RVLTN Studio

MEET GINALYN MCNAMARA AND LINDSAY CRUZ, OWNERS OF RVLTN STUDIO, A WOMEN-OWNED CREATIVE STUDIO IN PHOENIX THAT OFFERS A BOLD, ECLECTIC AND FASHION FORWARD APPROACH TO HELP BRANDS REACH THE NEXT LEVEL WITH UNIQUE IMAGERY, DYNAMIC DESIGN AND ENGAGING ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS.

Edgy. Dark. Bold—they’re not just adjectives, but ways that a creative brand embodies their work, defines their vision for working with clients and strives to empower businesses to reach their goals.

RVLTN Studio offers innovative and trendsetting brand consulting to transform businesses. Creative Director, Product + Web Designer Ginalyn brings her 16 years’ experience in art directing, product development and e-commerce website design, while Interior Designer and Social Media expert Lindsay brings her expertise in PR and social media management to take entrepreneurs and online businesses’ product styling, social media and content creation to the next level.

The open, modern 1,200 square foot studio has furniture and props, a variety of backdrops to suit many styles including edgy collage walls and professional lighting equipment with night and weekend bookings available. RVLTN Studio also focuses on empowering female leadership through connection and conversation with Women of the Modern Revolution, which also offers services including mini brand shoots, events and are working on a podcast launching in the future.

SS: Can you share your professional backgrounds and your journey to establish RVTLN Studio?

Ginalyn McNamara: “I have been a designer and art director for almost 16 years and I now focus on web design and product development. I have worked in design, production, creative and wore several hats that has allowed me to build several successful businesses in the beauty, wellness and fashion industry.

“Lindsay is a mother of four, she once owned a yoga studio, works on select interior design projects and is now completing her PR degree from UCLA. With both of our skill sets and passion for design and creativity, it allows us to help others with their businesses. We opened RVLTN Studio for the opportunity to meet and help others.”

Ginalyn McNamara and Lindsay Cruz. Photo by Jennifer Griffith.

SS: Why did you decide to open your own studio in 2020 and what creative freedom does that bring?

Ginalyn and Lindsay: “We both needed a space to work and for Lindsay to get away from all the kids Zoom calls at home LOL. We needed a place that housed our product-based business and get us out of the rut from being home. RVLTN studio allowed us to get refocused and get inspired. We use the space everyday for creativity and we have everything from backdrops, to photography and podcast equipment to really make anything happen.”

“We believe there is a power in the female vision, as women our voices are strong and we want other like-minded women to believe this as well.

“We love helping other female-owned businesses obsess over their brand shoots and the excitement on set. This is where creativity ignites and is the heart of the brand.”

SS: How would you describe your studio and the services offered and what types of clients do you work with? Are the clients based in Arizona or nationwide?

GM & LC: “RVLTN Studio is based in Phoenix, AZ and in the heart of midtown. RVLTN Studio has 1,200 square feet of studio space, gorgeous wood truss ceilings, concrete floors and private back office. We have several backdrops and lighting equipment, but what makes us unique is that we have really cool collage walls that are customizable. We offer brand shoots, product photography, website design and social media content creation. Many of our clients are in the Phoenix area, however many brands from out of town can book us as well.”

SS: Can you describe your process working with clients and how you help them bring their vision to life?

GM & LC: “Usually we work one-on-one with clients and do an intimate brand discovery call. This allows us to understand their needs and wants when it comes to photography, design and more. From there, we curate a mood board and shot list and agree on a look and feel. We want to know their end goals and what their content is used for so we can strategize to best meet their needs and goals.”

RVLTN Studio’s 1,200 square foot space in Phoenix features uniquely-designed collage walls.

SS: What challenges have you overcome as creative entrepreneurs and how have they impacted your career and business?

GN & LC: “We have definitely had challenges with brand partnerships and expectation vs. reality. We continue to push forward everyday and not give up on our goals exponentially. Communication and time management with clients can sometimes be tough, but with the right tools, we have been able to streamline the process.”

“We went with a different approach with social media, we’re not really ‘light and airy’ and delicate like many brands right now, we don’t want to be like everyone else.

“We’re bold, dark and opinionated. Our feed is a true representation of who are as individuals and I think that has allowed us to be able to stick out a bit. We’re consistent and we want to build that trust.”

SS: Why is female representation and perspective an important aspect of your creative process and part of the fabric of RVLTN Studio?

GN & LC: “We believe there is a power in the female vision, as women our voices are strong and we want other like-minded women to believe this as well.”

SS: What is the most rewarding part about owning and operating RVLTN Studio?

GN & LC: “We love helping other female-owned businesses obsess over their brand shoots and the excitement on set. This is where creativity ignites and is the heart of the brand.”

SS: What is a short-term and long-term goal you are working towards for RVLTN Studio and how do you see those impacting the growth of the business? 

GN & LC: “Our short term goal is to be discovered by those who can benefit from our space. Our long term goal is to continually build our online community ‘Women of The Modern Revolution’ and host in person networking events and workshops to meet even more individuals. This will allow us to introduce more products and expand the tools they need to succeed.”

SS: How has your social media presence and creating a cohesive aesthetic helped you grow your business thus far? 

GN & LC: “We went with a different approach with social media, we’re not really ‘light and airy’ and light and delicate like many brands right now, we don’t want to be like everyone else. We’re bold, dark and opinionated. Our feed is a true representation of who are as individuals and I think that has allowed us to be able to stick out a bit. We’re consistent and we want to build that trust.”

SS: How do you hope your work will positively impact clients' success by capturing visually-stunning and unique photos and helping them create a cohesive brand through social media and website design?

GN & LC: “Everything we do at our studio is curated for a specific goal with the brand’s strategy in mind — not just a pretty picture. We want to really nail down the aesthetic in ways nobody has done before. With Ginalyn’s knowledge and experience in website design, this allows us to create gorgeous user experiences and elevate the brand essence to the next level through these visuals.

“We understand how to combine the pillars of social media content that helps convert the user. In the end this creates successful businesses when the client can focus on what they do best. We do the heavy lifting and with the efforts of marketing you're inevitably set up for success.”

To learn more about RVLTN Studio, visit: RVTLNStudio.com.