studioSHAPES Membership Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: April 18, 2026 Version: 1.1 Operating Entity: studioSHAPES LLC Primary Location: 2425 W 14th Street, Chicago, IL 60608 Contact: studioshapesllc@gmail.com · (847) 773-1702

Introduction & Acceptance

studioSHAPES is a creative house, recording studio, artist development ecosystem, third place, and membership-based institution rooted in Chicago. These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern your relationship with studioSHAPES LLC ("studioSHAPES," "the studio," "we," "us," or "our") as a Member, prospective Member, guest, collaborator, or visitor.

By initiating a membership inquiry, completing the membership interview, signing a membership agreement, paying any membership fee, accessing the studioSHAPES facility, or using any studioSHAPES service, you agree to be bound by these Terms in full. If you do not agree, you must not proceed with membership or use the studio's services or facilities.

These Terms operate together with any membership package agreement, add-on agreement, event booking confirmation, or written communication issued by studioSHAPES staff. Where conflicts exist, the most recently issued and signed document governs.

studioSHAPES reserves the right to revise these Terms. Material changes will be communicated to active Members by email at least fourteen (14) days before they take effect. Continued use of membership privileges after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

1. The studioSHAPES Spirit

studioSHAPES is not a transactional rental facility. It is a developmental ecosystem built to advance the careers, artistry, and well-being of the people inside it. Membership exists to give serious artists, producers, and creatives a home base — a place where the infrastructure, the calendar, the relationships, and the room itself all work in their favor.

These Terms are written to protect that culture, protect the Members who depend on it, and protect the institution so it can keep showing up year after year. They are not meant to feel like a transaction. They are meant to make sure the trust we extend to Members is met with trust returned in kind.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms:

"Member" means any person currently in good standing on an active studioSHAPES membership package, whose monthly dues are paid, who has completed the membership interview, and whose access has not been suspended, paused, or terminated.

"Base Membership" means the foundational studioSHAPES membership tier, currently structured as ten (10) Studio Credits per month with rollover privileges as defined in Section 4.

"Studio Credit" means one (1) hour of access to a bookable studio room (Triangle Room, Circle Room, Square Room, or other designated bookable space), exclusive of any engineer, assistant, runner, or add-on service.

"Add-On" means any service, person, equipment, or resource available for an additional fee beyond a Member's base credit allocation — including but not limited to engineering, assistant engineering, runner service, mixing, mastering, photography, videography, premium equipment rental, hospitality service, or extended-hour access. Add-On pricing may vary by staff member and is published in the active member-facing pricing menu.

"Booking" means any reservation of a studio room or studio resource entered into the studioSHAPES scheduling system, regardless of whether confirmed, pending, countered, or cancelled.

"Session" means a booking executed for the purpose of creative work — recording, mixing, mastering, rehearsing, writing, producing, or similar — typically involving one or more Members or non-Member clients.

"Event" means any gathering exceeding five (5) guests, any gathering open to the public, any ticketed gathering, any commercial gathering, or any gathering designated as an event by studioSHAPES at its discretion (see Section 6).

"Co-Working" means individual, solo, non-guest use of designated common areas during published co-working hours, as defined in Section 5.

"Campus" means the entire studioSHAPES facility at 2425 W 14th Street, Chicago, IL 60608, including all interior rooms, common areas, the entryway, and any associated exterior space under studioSHAPES control.

"Outside Booking" means any reservation made by a non-Member, including individuals, organizations, brands, or corporate clients.

"studioSHAPES Calendar" means the official scheduling system of record — currently operated through the studioSHAPES Command Center and integrated with Google Calendar — which is the single, authoritative record of all studio activity.

3. Membership Eligibility, Application & Interview

Membership at studioSHAPES is selective. The studio reserves full discretion to accept, decline, defer, or revoke any membership application or active membership.

To be considered for membership, a prospective Member must:

  1. Submit an inquiry through the official channel at www.studioshapeschicago.com/membership;
  2. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
  3. Complete a membership interview with a studioSHAPES representative (in person at the campus, by video call, or by phone, at studioSHAPES's discretion);
  4. Provide a current government-issued ID at or before activation;
  5. Provide accurate contact information including legal name, preferred name (if different), artist or stage name, primary phone, primary email, and primary social media handle(s);
  6. Sign the membership agreement and these Terms;
  7. Complete first-month payment in full before the activation date.

studioSHAPES is not obligated to offer membership to every applicant. Decisions consider alignment with the studio's community standards, creative direction, scheduling capacity, behavioral fit, and operational sustainability. Decisions are not appealable and do not require explanation.

studioSHAPES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, or local law.

