Why we prefer “atelier-like” rather than studio or agency

The labels “agency” or “studio” are common to describe a web design company.

They’re serviceable – but they don’t quite capture the spirit of how we work. That’s why we lean towards calling ourselves an atelier or “atelier-like”.

What we mean by “atelier”

Traditionally, an atelier is an artist’s workshop – a place where craftsmanship, artistry, and imagination come together.

By borrowing the word, we’re not trying to sound fancy (though admittedly, it does have a certain ring to it). What we do want to emphasise is:

This gives us a warmer, more artisanal identity. It signals that we care about individuality and character – qualities that are often stripped out in the drive for “modern” efficiency.

Why not “agency”?

The word “agency” suggests a bigger, more corporate machine – strategy-driven, results-focused, high-volume. Nothing wrong with that, but it feels cold, formal, and transactional.

It makes us think of getting the job done for the sake of it – whereas our energy comes from making things meaningful and memorable.

Why not “studio”?

“Studio” sits somewhere between atelier and agency. It’s creative, yes, but often associated with slick urban interiors, glass partitions, and sterile minimalism.

For us, it's not perfect – it can miss the warmth and human touch we want to emphasise. “Studio” also makes us think of studio apartments – compact, generic, stripped of charm. A vibe we'd like to avoid.

But “studio” can work

“Studio” has grown on us because it has taken on additional virtual meanings about online production spaces comprising creative collaboration and endeavour.

And it’s one of those words whose associations are context-specific – it can take on the qualities of your brand (rather than the other way round).

Why “atelier-like” feels right

For us, “atelier” carries useful echoes of rustic workshops, slow craft, and hands-on care – even if those connotations come with a bit of French fuss.

It also aligns with a shift we’re noticing – people are tiring of soulless digital spaces in the same way they’re rejecting bland modern architecture (think box or brutalist architecture).

Where agencies often “zig” towards modernity, efficiency, and scale, we’d rather zag:

...over “just another modern website”.

In an age of AI and automation, “atelier” reminds us that people still long for things that feel personal, thoughtful, and alive. That’s what we aim to create.

Fancy French words

As an England-based team, we're well aware the English have long cast their eyes to the sky at the unnecessary insertion of French words to fancify English sentences.

Remember 'sans sans, I pray you' in Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost? It really is a timeless British tradition!

— Gabriella Cooke (our writer and editor)

...But does a more suitable word exist? We couldn't think of one.

Sans fear, sans doubt!

With our atelier-like approach, we blend craftsmanship with technical expertise to produce bespoke digital work.

Each project is approached from an artistic angle, designed to humanise your brand and bring your website to life.

Because the internet doesn’t need more of the same. It should be made for human – not robot – consumption. It needs work with soul.

Read more about us or our web design and development services.