Balky Studio — Balky Studio®

# Build brief — an original marketing website in the taste of Balky Studio

> Reference: https://www.balky.studio · UIDiscovery: https://uidiscovery.com/sites/balky-studio · captured 2026-09-23 at a 1440px desktop viewport (+ 390px iPhone shots) · [full page](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/full.webp) · [scroll video](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/preview.mp4)

## 1. Goal
Build an original marketing website for **[the user's brand]** that feels as considered as Balky Studio — 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 Balky Studio: structure, rhythm, hierarchy, palette mood and type pairing.
- Never reuse Balky Studio'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
- Balky Studio (balky.studio): Design & Agency marketing website, light, minimal.
- 7 sections: Statement → Showcase → About → Showcase → Logo cloud.
- Spacing: about a screen per idea (median section ≈740px).
- Type: one family (Gta). Imagery: mostly typography with little or no imagery, some photography.

## 4. Page structure (top to bottom)

### 1. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. Half to one screen (740px at 1440), own light band #f2f2f2; no images (type-led); no interactive controls.
- Slots: Heading (~3 words, like the reference); Body copy.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “INNOVATING WITH HEART”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-01.webp)

### 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 (765px at 1440), own light band #f2f2f2; 8 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); inline form (1 field, e.g. email capture), 4 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Primary + secondary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-02.webp) · imagery: slot 1

### 3. About — tell the story or mission behind the brand.
- Layout: text block with a supporting image. Half to one screen (506px at 1440), own light band #f2f2f2; 1 image/graphic; one primary button.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-04.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 4. Showcase — show the product (or the result) itself as proof.
- Layout: a large framed visual with a short caption or heading. Tall, ≈1.9 screens (1700px at 1440), own dark band #1d1c1a; 12 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); one primary button.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-05.webp) · imagery: slot 3

### 5. Showcase — show the product (or the result) itself as proof.
- Layout: a large framed visual with a short caption or heading. Half to one screen (708px at 1440), own dark band #1d1c1a; 12 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); one primary button.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-06.webp) · imagery: slot 4

### 6. 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 (1164px at 1440), own light band #f2f2f2; 15 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); no interactive controls.
- Slots: Heading (~9 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan).
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “BROAD SPECTRUM OF WORK & EXCELLENCE IN EVERY FORM”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-07.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. Compact band (326px at 1440), own light band #f2f2f2; no images (type-led); no interactive controls.
- Slots: One-line lead-in (e.g. “Trusted by…”); 6–10 monochrome customer/partner marks (your own, with permission).
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-08.webp)

Inner pages also captured (Sign up): https://uidiscovery.com/sites/balky-studio?view=pages

## 5. Design system
### Colour
| Role | Hex | Use | Contrast on background |
|---|---|---|---|
| background | `#ffffff` | page background | — |
| foreground | `#131313` | body text, headings | 18.6:1 |
| accent | `#131313` | none captured — monochrome. Primary buttons invert (foreground fill, background text); add your brand colour only for small highlights | — |
| surface | `#f2f2f2` | cards, inputs, alternate bands | text on it 16.6:1 |
| muted | `#1d1c1a` | secondary text, borders | 17.0:1 |

Captured palette: `#ffffff` `#1d1c1a` `#f2f2f2` `#131313`. Section bands top→bottom: `#f2f2f2` → `#1d1c1a`. Roles are assigned automatically — sanity-check them against the screenshot. Keep the palette's *mood* (light, neutral, desaturated) and proportions; swap the accent for the user's brand colour.