4. Base Membership Structure

4.1 Monthly Allocation

Base Membership currently consists of ten (10) Studio Credits per calendar cycle. Each Studio Credit equals one (1) hour of studio room access. Credits do not include any engineer, assistant, runner, or add-on service unless explicitly purchased or bundled.

studioSHAPES reserves the right to adjust the Base Membership credit allocation, monthly rate, included resources, and bundled features. Active Members will receive at least thirty (30) days' written notice before any reduction in credit allocation or material increase in rate. Increases in optional add-on pricing may be implemented with shorter notice.

4.2 Rollover

Unused Studio Credits roll over for one (1) calendar cycle only. Rollover credits expire at the end of the cycle immediately following the cycle in which they were earned.

Rollover credits only apply if the Member remains active. If a membership lapses, is paused, is cancelled, is suspended, or is otherwise inactive during the rollover window — for any reason and for any duration, even a single day — all accumulated rollover credits are immediately and permanently forfeited. Reactivating a lapsed membership does not restore previously forfeited rollover credits. Only continuously active Members retain rollover privileges.

4.3 Credit Consumption Order

Credits are consumed in the following order:

  1. Rollover credits from the previous cycle (oldest first);
  2. Current-cycle base credits;
  3. Purchased overage credits (if any);
  4. Add-on hours billed at the published outside rate.

A Member who exceeds their available credit allocation in a given cycle will be billed at the prevailing non-member or member-overage rate for additional hours, payable before the next session begins.

4.4 No Cash Value

Studio Credits have no cash value, are not redeemable for cash, cannot be sold, traded, or transferred to another person, and cannot be refunded except as expressly stated in these Terms.

4.5 Cycle Definition

A membership cycle runs from the first calendar day of the month at 12:00 AM Central Time through the last calendar day of the month at 11:59 PM Central Time, regardless of when within the cycle the Member's monthly payment is processed.

5. Co-Working Privileges

5.1 Co-Working Hours & Scope

Individual Member co-working is permitted Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Central Time in the Circle Room or the Screening Room, provided neither room is reserved for a private booking, event, or other blocked-out activity.

Co-working is intended for solo, individual member work — laptop work, light writing, light listening, light meetings of no more than one (1) additional non-Member visitor where applicable, and similar quiet creative tasks.

Co-working is not permitted for:

  • Multi-person meetings;
  • Guest gatherings;
  • Recording sessions;
  • Loud playback;
  • Live performance or rehearsal;
  • Any commercial activity for which studioSHAPES has not been paid;
  • Filming or photography of any kind without prior written approval;
  • Any activity in studio rooms other than the Circle Room or Screening Room.

5.2 Bookable Time Outside Co-Working

Any Member presence on campus outside of co-working hours must be tied to an entry on the studioSHAPES Calendar or be pre-approved in writing by studioSHAPES administration. No exceptions. Drop-ins, "just stopping by," and unscheduled hangouts are not permitted outside published co-working hours or sanctioned events.

This rule exists to protect Members who have booked private sessions, to protect the studio's operational rhythm, and to make sure the calendar of record matches the physical reality of who is in the building. Violations may result in suspension of membership privileges per Section 16.

5.3 Co-Working Etiquette

Members using co-working space agree to:

  • Yield space gracefully if a private booking requires the room;
  • Keep voice levels and audio levels low;
  • Not consume any food or drink that risks damaging equipment, furniture, or finishes;
  • Clean up any personal items, dishes, or refuse before leaving;
  • Treat fellow co-working Members with respect.

5.4 No Guarantee of Availability

Co-working rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis subject to private bookings and operational needs. studioSHAPES makes no guarantee that any specific co-working room will be available at any specific time within published co-working hours.

6. Bookings, Sessions & Guest Limits

6.1 Booking Requirements

All studio room time, all engineer time, all add-on services, and all on-campus Member presence outside of co-working must be entered into the studioSHAPES Calendar before the session or visit begins. Bookings made directly with individual staff members outside the calendar system are not valid until they appear on the official calendar of record.

6.2 Guest Limit per Session

The guest limit for any standard booked Session or meeting is five (5) guests — defined as any individual present in the studio in addition to the Member host and any engineer or staff working the session.

