1820productions — 1820 Productions

# Build brief — an original marketing website in the taste of 1820productions

> Reference: https://www.1820productions.com · UIDiscovery: https://uidiscovery.com/sites/1820productions · captured 2026-09-22 at a 1440px desktop viewport (+ 390px iPhone shots) · [full page](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/full.webp) · [scroll video](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/preview.mp4)

## 1. Goal
Build an original marketing website for **[the user's brand]** that feels as considered as 1820productions — same structure, rhythm and polish, entirely new identity and content.

## 2. Originality rules
- Build an ORIGINAL design for the user's own brand in the same *taste* as 1820productions: structure, rhythm, hierarchy, palette mood and type pairing.
- Never reuse 1820productions's logo, name, product imagery, illustrations, icons, screenshots or copy. Write new copy for the user's product.
- If the user hasn't said what their product is, ask first (or use clearly marked placeholders like [Brand], [Product], [Audience]).
- Reference screenshots are for looking at, not for embedding or tracing.

## 3. The taste, in short
- 1820productions (1820productions.com): Design & Agency marketing website, dark, award winner.
- 7 sections: Hero → Showcase → Statement → Showcase → Logo cloud.
- Spacing: long, content-rich sections (median ≈1062px tall at 1440).
- Type: one family (Suisseintl Condensed). Imagery: mostly photography, some typography with little or no imagery.

## 4. Page structure (top to bottom)

### 1. Hero — state what the product is and for whom in one glance, and offer the primary action.
- Layout: headline-led stack: eyebrow → H1 → supporting line → actions, with a visual beside or below. About one full screen (900px at 1440), page background; 10 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); 6 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Eyebrow / announcement pill (optional); H1; Supporting line, 1–2 sentences; Primary + secondary action; Hero visual (see image plan).
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-01.webp) · imagery: slot 1

### 2. Showcase — show the product (or the result) itself as proof.
- Layout: a large framed visual with a short caption or heading. About one full screen (1156px at 1440), page background; 5 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); one primary button.
- Slots: Heading (~6 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “WE LISTEN. WE CRAFT. WE DELIVER.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-02.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 3. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. About one full screen (934px at 1440), page background; 5 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); one primary button.
- Slots: Heading (~4 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “STYLISH PRODUCTION. SEAMLESS EXECUTION.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-03.webp) · imagery: slot 3

### 4. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. About one full screen (934px at 1440), page background; 5 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); one primary button.
- Slots: Heading (~10 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “WE'RE NOT A CULT. BUT PEOPLE DO KEEP COMING BACK.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-04.webp) · imagery: slot 4

### 5. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. About one full screen (1062px at 1440), page background; 18 image elements (photo collage/gallery + small graphics); one primary button.
- Slots: Heading (~5 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “WE PROBABLY SHOULDN'T POST THIS...”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-05.webp)

### 6. Showcase — show the product (or the result) itself as proof.
- Layout: a large framed visual with a short caption or heading. Tall, ≈1.6 screens (1412px at 1440), page background; 5 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); 1 text link instead of buttons.
- Slots: Heading (~4 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “THE HYPE IS REEL.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-06.webp) · imagery: slot 5

### 7. Logo cloud — borrow trust from recognisable customers or partners.
- Layout: a single row or wall of monochrome marks with a one-line lead-in. Tall, ≈1.8 screens (1636px at 1440), page background; 59 image elements (photo collage/gallery + small graphics); 12 links (link lists / navigation).
- Slots: One-line lead-in (e.g. “Trusted by…”); 6–10 monochrome customer/partner marks (your own, with permission).
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “BRANDS WHO SWIPED RIGHT.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-07.webp)

Inner pages also captured (About, Contact): https://uidiscovery.com/sites/1820productions?view=pages

## 5. Design system
### Colour
| Role | Hex | Use | Contrast on background |
|---|---|---|---|
| background | `#000000` | page background | — |
| foreground | `#010000` | body text, headings | 1.0:1 ⚠ below AA — adjust |
| accent | `#010000` | none captured — monochrome. Primary buttons invert (foreground fill, background text); add your brand colour only for small highlights | — |
| surface | `#000000` | cards, inputs, alternate bands | text on it 1.0:1 |
| muted | `#010000` | secondary text, borders | 1.0:1 — borders / large text only |

Captured palette: `#000000` `#010000`. Roles are assigned automatically — sanity-check them against the screenshot. Keep the palette's *mood* (dark, neutral, desaturated) and proportions; swap the accent for the user's brand colour.

