START STUDIOS
Director of PhotographyAs their prime photographer, I’ve captured everything from behind-the-scenes development and studio prep to live event coverage, branding sessions, and team portraits. My role has been both creative and documentary: telling their story while helping them visually communicate what they’re building — a space where art, design, and entrepreneurship meet.
Coffee Party Launch
At the Start Studios Coffee Party—its first official launch event—individually stamped cups and a community name wall welcomed attendees into a space of creativity and collaboration. Through the window, a friend from IE University DJs the event, helping set the tone and energize the space. Hosted in partnership with Green Coffee Roasters and its sub-brands, Artera Studio Gallery and Magazine Artera Gallery, the event reflected Start Studios’ commitment to sustainability, design, and inclusive community-building.
Inside the venue, a mirror marked with the phrase “I am in the perfect place to start” and Start Studios’ Instagram handle (@startstudiosmad) became a central feature of the event—encouraging guests to pose, share, and amplify the launch online. Surrounded by fresh flowers gifted by attendees and original artwork painted by one of the founders, the space reflected the project’s core values of creativity, connection, and celebration.
Guests mingle inside the café during the Start Studios launch, as coffee shop staff serve drinks and conversations flow. The Start Studios logo glows on a screen in the background, anchoring the space alongside more artwork donated by fellow design students—highlighting the collaborative and community-driven spirit of the event.
CTRL C X CTRL V
Co-founder Paola Gutierrez speaks with a bar worker in Plaza Olavide, asking to collect used wine corks otherwise destined for disposal. With a bag in hand, she continues the team’s ongoing effort to source discarded materials for future workshops—part of Start Studios’ commitment to sustainability and mindful design.
Back at one of the teams’ apartments, Paola ‘Pao’ boils collected wine corks to soften them for reuse. It’s a small but essential step in Start Studios’ sustainable process of turning discarded materials into creative tools.
The four founders of Start Studios— Paola Gutierrez, Sofia Arenas, Stephanie Luna & Valeria Geyne. Four design students turned entrepreneurs work side by side, cutting and gluing corks into boards in preparation for their next workshop. It’s the first moment captured of the full team together: they had an idea, believed in it, and decided to just start.
At the start of Start Studios’ “Ctrl C x Ctrl V” workshop, co-founder Stephanie leads the session by writing prompts on the board to spark creativity. The message—“Don’t know where to start?”—captures the spirit of the event: offering guidance, inspiration, and a reminder that every creative journey begins with a single step. The workshop was held in collaboration with El Diván de Coco, a vintage store in Malasaña, further blending creativity, community, and sustainable design.
Participants at the workshop immerse themselves in the creative process, using recycled materials to craft their own unique cork boards. As they laugh, socialize, and collaborate, coffee cups with their names stamped on them add a personal touch to the vibrant atmosphere. The event fosters both creativity and connection, allowing attendees to share ideas while bringing their projects to life.
A close-up of the creative chaos at the “Ctrl C x Ctrl V” workshop: coffee cups, snacks, glue, scissors, and magazine cutouts fill the table as hands reach in, adding to the collaborative energy. With their entry ticket, participants received everything needed—materials, inspiration, and the space to create, connect, and bring their ideas to life.
The Start Studios team stands together, delivering a speech about the vision behind their company and the purpose of the “Ctrl C x Ctrl V” workshop. As attendees listen, the donated artwork displayed on the walls highlights the event's focus on showcasing creativity, authenticity, and artistic expression. This moment encapsulates what Start Studios’ events are all about—fostering community, supporting artists, and inspiring individuals to embrace their creative potential.
- Top Communication Student – SLU-Madrid (Class of 2025)
- "El Madrileño Way" Photojournalism Exhibition – 4 Selected Works
(2025)
- Dean’s List – SLU-Madrid (2021–2025)
- Published in Madrid Metropolitan
(2024 The Madrid Blackout)
- Head of Photography - Start Studios Madrid
(2025-Present)
Saint Louis University – Madrid Campus
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Graduated: May 2025
laracmitchell03@gmail.com
+34624427600
@larascamerajourney
LinkedIn: Lara Mitchell Guirao
Lara Mitchell Guirao 2025