If a session, meeting, listening, or gathering exceeds five (5) guests, it is automatically classified as Event-level and evaluated separately under Section 7. studioSHAPES reserves the right to reclassify any booking as Event-level at its discretion based on the nature, scale, content, or anticipated attendance of the gathering.

6.3 Guest Conduct & Member Responsibility

The Member who books a Session is fully responsible for the conduct of every guest they bring on campus. This responsibility includes:

  • Adherence to these Terms by all guests;
  • Adherence to the studio's house rules, posted signage, and staff instructions;
  • Any damage, theft, injury, or liability caused by a guest;
  • Any disruption to other Members, other sessions, or studio operations.

studioSHAPES reserves the right to deny entry, remove, or ban any guest at any time without explanation. A guest banned from studioSHAPES may not be brought back by any Member.

6.4 Quiet Hours & Volume

Quiet hours, posted volume limits, and isolation requirements vary by room and by time of day. Members agree to follow staff guidance on volume, particularly during overlapping bookings and during published co-working hours.

6.5 Recording Sessions With Outside Engineers

If a Member wishes to bring an outside (non-studioSHAPES) engineer to a Session, prior written approval from studioSHAPES administration is required. studioSHAPES reserves the right to charge a facility-only rate for sessions run by outside engineers, to require the outside engineer to sign a separate facility-use acknowledgement, and to decline any such request at its discretion.

7. Events

7.1 Event Classification

Any of the following is classified as an Event and is governed by Section 7 (not Section 6):

  1. A gathering exceeding five (5) guests;
  2. A gathering open to the public, whether free or ticketed;
  3. A gathering with commercial sponsorship, brand activation, or media coverage;
  4. A gathering that involves catered service, professional bar service, or extended hospitality;
  5. Any session, meeting, or program designated by studioSHAPES as Event-level.

7.2 Event Booking Process

Events require a separate booking conversation with studioSHAPES administration. Event approvals consider the following at minimum:

  • The Event's nature, attendees, and creative or commercial purpose;
  • Compatibility with other studio operations and the surrounding tenants;
  • Insurance, security, and capacity requirements;
  • Hospitality, catering, and bar arrangements;
  • Cleaning, breakdown, and load-out logistics;
  • Member-rate eligibility, partnership terms, or hosting arrangements.

Event pricing, deposit requirements, staffing requirements, insurance requirements, and conduct expectations are negotiated separately for each Event and documented in an event booking agreement, which forms part of these Terms by reference for the purpose of that Event.

7.3 Member-Hosted Events

A Member may host an Event at preferential rates and partnership terms when the Event aligns with the studioSHAPES creative direction. Such hosting is a privilege, not an entitlement of Base Membership. Member Studio Credits do not apply to Event-level bookings unless explicitly agreed in writing.

8. Rescheduling & Cancellation Policy

8.1 Rescheduling

A Member may reschedule a confirmed Booking up to twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled start time at no penalty, subject to availability. Reschedule requests submitted less than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled start time are treated as cancellations under Section 8.2.

Reschedule requests must be made through the studioSHAPES Command Center or directly with studioSHAPES administration. Verbal arrangements with staff outside the system are not valid.

8.2 Cancellation

A cancellation of a confirmed Booking — whether explicit, by no-show, or by reschedule request inside the twenty-four (24) hour window — results in the forfeiture of fifty percent (50%) of the credits or hours allocated to that booking. Forfeited credits are deducted from the Member's monthly allocation as if used.

Cancellations more than twenty-four (24) hours in advance do not incur a credit penalty.

8.3 Cancellation by studioSHAPES

If studioSHAPES must cancel a confirmed booking due to equipment failure, scheduling conflict, staff unavailability, or any other operational reason within its control, the affected Member's credits are fully restored, and studioSHAPES will work in good faith to reschedule the affected session at the Member's convenience. studioSHAPES is not liable for any consequential, incidental, lost-opportunity, lost-revenue, or third-party damages arising from such a cancellation.

8.4 Force Majeure

studioSHAPES is not responsible for cancellations, delays, or service interruptions caused by events outside its reasonable control — including but not limited to severe weather, utility outages, building emergencies, public health emergencies, acts of government, civil disturbance, or natural disasters. In such cases, studioSHAPES will work in good faith to reschedule affected bookings.

9. Outside Bookings (Non-Member)

Non-Members may book studio time on a per-session basis at the non-Member rate published by studioSHAPES.