### Tokens
```css
:root {
  --background: #000000;
  --foreground: #010000;
  --accent: #010000;
  --surface: #000000;
  --muted: #010000;
  --font-heading: "Inter", ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif;
  --font-body: "Inter", ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif;
  --radius: 12px; /* calibrate from the screenshot */
}

/* Tailwind v4 — in globals.css after @import "tailwindcss"; */
@theme {
  --color-background: var(--background);
  --color-foreground: var(--foreground);
  --color-accent: var(--accent);
  --color-surface: var(--surface);
  --color-muted: var(--muted);
  --font-heading: var(--font-heading);
  --font-sans: var(--font-body);
}
```

### Typography
- Headings: **Inter** (Google Fonts) — reference uses Suisseintl Condensed. “Suisseintl Condensed” is a licensed face — use Inter (or Hanken Grotesk) as the free stand-in, or license the original.
- Body: same family — a single-family system; create contrast with size and weight, not a second face.
- Scale (starting point, sizes weren't measured — calibrate against the 1440px screenshot): display clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4.25rem), h2 clamp(1.75rem, 3vw, 2.5rem), h3 1.25rem, body 1rem–1.125rem / 1.6, small 0.875rem. Headings: tight tracking (-0.02em), line-height 1.05–1.15.

### Spacing & rhythm
Sections run ≈1062px tall at 1440 (median; range 900–1636px, captures cap at 1700px) — long, content-rich chapters. Start with 96–128px vertical padding per section on desktop and about two-thirds of that on mobile. One continuous background — separate sections with space and type, not colour bands. 8px spacing grid, 1200–1280px max content width, 24px (mobile) / 32–48px (desktop) gutters.

### Shape, depth & theme
On dark, separate layers with 1px borders at ~8–12% white and soft glows instead of drop shadows; expressive layout and motion are part of the appeal — study the scroll video, but keep motion subtle and respect prefers-reduced-motion. Read exact corner radius, border and shadow treatment from the screenshots. Dark-first; for a light mode swap background ↔ foreground, lighten the surface, keep the accent and re-check contrast.

## 6. Imagery plan

Measured from 5 section screenshots: mostly **photography**, some typography with little or no imagery (dark, neutral, desaturated, Design & Agency). Still glance at the linked screenshots to match the exact mood.

### Slot 1 · 1. Hero → photography
- Design & Agency references lean on photography. Count: a set of ~10 in one consistent style. Aspect: 16:9 full-bleed (or 21:9). Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-01.webp)
- **Stock** — “design studio workspace dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/design-studio-workspace-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/design%20studio%20workspace%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/design%20studio%20workspace%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: design studio workspace. Composition: wide shot, subject off-centre to one side, generous clean negative space for the headline. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #000000, #010000. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 16:9. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 2 · 2. Showcase → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (people). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~5 in one consistent style. Aspect: 16:10. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-02.webp)
- **Stock** — “architectural detail shadow dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/architectural-detail-shadow-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/architectural%20detail%20shadow%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/architectural%20detail%20shadow%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: architectural detail shadow. Composition: centred subject with even space around it. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #000000, #010000. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 16:10. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 3 · 3. Statement → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (people, adult). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~5 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:5. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-03.webp)
- **Stock** — “creative team at work dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/creative-team-at-work-dark?orientation=portrait) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/creative%20team%20at%20work%20dark/?orientation=portrait) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/creative%20team%20at%20work%20dark/?orientation=vertical)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: creative team at work. Composition: simple composition with one focal point. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #000000, #010000. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:5. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 4 · 4. Statement → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (people). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~5 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:5. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-04.webp)
- **Stock** — “design studio workspace close up dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/design-studio-workspace-close-up-dark?orientation=portrait) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/design%20studio%20workspace%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=portrait) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/design%20studio%20workspace%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=vertical)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: design studio workspace close up. Composition: simple composition with one focal point. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #000000, #010000. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:5. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 5 · 6. Showcase → photography
- Design & Agency references lean on photography. Count: a set of ~5 in one consistent style. Aspect: 16:10. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/1820productions/s-06.webp)
- **Stock** — “creative team at work close up dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/creative-team-at-work-close-up-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/creative%20team%20at%20work%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/creative%20team%20at%20work%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: creative team at work close up. Composition: centred subject with even space around it. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #000000, #010000. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 16:10. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

