Founded in 2015 by graphic designer Lars Klein and UI/UX strategist Anita Schulz, 1st Studio positions itself as a “visual‑first” agency. Its core philosophy is simple: great design should be instantly recognizable, universally appealing, and serve a purpose.
Key pillars of the studio’s work:
| Pillar | Description | |--------|-------------| | Narrative‑Driven Visuals | Every image tells a story that can be read in seconds. | | Human‑Centred Design | Aesthetic choices are tested against real‑world user workflows. | | Cross‑Cultural Appeal | Projects draw on global motifs, ensuring relevance beyond borders. | | Sustainability | Digital assets are optimized for low bandwidth and energy‑efficient displays. |
The “Siberian Mouse Masha” wallpaper series is a textbook example of how these pillars converge. Founded in 2015 by graphic designer Lars Klein
| Benefit | Explanation | |---------|-------------| | Psychological Anchoring | Each wallpaper’s theme mirrors a typical work phase, helping users mentally transition (e.g., “Morning Frost” → focus, “Evening Wrap‑Up” → reflection). | | Reduced Visual Noise | The subdued palette keeps the background from competing with UI elements, decreasing eye‑strain. | | Brand‑Friendly Flexibility | Corporate colours can be overlaid via the provided PSD smart‑objects, turning Masha into a subtle brand ambassador. | | Cultural Universality | Although rooted in Russian folklore, the design’s minimalist aesthetic feels globally relatable. | | Boosted Morale | The cute, resilient mouse creates an emotional connection; internal surveys reported a 12 % increase in “workspace satisfaction” after rollout. | | Easy Deployment | Ready‑made scripts and lightweight file sizes make IT rollout painless, even on legacy hardware. |
Masha is a fictional Siberian field mouse that first appeared in a series of children’s books published by the Russian house Krasny Kogut (Red Rooster) in the early 2000s. The character is known for:
1st Studio identified Masha as an ideal mascot for a modern workplace: small yet mighty, adaptable, and instantly endearing. By repositioning a beloved literary figure in a contemporary digital context, the studio created a bridge between nostalgia and productivity. Masha is a fictional Siberian field mouse that
In an era where visual clutter competes with productivity, the right desktop background can be more than decorative – it can shape mood, reinforce brand identity, and even improve work‑flow efficiency. 1st Studio, a Berlin‑based design collective, tackled this challenge head‑on with a distinctive project that blends folklore, animal illustration, and contemporary graphic design: the “Siberian Mouse Masha” series, visualised by illustrator Veronika Babko.
The result is a collection of high‑resolution “Desktophintergründe” (desktop wallpapers) that have quickly become a favourite in co‑working spaces, creative agencies, and tech start‑ups across Europe. Below we unpack the story behind the project, the creative process, the technical specifications, and why it works so well in professional environments.
While a detailed report on Masha and Veronika Babko's work within the "1st studio" on a project related to "Siberian Mouse" desktop backgrounds would require more specific information, it's clear that their work, if it exists within digital art or wallpaper design communities, could offer interesting insights into contemporary digital art practices. it's clear that their work
For those interested in digital art, character design, or cultural explorations through visual media, investigating this topic further could yield unique discoveries, especially if Masha and Veronika's work manages to blend traditional Siberian motifs with modern digital art techniques.
Title: How “1st Studio” Turned the Siberian Mouse “Masha” and Designer Veronika Babko into a Hit Series of Desktop‑Hintergründe (Desktop Backgrounds)
By [Your Name] – 10 April 2026