9.1 Deposit Structure

For every Outside Booking, the non-Member must commit one of the following deposit structures, selected by studioSHAPES at the time of booking:

Option A — Full Prepayment: One hundred percent (100%) of the total session fee is paid at the time the booking is confirmed.

Option B — Split Deposit: Fifty percent (50%) of the total session fee is paid at the time the booking is confirmed, and the remaining fifty percent (50%) is paid no later than twenty-four (24) hours before the session start time.

9.2 Deposit Forfeiture

Failure to pay the second installment of a split deposit at least twenty-four (24) hours before the session start time results in full forfeiture of the deposit already paid, and the booking is automatically cancelled. studioSHAPES is under no obligation to send a reminder, follow up, or warn before cancelling for non-payment.

Cancellation of an Outside Booking by the non-Member after deposit submission follows the same twenty-four (24) hour rule: cancellation more than twenty-four (24) hours in advance is eligible for credit toward a future booking (no cash refund); cancellation less than twenty-four (24) hours in advance results in full forfeiture of the deposit paid.

9.3 Outside Booking Conduct

Non-Member clients are bound by the conduct provisions of these Terms during their time on campus. The non-Member is responsible for their own guests under the same rules that govern Member guests in Section 6.3.

9.4 No Loyalty Privileges

Outside Bookings do not accrue Studio Credits, do not earn rollover, and do not confer any membership privilege. Frequent outside clients are encouraged to apply for membership.

10. Payment, Billing & Late Fees

10.1 Monthly Membership Dues

Membership dues are billed monthly on the cycle anniversary date of activation, in advance. The Member authorizes studioSHAPES to charge the payment method on file automatically each cycle until the membership is paused, cancelled, or terminated.

10.2 Late Payment

If a monthly membership payment fails to process on the scheduled date, studioSHAPES will attempt to charge the payment method on file up to three (3) times over a five (5) business day grace period. If payment has not been successfully processed by the end of the grace period:

  1. The Member's access privileges are automatically suspended;
  2. All upcoming bookings may be cancelled at studioSHAPES's discretion;
  3. Rollover credits accumulated to that point are forfeited per Section 4.2;
  4. A reinstatement fee may apply to restore access.

10.3 Add-On Billing

Add-on services (engineering, assistant work, runner service, premium equipment, etc.) are billed at the time of the session or shortly thereafter, on a payment method approved by the Member. Unpaid add-on balances are treated as outstanding dues and may trigger the late-payment process in Section 10.2.

10.4 Refunds

Membership dues are non-refundable except where required by applicable law. studioSHAPES does not pro-rate refunds for partial-month cancellations, vacation, illness, travel, or non-use of allocated credits.

10.5 Chargebacks

Initiating a chargeback against a studioSHAPES payment without first attempting in good faith to resolve the matter directly with studioSHAPES administration is grounds for immediate termination of membership and forfeiture of all credits, rollover, and prepaid balances. studioSHAPES reserves the right to pursue collection of disputed amounts and to recover associated processing fees.

11. Membership Pause, Cancellation & Termination

11.1 Pause

A Member in good standing may request a membership pause of one (1) calendar month per twelve (12) month rolling period. Pause requests must be submitted in writing at least seven (7) days before the start of the pause cycle. During a paused month, no dues are charged, no credits are allocated, all rollover privileges are suspended (per Section 4.2), and on-campus access privileges are suspended. Resumption requires written notice at least seven (7) days before the next cycle begins.

Pauses are a privilege offered at studioSHAPES's discretion and may be limited, denied, or conditioned based on operational considerations.

11.2 Cancellation by Member

A Member may cancel their membership at any time by providing written notice through the official channel. Cancellation is effective at the end of the then-current paid cycle. No partial-cycle refunds are issued. All accumulated rollover credits expire upon cancellation. The Member remains responsible for any outstanding add-on, event, or damage balances.

11.3 Termination by studioSHAPES

studioSHAPES may terminate a membership at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice, where the studio determines the action is necessary to protect the safety, integrity, operations, reputation, or community of the studio. Grounds for immediate termination include but are not limited to:

  • Violation of any provision of these Terms;
  • Harassment, discrimination, threats, or violence directed at any Member, staff member, guest, or neighbor;
  • Theft, vandalism, or willful damage to studio property;
  • Possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances on campus;
  • Unsafe firearm or weapon possession on campus;
  • Repeated late payments, chargebacks, or financial misconduct;
  • Breach of confidentiality regarding other Members' work or business;
  • Use of the studio for activity that violates applicable law;
  • Behavior that materially undermines the studio's culture or operations.

