Our Story
We're a branding, website, and video studio for lifestyle, hospitality, and design brands. Built by two creatives who came up through the industries we now serve. Every project we take on is strategy-first, crafted with intention, and designed to last.
2011-2021
2021
SOFIA
Started out in Architecture — learning the importance of structure, detail, and aesthetics. Pivoted into business sales, marketing, and social media before finding her true calling in branding strategy and design.
JAMES
Trained as a Chef, where precision and creativity came hand in hand. Transitioned into sales and management before building expertise in video production across weddings, music, TV, architecture, hospitality, and brands.
2023
2025
VAGO DESIGNS
Sofia launched her first studio, delivering strategy-led branding and websites for a wide range of industries — from interiors and healthcare to beauty, lifestyle, and wellness.
HONED FILMS
James launched his video studio, producing cinematic, story-driven content across music, events, interior design, real estate, hospitality, and lifestyle brands.
SOFIA, JAMES (& MURPHY)
MOVE TO PORTUGAL
We relocated from London to Portugal, bringing both businesses with us.
Sofia expanded her reach internationally, refining her focus on beauty, wellness, and lifestyle.
James built a strong client base in real estate, interiors, architecture, and hospitality, working with both local and international businesses.
2 CREATIVES,
1 STUDIO: STUDIO V&H
After collaborating on varied projects, the future was clear: our combined skills created stronger results for our clients.
We merged to form Studio V&H, a natural blend of strategy, design, and video under one roof. Together, we now offer a 360° service for wellness, beauty, lifestyle, and design brands that want clarity, consistency, and impact.
Why work with a Portugal-based creative studio?
After relocating from London to Alcácer do Sal in Portugal's Alentejo region, we've built a client base spanning Portuguese hospitality (hotels, guesthouses, Airbnbs), UK and European wellness brands, and lifestyle businesses from Africa to the US.
Our Portuguese base gives us unique insight into the growing wellness tourism and boutique hospitality market in Southern Europe. But we never stay far from international markets that are booming, such as beauty and lifestyle brands. Or the next big design and architecture idea or project.
By working with us, you get access to European creative talent at competitive rates, experience with both local Portuguese and international brands and businesses, and a deep understanding of lifestyle aesthetics that resonate with modern audiences.
what we’re working on at the momentRight now, we're mid-project on: a perfume brand identity and supplements brand in West Africa; a full marketing overhaul for a New York & Europe-based architecture firm spanning social media, branding, and content; a hotel rebrand and a couple of music videos in Portugal.
Every project is different. Every outcome is intentional.