We recently visited The Making of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour for our Christmas party, and naturally, we couldn’t stop marvelling at the incredible graphic design that made the wizarding world feel so immersive.
Every element on screen, from grand castles to tiny labels, was meticulously crafted to transport audiences to a world that feels rich, real, and magical. For a team of designers like us, it was a powerful reminder of how graphic design and visual storytelling can breathe life into even the smallest details.
Designing the Wizarding World
The Harry Potter films are a masterclass in graphic design. Take Diagon Alley for example – each shop has beautiful signage and window displays, and if you look closer you’ll see that the characters are carrying branded bags and shopping lists. We were lucky enough to take a stroll along the famous street and were blown away by its authenticity and charm.
We also loved seeing the Marauder’s Map, with its intricate folds and detail. Then there are books like “Advanced Potion-Making” and “The Tales of Beedle the Bard”, each cover brimming with rich details and character, as though they had been passed through generations of witches and wizards.
Paintings and Portraits
The portraits that fill the halls of Hogwarts are really iconic, and seeing them up close was fascinating. The paintings were created in-house by talented artists, using the rich textures and brushwork inspired by Renaissance art, giving the school its timeless and historical feel.
Nearly 350 portraits feature in the films, each painstakingly created by hand. Some are based on crew members, adding an even more personal touch.
Costumes & Sets
The sets and costumes were a treasure trove of design inspiration, each one reflecting the characters’ personalities and story arcs. In the Gryffindor Common Room, worn fabrics, mismatched furniture, and faded tapestries made the space feel cosy and lived in. Meanwhile, the Weasley family home was an eclectic mix of hand-crafted items and vintage finds, reflecting the Weasleys’ warmth and resourcefulness.
Costume design was equally thoughtful. From Professor Umbridge’s sugary pink outfits, designed to feel unsettlingly sweet, to Dumbledore’s grand, embroidered robes that exude wisdom and authority. We could really see the quality materials and expert craftsmanship that went into each piece of clothing.
The Party Experience
Back to the real world, and we were lucky enough to experience an exclusive after-hours studio tour. From the moment we arrived, beautifully designed gold-foiled tickets invited us to Dinner in the Great Hall, setting the tone for a magical evening. Whilst we explored the sets, we had the opportunity to spend perforated coupons, in exchange for cocktails in the potions classroom, Butterbeer, and even a wand each to take home.
Dinner in the Great Hall was a real showstopper—tables were set with personalised name cards in Hogwarts house colours, each one attached to an elegant gold-foiled menu with a wax seal. Christmas crackers matching our houses added a festive touch, with themed bookmarks inside as a keepsake. Every detail was thoughtfully crafted and reflected the magic of the films. It was a masterclass in how high-quality design creates a truly immersive experience.
Bringing Magic to Life
The Harry Potter films are a testament to the extraordinary creativity, collaboration, and detail that go into world-building. For us, it was a reminder of the power of design to tell stories, evoke emotions, and create unforgettable experiences. We left the Studio Tour spellbound and inspired, ready to carry a little of that magic into our next projects!
