When we built the first OnTheStacks studio, it wasn’t about aesthetics. It was about impact.

We wanted a space that didn’t just look good on camera, but could serve multiple purposes, run efficiently, and generate revenue—and we built two that do exactly that.

Here’s how we did it without debt, and how you can too.

Start With Purpose, Not Pinterest

Before buying lights or renting space, map your use cases. Are you recording solo content? Hosting guests? Creating reels? Running livestreams? Shooting client work?

Let your goals guide your layout.

Invest Where It Matters

No need to blow six figures. But don’t go cheap either. Prioritize:

  • High-quality cameras with clean HDMI
  • LED key and fill lighting (adjustable temperature is a must)
  • Dynamic mics for crisp sound
  • Acoustic panels to kill echo

Think modular: gear and furniture that can adapt over time.

OnTheStack studio setup

Design for Brand and Function

The “OnTheStacks” look is more than neon signs. It’s lighting choices, wall textures, background symmetry, and scene depth. We engineered the visual vibe to match the energy of our brand—modern, bold, and professional.

The best part? It’s scalable. Guests feel like they’re on set. Clients want to rent it. And the visuals carry authority on every platform.

Monetize Beyond the Mic

Our studio isn’t just for us. It hosts client shoots, community events, B2B content, and collaborations. By diversifying the ways we use it, we paid off both studios in under three years.

And we didn’t take on a single dollar of debt.

Bottom Line

Your studio isn’t just a place to record. It’s a business asset. Design it that way, and it will grow with you.