.
About After the rain
Meditation on nature by the river and the sea.
About the Design Shop
Studio GLUE 