In the event of termination for cause, no refund of paid dues is owed, all credits and rollover are forfeited, and the Member must vacate the campus immediately. studioSHAPES reserves the right to retain any work product, recordings, or files until outstanding balances are resolved.

11.4 Effect of Termination

Upon termination from any cause, the former Member loses all access privileges, must surrender any studio keys, fobs, or credentials, must remove personal property within fourteen (14) days, and is responsible for outstanding fees. Property left unclaimed beyond fourteen (14) days may be disposed of at studioSHAPES's discretion.

12. Studio Use, Equipment & Care

12.1 Equipment Care

studioSHAPES provides professional-grade recording, production, and creative equipment. Members and their guests agree to operate equipment in accordance with staff instructions, posted signage, and reasonable care. Members are responsible for damage caused by negligence, misuse, or intentional acts of themselves or their guests.

Equipment that is missing, broken, or damaged at the close of a session must be reported immediately. Damage assessed to a Member will be billed at the documented replacement or repair cost.

12.2 No Unauthorized Modifications

Members and guests may not modify studio cabling, signal flow, software settings, room treatment, lighting, or physical infrastructure without explicit staff authorization. "Just adjusting" without authorization is a violation.

12.3 Bring-In Equipment

Members may bring their own instruments, controllers, microphones, or peripherals. studioSHAPES is not responsible for the security, maintenance, or compatibility of Member-owned equipment. Bring-in equipment must not be left on campus overnight without prior written approval and is stored at the Member's sole risk.

12.4 Cleanliness & Reset

Each Member is responsible for leaving the room in the condition in which they found it. This includes coiling cables, returning microphones to stands, removing personal items, disposing of trash, and reporting any spills or accidents to staff before leaving.

A reset fee may be assessed at studioSHAPES's discretion for sessions that leave a room significantly out of order.

13. Intellectual Property

13.1 Member-Created Work

All creative work produced by a Member during a session at studioSHAPES — including masters, stems, sessions files, lyrics, compositions, performances, and recordings — is and remains the sole intellectual property of the Member (and, where applicable, their collaborators), subject to any pre-existing label, publishing, or co-writer arrangements outside studioSHAPES.

studioSHAPES claims no ownership interest in Member-created work. studioSHAPES does not assert publishing, songwriting, master, or producer rights to Member-created work unless a separate written agreement (production agreement, work-for-hire, label deal, etc.) is signed between the Member and a specific studioSHAPES producer or affiliated entity outside of these Terms.

13.2 studioSHAPES Marks, Brand, and Likeness

The names "studioSHAPES," "SHAPES," the triangle-circle-square logo, the geometric triad mark in any color variation, the studioSHAPES wordmark in any typographic treatment, photographs of the studio interior, photographs of the studio exterior, photographs of staff, photographs of equipment installations identifiable as studioSHAPES property, recordings or videos of any sanctioned studioSHAPES space, the studioSHAPES color palette and visual identity system, and any other studioSHAPES brand asset — collectively, "studioSHAPES Brand Assets" — remain the sole and exclusive property of studioSHAPES LLC.

No use without written authorization. Members and guests may not use studioSHAPES Brand Assets for any purpose other than truthful, non-commercial personal reference (for example: "recorded at studioSHAPES" in album liner notes, "studioSHAPES member" in a personal artist bio, an organic untagged personal photo from a sanctioned event) without prior written authorization from a studioSHAPES administrator. Prohibited uses without written authorization include but are not limited to:

  • Display or reproduction of the studioSHAPES logo, wordmark, or triangle-circle-square triad in any commercial material, sponsored post, paid advertisement, merch, packaging, music video, podcast cover, EP cover, single artwork, brand collaboration, sponsorship deck, pitch deck, press release, or third-party publication;
  • Use of "studioSHAPES" or "SHAPES" as a tag, hashtag, watermark, or attribution in any monetized or sponsored content where the studio has not consented to that placement;
  • Implying endorsement, partnership, sponsorship, residency, or affiliation between studioSHAPES and any third party (brand, artist, label, agency, or organization) without explicit written agreement from studioSHAPES administration;
  • Use of any studioSHAPES Brand Asset in the name, branding, identity, or promotional material of any separate business, venture, label, agency, event series, or collective;
  • Sale, licensing, sub-licensing, or transfer of any studioSHAPES Brand Asset to a third party;
  • Any modification, derivative work, or remix of any studioSHAPES Brand Asset that retains recognizable trade dress.

