Brussels Design Studio Oilinwater Builds Brand Identities Through Investigative Research Methods

Oilinwater, a Brussels-based design studio founded by Matthieu Gorissen, employs a research-intensive, investigative approach to branding for cultural clients. The studio specializes in creating visual identities, naming, and graphic design systems that respond sensitively to spatial and contextual elements. Gorissen describes his creative process as detective work, searching for existing ideas rather than applying templates. The studio's name originated from a chemistry textbook belonging to Gorissen's father and was adopted during his freelance beginnings. Notable projects include visual identities for Brussels' Styx cinema, Maison Hannon museum (featuring a logo based on the building's door handle), and the Picturesque exhibition at Civa showcasing architect Jules Buyssens' work. Oilinwater also handles packaging design, as seen in their collaboration with Rob The Gourmets' Market and Brussels Brewery En Stoemelings for a craft beer. The studio maintains a concept-driven methodology influenced by Gorissen's five-year background in advertising at Publicis. Despite expanding into motion design and AI applications, the studio prioritizes narrative coherence and strong conceptual foundations in all projects.