Worldbuilding + Story
CYLNDR has all the makings of a cult classic sci fi: The lore, the people, the places they frequent, and the mysterious missing vowels, so in order to make it all make sense, I started with worldbuilding. What is the story? Who are the characters? What are the locations? What is the iconic tag line? Once I understood what this [fake] film was, I could begin to root each piece in this made-up reality.
Building the world gave me guardrails to stay within the world, so I could ground every detail, and build a cohesive capsule.
Once the world was built and the film’s premise was established — a sci fi thriller based in a small desert town, a mysterious object, a ragtag group of talented misfits — every design decision had a home, and CYLNDR easter eggs could be embedded throughout.
You Can’t Escape The Shape
CYLNDR Studios wanted a memorable mix of uniquely branded merch that stood out — a 2026 time capsule that their team would actually use.
So, after winning the opportunity to concept the collection, I built a capsule surrounding “The CYLNDR”, a film that doesn’t exist.
And never will.
CARDIGAN FOR A SECRET UNIVERSITY SOCIETY
DESERT-READY BANDANA FULL OF STUDIO LORE
Merch From Within
While the story at the heart of “The CYLNDR” lives somewhere in the 80s/90s, the film itself feels like it could be made today, through modern capsule of pieces that felt like something you’d find at A24 or Netflix vs the traditional promo merch of the past.
Each piece either lives within the world, or feels like it was born from it:
Diner mugs inspired by dusty roadside diners and coffee-fueled late nights.
A flashlight issued by C.Y.L.N.D.R., a clandestine government agency with a mysterious name.
A matchbook from a rough and tumble desert biker bar, designed like one of those places you already know — somewhere that feels familiar and personal.
Nothing exists simply because it looks cool.
Every detail is intentional, with each element tying back to the world of the film and the world of CYLNDR Studios.
SHIRT BY THE CONSPIRACY THEORIST ALWAYS LOOKING TO MAKE A BUCK