frequently asked questions.

creative studio & services.

  • Friendly Bastard Studio is a multidisciplinary creative studio based in the Netherlands, working across creative direction, art direction, photography, video production, and brand design.

    The studio helps brands, designers, and artists develop strong visual concepts and translate them into campaigns, branded content, and visual identities. Some clients come with a clear brief, while others need help shaping the creative direction first.

    Projects range from defining a brand’s visual language to producing high-end photography, video campaigns, and visual storytelling for brands and creatives.

  • A photographer focuses on capturing images, while a creative director defines the concept and visual direction behind the work.

    Creative direction involves shaping the story, tone, and visual language of a project. It guides decisions about styling, lighting, design, photography, and video so everything works together as one coherent idea.

    At Friendly Bastard Studio, many projects combine creative direction with photography or video production, ensuring that the concept and execution stay aligned.

  • Friendly Bastard Studio offers a combination of creative direction, visual design, and content production for brands and artists.

    Core services include:

    • Creative direction and concept development

    • Art direction for campaigns and visual projects

    • Photography for brands, fashion, and campaigns

    • Video production and branded content

    • Brand design and visual identity development

    Projects can focus on one of these areas or combine several into a full creative production.

  • Yes. Many projects begin with concept development and creative direction.

    This stage focuses on understanding the brand, the audience, and the message the work should communicate. From there the visual direction, references, and potential concepts are developed.

    This often happens through structured brainstorming sessions, moodboards, and creative exploration before moving into design or production. Some clients include this step as part of a larger project, while others book a dedicated concept session to develop direction first.

  • Yes. Brand design usually starts with defining the essence and strategy of the brand.

    This includes understanding what the brand stands for, who it speaks to, and how it should appear visually. From there a visual identity can be developed, including typography, color systems, graphic language, and brand guidelines.

    If a brand already has an existing identity, the process can focus on refining or applying that system to campaigns, content, or new creative work.

  • Yes. Many projects combine photography, video production, and design within one creative direction.

    Developing these elements together creates a more consistent visual language and allows content to work across different platforms such as campaigns, websites, and social media.

    A single production can often generate campaign images, video content, and graphic assets that all follow the same visual concept.

creative projects & production

  • Most projects start with a conversation about the brand, audience, and goals of the project.

    From there the concept and visual direction are developed. Once the direction is clear, production planning begins. This may include casting, styling, locations, design work, or assembling a creative team.

    After the shoot or production phase, the work moves into editing and post-production where the final photography, video, or design assets are prepared for use.

  • Yes. Some clients already have a concept and simply need professional photography or video production.

    In other cases it can be useful to align on the creative direction first. Even a short concept session can help define the visual style and purpose of the shoot, which often leads to stronger results.

    Both approaches are possible depending on the needs of the project.

  • Yes. Alongside commercial projects, the studio regularly collaborates with independent artists, designers, and emerging brands.

    Smaller creative projects can often lead to interesting collaborations and unique visual work, especially when a strong concept or artistic direction is involved.

  • Yes. Friendly Bastard Studio works with clients across the Netherlands and internationally.

    Concept development and planning can often be done remotely, and productions can take place locally or on location depending on the project.

  • Yes. Depending on the project, a team can be assembled including stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, designers, assistants, and other specialists.

    Creative productions often benefit from collaboration, and the right team helps bring the concept to life.

practical & cost.

  • Timelines depend on the scale of the project.

    Smaller shoots can sometimes be organised within a few days, while larger brand campaigns or visual identity projects may involve several weeks of concept development and planning before production begins.

    Proper preparation usually leads to a smoother shoot and stronger final results.

  • Yes, but usually strategy starts before design.

    The first step is understanding the essence of the brand: what it stands for, who it speaks to, and how it should be perceived. From there we define a visual direction and build a roadmap for how the brand should show up visually.

    Depending on the project, this can lead to developing a full visual identity, including typography, color systems, graphic elements, and guidelines, or refining and strengthening an existing one.

    If a brand already has a strong identity, the process is usually more condensed. Even then, taking a moment to align on direction ensures that design, photography, and video all support the same story.

  • It’s best to get in touch as early as possible, especially for campaign shoots or larger creative productions.

    Smaller projects may sometimes be scheduled on shorter notice, but projects involving concept development, casting, styling, or locations usually benefit from a few weeks of preparation.

  • The cost of a project depends on factors such as production scale, creative team, deliverables, and usage of the final visuals.

    Because every project is different, most collaborations begin with a conversation about the brief and goals. Based on that, a tailored proposal can be prepared.