OUR HISTORY WAS 15 YEARS IN THE MAKING. WE STARTED AS A FREELANCE GIG BEFORE GOING ON A HIATUS.
The studio was founded as HDJ CRTVE, a front that our founder (Hidayat Jamalolail) created as a front to cater to his freelance projects. Back then, our biggest project was musical theatre productions staged in Istana Budaya. We've had close to 10 different productions under our belt. Among the well-known productions were the Cuci The Musical Last Kopek (final series), Lat Kampung Boy Sebuah Muzikal, Lawak Ke Der (the first three series), Konsert Awie & Ella in Istana Budaya and both Supermokh The Musical & Restaging edition.
Everything above happened in a span of just three years. In between those years, we've also done some other creative gigs, mainly photography for weddings or events and creative design for events such as Amanat MuziKhat featuring MOHRAM concert and a TV production branding for a TV Al-Hijrah program, Dikir Zikir. We did the Dikir Zikir project with Farihin Abdul Fattah, a producer who did Raihan once upon a time.
HDJ CRTVE was shelved in 2017 because life happened.
2010 - 2016
2017 - 2024
For seven years since 2017, the studio was in limbo. We were not involved in any big projects whatsoever. Only once in a while, we updated our social media just to get people to know that the studio still exists. But even then, it was more of a personal branding rather than a design and creative studio. When Hidayat was focusing on his career as a Creative Director at a local startup, the foundation of what the studio can be became even clearer. He experimented with some ideals during his time at the startup. To some extent, it works, but it was not easy because it was done in a very tight-knit bubble of like-minded people.
In the final quarter of 2024, something shifted. Things were getting real. In September, he took the leap of faith. Even without a super clear plan of things, Hidayat was sure of one thing, if the studio was to make a comeback, it needed to move away from the personal branding that it was. Hence, Studio HDJ was born.
The Studio HDJ today began with what seems more like a 'sembang kosong' between two creative misfits. It was an impromptu and casual pitch to which the other misfit responded with a "hell yes!". The response that she gave, made Hidayat feel that this project is possible. Not going to be an easy feat, but possible. The journey started from then on and it became the Independent Creative Collective Studio that it is today. That conversation of reflection after a d*mn long day at work? It's now a part of Studio HDJ's humble beginnings.
STUDIO HDJ TODAY STARTED WITH A CASUAL PITCH TO FRIENDS THAT FEELS MORE LIKE A SEMBANG KOSONG, RESPONDED WITH A HELL YEAH.
THE CREATIVE COLLECTIVE.
HIDAYAT JAMALOLAIL
FOUNDER + CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER | CURRENTLY AT GADING MARINE
A creative strategist with roots in advertising design, Hidayat blends big-picture thinking with hands-on execution to craft bold, impactful brand stories. With 15+ years across theatre, political communications and branding, he brings a unique creative edge to every project. He leads with vision and heart—building narratives that connect to people in meaningful ways.
RENUGAA NARAYANAN
CREATIVE DIRECTOR | CURRENTLY AT 2X
A law graduate turned creative, Ren brings a sharp, analytical mind and a deep love for storytelling into the world of branding and campaigns. Her multidisciplinary journey shapes a unique creative voice—blending structure with soul to craft narratives that resonate. At Studio HDJ, she leads with clarity and purpose, turning ideas into meaningful, insight-driven work.
HAZIM K. HASNI
AV DIRECTOR & SPATIAL DESIGN | CURRENTLY AT 2X
An architecture grad turned AV maestro, Hazim combines design thinking with a deep love for storytelling. Discovering his true passion led him to craft visually rich and emotionally resonant narratives. Outside the studio, he channels his creative energy as the lead vocalist of Sepetang, infusing his work with the same soul and rhythm that define his music.
ERLIANI Z. AABIDIN
DESIGN DIRECTOR | CURRENTLY AT INVOKE
With 15+ years of experience in DTP, Erl approaches design with the curiosity and boldness of an adventurer—traits shaped by her journey to Annapurna Base Camp and years of creative exploration. With a Master’s in Visual Communication and a sharp eye, she blends precision and imagination to lead design work that’s impactful, refined, and never afraid to push boundaries.
NUR ADLIN DINA
