Objects and ideas by me, my friends, and those i havent met yet.

How it started

Founded in 2016 by John Dough D'Angelo in Buffalo, New York, Case Study Labs began as a creative outlet — an open space to test ideas, build systems, and publish work without permission.

Today it operates as a studio and publishing system — blending design, media, and product into a continuous output of campaigns, collaborations, and original work.

The original idea: "Objects and ideas, by me, my friends, and those I haven't met yet." That's still it.

His name is Dough, because products and businesses are built to compete. As founder of Case Study Labs, his work spans brand strategy, positioning, product development, go-to-market strategy, creative direction, and design.

In cannabis, John has helped develop and launch hundreds of products, including award-winning flower, concentrates, vapes, and packaged goods. His work sits at the intersection of creativity and commercialization — developing the product, story, identity, packaging, and market strategy as parts of the same system.

His career has taken an unconventional path through entrepreneurship, design, media, cannabis, and emerging markets. That experience became the foundation for Case Study Labs: a studio built to help founders clarify what they're building, make it distinct, and get it into the world.

Today, John works with entrepreneurs, established brands, and emerging companies on everything from a single product launch to the strategy and creative direction behind an entire business.

therealjohndough.com — if you're looking for the full picture.

Art Director, Director, and Head of Visual Storytelling at Case Study Labs. Bill is a New York-based commercial photographer with decades of editorial and advertising work — and a chapter most people didn't know about until now.

In the 1990s, Bill shot cannabis for High Times under the pseudonym Billy Batz. Working during prohibition meant keeping a low profile — but the images were unmistakably his. He retired the persona in 1999, transitioned to food and beverage photography, and became one of New York's top commercial shooters. With legalization, he's back.

billbradyphotography.com

Audi Blu is a Buffalo-based illustrator and designer whose work is rooted in original illustration, character development, and visual storytelling. As part of Case Study Labs, she contributes primarily through illustration, developing original artwork and visual elements for brands, campaigns, packaging, and other creative projects.

Outside the studio, Audi creates music and independent work as Audi3k, extending her practice across visual art, publishing, recorded music, and live performance.

More about Audi

What we make

Brand identity, creative direction, packaging, and visual systems. Editorial output, campaigns, and content that functions as culture. Limited physical objects, tools, and original product. Cannabis and beyond — our lane since 2003.

We're selective about what we take on. That's by design.

See the Work