Truthful personal reference is allowed. Nothing in this section restricts a Member's right to truthfully state that they are a studioSHAPES member, that a project was recorded or produced at studioSHAPES, or that a session took place at the studio — provided the reference is factual, non-commercial in nature, and does not imply endorsement, partnership, or sponsorship.

Enforcement. Unauthorized use of studioSHAPES Brand Assets is grounds for immediate suspension or termination of membership under Section 11.3. studioSHAPES reserves all rights and remedies available under federal trademark law, Illinois state law, and applicable copyright law, including injunctive relief, recovery of profits, statutory damages, and recovery of attorneys' fees. studioSHAPES also reserves the right to issue a takedown demand against any unauthorized use of its Brand Assets on social media, web, print, or broadcast platforms.

When in doubt, ask first. Any Member uncertain whether a planned use of studioSHAPES Brand Assets is permitted is required to obtain written confirmation from studioSHAPES administration before proceeding. Permission granted for one use does not constitute standing permission for any other use.

13.3 Content Captured on Campus — Paid Authorization Required

studioSHAPES may, from time to time, photograph or record video on campus for documentary, marketing, recap, or archival purposes. By being present on campus, Members and their guests grant studioSHAPES a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use such captured imagery for studioSHAPES-related purposes — including social media, website, press, and recap content. Members or guests who object to being captured must notify studioSHAPES in writing in advance. studioSHAPES will make reasonable efforts to honor such requests but does not guarantee they are operationally feasible in every context.

Member and guest content creation on campus is a paid privilege, not a default right. Any photography, videography, livestreaming, podcast recording, music video filming, behind-the-scenes filming, social-media content production, sponsored content production, or any other recorded content created on the studioSHAPES campus — by any person other than studioSHAPES staff acting in their official capacity — requires prior written authorization from a studioSHAPES administrator and is subject to the applicable content-creation fee as published in the active studioSHAPES pricing menu or as quoted at the time of authorization.

This applies regardless of whether the content is:

  • Captured on Member-owned or guest-owned devices, cameras, or phones;
  • Captured during a paid studio session, a co-working visit, or a sanctioned event;
  • Intended for personal, promotional, commercial, or editorial use;
  • Distributed publicly, privately, or to a closed group;
  • Monetized or unmonetized;
  • Brief (a single phone-camera shot) or extensive (a full production shoot).

Casual, incidental personal photography by a Member of themselves or their immediate session — without crew, without lighting, without interior studio backdrops featured prominently, and without intended commercial use — is generally permitted without separate fee, at studioSHAPES's discretion. The line between permitted casual capture and authorized content creation is determined by studioSHAPES administration in good faith. When in doubt, the Member is required to ask before recording.

Content-creation fees vary based on scope, crew size, equipment footprint, areas of the campus used, time of day, exclusivity required, and intended use. Approved content creators may also be required to:

  • Sign a separate content-creation agreement, location release, or facility-use acknowledgement;
  • Provide proof of insurance covering the production;
  • Credit studioSHAPES per the studio's standing credit guidelines;
  • Provide studioSHAPES with delivery of usable content (raw, edited, or finished) per the agreement;
  • Refrain from disclosing other Members' work, identities, or activity captured incidentally;
  • Comply with all Section 16 (conduct) and Section 13.2 (brand) provisions.

Unauthorized recording or content creation on campus is a violation of these Terms and is subject to fines of not less than $250 per incident plus full forfeiture of any captured content, immediate cessation of the activity, and potential termination of membership under Section 11.3.

13.4 Member Listening, Recording, or Filming of Others

A Member may not photograph, audio-record, video-record, livestream, or publish content of another Member's session, work-in-progress, or private gathering without that Member's explicit written permission. Violations are treated as a serious breach of community trust and grounds for immediate termination.

14. Confidentiality

14.1 Mutual Confidentiality

Members agree to treat all unreleased music, in-progress projects, business plans, collaborations, personal information, and creative direction observed at studioSHAPES as confidential. Members may not disclose unreleased work, leak references, share session photos that identify other Members' work, or otherwise compromise the privacy of fellow Members. This obligation survives the end of membership.