- **No imagery (type-led)** — 5. Statement: No imagery needed — type, spacing and colour do the work. If the screenshot shows a background graphic, rebuild it in CSS (gradient, grid, noise) or a short muted video, not a stock photo.
- **Logos** — 7. Logo cloud: Never generate or stock-source logos. Use your real customers'/partners' marks with permission (monochrome, equal height), or neutral wordmark placeholders until you have them. Integration icons: each tool's official brand kit (Simple Icons is a quick start; trademarks still apply).

### If the screenshots show a different style
Open the refs first and name what you actually see (photo / product UI / illustration / abstract gradient or 3D / type only). If it differs from the guess, switch routes — UI is built in code, type-only needs no image, otherwise:
- **abstract 3D / gradient** — generate `Abstract 3D render: soft, glossy glass-like shapes and a smooth gradient in #010000 on a #000000 background. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows; neutral, desaturated tone. Minimal and calm, generous negative space on one side for text. Aspect ratio 16:9. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.` · stock: [“abstract dark gradient 3d” on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/abstract-dark-gradient-3d?orientation=landscape) (same query works on Pexels/Pixabay)
- **illustration** — generate `Flat vector illustration: design studio workspace, friendly simplified shapes, limited palette of #000000, #010000 plus one soft neutral, plenty of empty background, consistent line weight, neutral, desaturated mood. Aspect ratio 16:9. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.` · stock: [“lifestyle flat illustration” on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/lifestyle-flat-illustration?orientation=landscape) (same query works on Pexels/Pixabay)

- **Licences:** Unsplash and Pexels images are free for commercial use under their own licences; Pixabay under the Pixabay Content License. Check each image's page before use, credit the photographer when asked (good practice anyway), and skip images showing logos, trademarks, branded products or identifiable people without a release.
- **AI generation:** the prompts work with any image model (GPT Image, Imagen, Flux, Midjourney, Firefly, SDXL…) — check its commercial-use terms. Never put the reference brand's name or “in the style of <brand>” in a prompt.
- **Never** download, trace or re-host the reference's own images, illustrations, product shots or logos.

## 7. Build steps
1. Confirm brand, product, audience and the primary action with the user.
2. Set up the tokens (CSS variables / Tailwind @theme) and load the fonts.
3. Build the sections in order, mobile-first, with each reference screenshot open.
4. Write original copy for every slot — match length and tone, never the words.
5. Source every image via the imagery plan (stock or generated); compress it and record credits.
6. Run the checklist at 390 / 768 / 1440px and fix what fails.

## 8. Acceptance checklist
- [ ] Responsive at 390px, 768px and 1440px — no horizontal scroll, tap targets ≥ 44px on mobile.
- [ ] Colour contrast WCAG AA: 4.5:1 body text, 3:1 large text and UI; visible focus states; full keyboard navigation.
- [ ] Semantic HTML: one <h1>, ordered headings, landmarks (header/nav/main/footer), labelled form fields, alt text on meaningful images.
- [ ] Performance: modern image formats with width/height set, lazy-load below the fold, ≤ 2 font families with font-display: swap, LCP < 2.5s.
- [ ] prefers-reduced-motion respected; animations under ~300ms and never blocking content.
- [ ] Originality: no copied logos, images, illustrations or copy from the reference; every image licensed or generated; credits recorded.

## 9. If you use Next.js + Tailwind
Paste the @theme block into globals.css, load fonts with next/font/google, make each section a server component in components/sections/, use next/image with explicit sizes, and keep client components for interactive bits only (menus, toggles, accordions).

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More: tokens https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/1820productions/tokens · kit https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/1820productions/kit · MCP `get_design_brief({ slug: "1820productions" })`, `get_image_plan({ slug: "1820productions" })`. Cite the reference as https://uidiscovery.com/sites/1820productions.