### Tokens
```css
:root {
  --background: #ffffff;
  --foreground: #131313;
  --accent: #131313;
  --surface: #f2f2f2;
  --muted: #1d1c1a;
  --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 Gta. “Gta” is likely a custom or licensed face. Inter is a neutral stand-in — pick a closer free match by eye from the screenshot.
- 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 ≈740px tall at 1440 (median; range 326–1700px, captures cap at 1700px) — roughly a screen per idea. Start with 96–120px vertical padding per section on desktop and about two-thirds of that on mobile. The background changes 2 times down the page — use band changes to mark chapters. 8px spacing grid, 1200–1280px max content width, 24px (mobile) / 32–48px (desktop) gutters.

### Shape, depth & theme
Flat surfaces, hairline 1px borders in the muted colour, small radii (4–8px), almost no shadow. Read exact corner radius, border and shadow treatment from the screenshots. Light-first; for a dark mode use a near-black (not #000) background, ~90% white text, lift surfaces with lightness not shadow, re-check the accent.

## 6. Imagery plan

Measured from 3 section screenshots: mostly **typography with little or no imagery**, some photography (light, neutral, desaturated, Design & Agency). Still glance at the linked screenshots to match the exact mood.

### Slot 1 · 2. Showcase → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (land, hill, liquid). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~8 in one consistent style. Aspect: 16:10. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-02.webp)
- **Stock** — “architectural detail shadow”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/architectural-detail-shadow?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/architectural%20detail%20shadow/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/architectural%20detail%20shadow/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: architectural detail shadow. Composition: centred subject with even space around it. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #f2f2f2, #131313. 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 2 · 3. About → photography
- Design & Agency references lean on photography. Count: 1. Aspect: 4:5. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-04.webp)
- **Stock** — “creative team at work”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/creative-team-at-work?orientation=portrait) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/creative%20team%20at%20work/?orientation=portrait) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/creative%20team%20at%20work/?orientation=vertical)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: creative team at work. Composition: candid, documentary feel. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #f2f2f2, #131313. 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 3 · 4. Showcase → photography
- Design & Agency references lean on photography. Count: a set of ~12 in one consistent style. Aspect: 16:10. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-05.webp)
- **Stock** — “design studio workspace close up”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/design-studio-workspace-close-up?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/design%20studio%20workspace%20close%20up/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/design%20studio%20workspace%20close%20up/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: design studio workspace close up. Composition: centred subject with even space around it. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #1d1c1a, #131313, #f2f2f2. 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 4 · 5. Showcase → photography
- Design & Agency references lean on photography. Count: a set of ~12 in one consistent style. Aspect: 16:10. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-06.webp)
- **Stock** — “architectural detail shadow close up”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/architectural-detail-shadow-close-up?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/architectural%20detail%20shadow%20close%20up/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/architectural%20detail%20shadow%20close%20up/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: architectural detail shadow close up. Composition: centred subject with even space around it. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #1d1c1a, #131313, #f2f2f2. 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 5 · 6. Showcase → photography
- Design & Agency references lean on photography. Count: a set of ~15 in one consistent style. Aspect: 16:10. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/balky-studio/s-07.webp)
- **Stock** — “creative team at work close up”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/creative-team-at-work-close-up?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/creative%20team%20at%20work%20close%20up/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/creative%20team%20at%20work%20close%20up/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: creative team at work close up. Composition: centred subject with even space around it. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #f2f2f2, #131313. 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)** — 1. 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, matte clay shapes and a smooth gradient in #1d1c1a and #f2f2f2 on a #ffffff background. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key; neutral, desaturated tone. Minimal and calm, generous negative space on one side for text. Aspect ratio 3:2. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.` · stock: [“abstract gradient 3d” on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/abstract-gradient-3d?orientation=landscape) (same query works on Pexels/Pixabay)
- **illustration** — generate `Flat vector illustration: design studio workspace, friendly simplified shapes, limited palette of #f2f2f2, #131313 plus one soft neutral, plenty of empty background, consistent line weight, neutral, desaturated mood. Aspect ratio 3:2. 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/balky-studio/tokens · kit https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/balky-studio/kit · MCP `get_design_brief({ slug: "balky-studio" })`, `get_image_plan({ slug: "balky-studio" })`. Cite the reference as https://uidiscovery.com/sites/balky-studio.