14.2 studioSHAPES Confidentiality

studioSHAPES treats Member information — including contact information, payment information, session activity, calendar history, financial arrangements, and creative work — as confidential. studioSHAPES will not sell or rent Member data to third parties. studioSHAPES may share aggregated, anonymized usage data for operational planning, business reporting, and similar legitimate purposes. studioSHAPES may share specific Member information when legally compelled, when necessary to enforce these Terms, or when necessary to protect the safety of any person.

14.3 No Recording of Private Conversations

The audio recording of private conversations between Members, staff, or guests on campus without the explicit consent of all parties is prohibited and may violate applicable law.

15. Privacy, Data & Communications

15.1 Data Collection

studioSHAPES collects and stores Member information necessary to operate the membership program, including identity verification, payment processing, session scheduling, calendar history, support requests, communication records, and creative-team assignments. This information is stored in studioSHAPES operational systems (including Supabase, Google Workspace, and integrated services) protected by industry-standard access controls and role-based permissions.

15.2 Communications

By becoming a Member, you consent to receive operational communications from studioSHAPES — including booking confirmations, payment notices, schedule updates, support responses, member-only event invitations, and substantive announcements — via the email, phone, or messaging channel on file. Marketing communications may also be sent and may be opted out of at any time without affecting operational communications.

15.3 Right to Review

A Member may request a review of the personal information studioSHAPES holds about them at any time. studioSHAPES will respond within thirty (30) days of receipt of a written request and will correct any inaccurate information at the Member's request.

15.4 Photography on Campus

See Section 13.3 regarding photography and video capture on campus.

16. Conduct, Community Standards & Safety

16.1 Code of Conduct

Every Member, guest, collaborator, and visitor is expected to:

  • Treat every other person on campus with respect and dignity;
  • Refrain from harassment, intimidation, hate speech, or discrimination of any kind;
  • Refrain from sexually inappropriate behavior toward any Member, staff member, guest, or visitor;
  • Refrain from substances or behavior that endanger the safety of others;
  • Communicate honestly with studioSHAPES staff about scheduling, payment, and guest plans;
  • Respect the published rules of the studio.

16.2 Substances

Alcohol. Alcohol consumed at sanctioned studioSHAPES events served by studioSHAPES staff or designated hospitality providers is permitted. Outside alcohol, unsanctioned bar service, and consumption of any illegal substance is prohibited on campus, unless explicitly sanctioned in writing as part of a specific event arrangement. Members are responsible for the conduct of any guest they bring and for any consequences arising from substance-related incidents involving their guests.

Cannabis / Marijuana. Adult-use cannabis is legal in the State of Illinois for persons twenty-one (21) years of age and older under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Personal cannabis use is permitted at studioSHAPES only in designated permitted spaces as identified by studioSHAPES administration and posted signage, and only by Members and guests who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age. Cannabis use is not permitted in any unmarked area, in any unventilated space, in any bookable studio room without prior staff authorization, in any common area during open co-working hours, in the presence of minors, or in any manner that violates Illinois state law or the lease and zoning conditions of the studioSHAPES facility. Consumption of cannabis from edible or vaporized form must follow the same permitted-space rule. Sale, distribution, or sharing of cannabis to or with any person under twenty-one (21) is strictly prohibited and grounds for immediate termination of membership.

Illegal Substances. Possession, use, or distribution of any substance unlawful under federal, Illinois state, or City of Chicago law is strictly prohibited on campus, regardless of any private state-level legalization elsewhere. This includes cocaine, methamphetamine, opioids without valid prescription, hallucinogens, and any other federally scheduled or state-prohibited substance.

Fine Schedule for Substance Violations. Violations of this Section 16.2 are subject to the following minimum fine schedule, payable by the responsible Member within fourteen (14) days of written notice from studioSHAPES administration:

Violation Minimum Fine
Outside alcohol consumed on campus without sanctioned-event approval $150 per incident
Unsanctioned bar service operated by Member or guest on campus $500 per incident
Cannabis consumed outside designated permitted spaces (first offense) $100 per incident
Cannabis consumed outside designated permitted spaces (repeat offense within twelve (12) months) $250 per incident
Cannabis use or distribution involving any person under twenty-one (21) $1,000 per incident, plus mandatory termination review
Possession, use, or distribution of any illegal substance on campus $1,000 per incident, plus immediate termination review and reporting where legally required
Damage, restoration, or odor-remediation cost resulting from any substance use Full cost of remediation, billed at documented vendor rate

Fines are in addition to — not in lieu of — any other consequence available under these Terms, including suspension, termination, and recovery of damages. Unpaid fines are treated as outstanding dues under Section 10 and may trigger automatic suspension of membership privileges. studioSHAPES reserves the right to adjust fine amounts with thirty (30) days' written notice to active Members.

