• Edgy, Honest, Puerto Rican: Estudio Santos on Shopify

Edgy, Honest, Puerto Rican: Estudio Santos on Shopify

Project Overview

Estudio Santos is a design studio led by designer J.Q.S., focused on developing hand-built, custom mirrors made with repurposed materials. Their artistic proposal presents a critical lens that reflects Puerto Rican identity and deterioration as a symbol of the myth of progress.

Objectives

The project had a dual purpose:

  1. Create a space where their artistic vision and past work could live together—informing their audience, potential collaborators, and grant opportunities.
  2. Build a platform to sell their products, particularly their latest project, Mancha de Plátano—a mirror in the shape of Puerto Rico that carries a local narrative and commentary on Puerto Rican identity.

 

Strategy

From the start, we were intentional about building a website that communicated more than just a product catalog. Estudio Santos is not just a mirror brand—it’s a studio with a vision and social commentary. Following their brand guidelines and strong aesthetic, we set out to create a website that felt both edgy and clear—a space where both their artistic and commercial sides could collide.

Execution

We worked on a tight timeline, as Mancha de Plátano had a scheduled launch date that needed to be met. We handled the project as efficiently as possible to stay on track and deliver on time. The result is a Shopify site built on the free theme Publisher, featuring the studio’s story, galleries of past work, and the Mancha de Plátano limited edition mirror as the centerpiece.

Working With the Client

J.Q.S. is not only a brilliant artist and designer—they’re also my childhood friend. This made the project all the more meaningful. I admire their work deeply, and I love them as a person. Being part of this project filled me with pride, and it was an honor to support them in building something that reflects both their artistry and their voice.

Results

The outcome feels like a true reflection of the brand. The website balances the artistic with the practical and sets the stage for future growth. I feel immensely proud of the final result and can’t wait to see the site evolve as Estudio Santos continues to grow.


"It was delightful to work with a professional and a friend that is very passionate with what she can bring to the table. She is very knowledgeable and skillful, which gave me certainty that my project is in good hands. I’m beyond happy and grateful on how everything turned out. I also suggest to bring your brand plan 80% figured out so she can help you better.
Thanks Carla for making me look good and for understanding my project vision.
I totally recommend Carla.Lu to start a new fresh start developing your brand."

J.Q.S. | Estudio Santos

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