Members are responsible for the conduct of any guest they bring and for any consequences, fines, or remediation costs arising from substance-related incidents involving their guests. studioSHAPES retains full discretion to issue warnings in lieu of fines for minor first-offense incidents where good-faith mistake is evident.

16.3 Weapons

Firearms, knives intended as weapons, and any other weapon are prohibited on campus. This prohibition applies regardless of conceal-carry permit status. Law enforcement and licensed security personnel acting in their official capacity are exempt.

16.4 Children & Minors

Persons under eighteen (18) years of age are permitted on campus only when:

  • They are the booked Member's child or family member in a brief drop-off or pickup context, OR
  • They are part of a sanctioned youth program or event, OR
  • They have written advance approval from studioSHAPES administration.

Minors on campus must remain in the direct supervision of the booking Member or guardian at all times. studioSHAPES is not a childcare facility and assumes no responsibility for the supervision of minors.

16.5 Service Animals

Service animals as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act are welcome. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted on campus without prior written approval from studioSHAPES administration, except as required by applicable law.

16.6 Smoking, Vaping

Smoking and vaping inside the studioSHAPES facility is prohibited. Designated outdoor areas, if any, must be used. Members are responsible for any restoration costs arising from violations.

16.7 Suspension for Conduct Violations

studioSHAPES may suspend any Member's access privileges for any duration, with or without dues credit, for any conduct that the studio determines is inconsistent with these Terms or the studioSHAPES community standards. Repeated or severe violations may result in termination per Section 11.3.

17. Liability, Risk & Indemnification

17.1 Assumption of Risk

Members and their guests acknowledge that recording, performing, and producing music involves inherent risks — including but not limited to hearing damage from monitor or playback levels, exposure to electrical equipment, trip and fall hazards from cabling, allergens, and physical exertion during performance. Members and guests assume these risks voluntarily.

17.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, studioSHAPES, its owners, officers, employees, contractors, and affiliates are not liable for:

  • Any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages;
  • Loss of profits, revenue, business opportunity, or creative momentum;
  • Loss, damage, or theft of Member or guest personal property on campus;
  • Loss of files, masters, sessions, recordings, or digital work product not stored in a Member-controlled backup;
  • Any third-party act, including theft or harassment by other Members, guests, or non-Members;
  • Any consequential effects of session cancellation, schedule change, equipment failure, or service interruption.

In no event shall studioSHAPES's aggregate liability to any Member arising out of or related to membership exceed the total amount of dues paid by that Member in the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

17.3 Indemnification

Each Member agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless studioSHAPES, its owners, officers, employees, and affiliates from and against any claim, loss, damage, liability, cost, or expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:

  • The Member's breach of these Terms;
  • The Member's negligence or willful misconduct on campus;
  • The conduct of any guest or invitee the Member brings to campus;
  • The Member's use of studio equipment, software, or services;
  • Any intellectual property claim related to the Member's creative work;
  • Any third-party claim arising from the Member's activities at studioSHAPES.

17.4 Personal Property at Member's Risk

All personal property brought to studioSHAPES — including instruments, equipment, hard drives, laptops, phones, clothing, and personal items — is at the Member's or guest's sole risk. studioSHAPES is not a bailee and assumes no custody of personal property. Members are encouraged to insure valuable personal equipment independently.

17.5 No Warranty

studioSHAPES services and facilities are provided on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis. studioSHAPES disclaims all warranties — express, implied, statutory, or otherwise — including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement, except where such disclaimers are prohibited by applicable law.

18. Use of the studioSHAPES Command Center & Member Portal

18.1 Account Security

Each Member receives login credentials to the studioSHAPES Command Center / Member Portal. The Member is responsible for keeping their credentials confidential, for all activity that occurs under their account, and for promptly notifying studioSHAPES of any suspected unauthorized access.

Sharing login credentials with another person — including another Member, a guest, an engineer, or a manager — is prohibited.

18.2 Calendar of Record

The studioSHAPES Calendar inside the Command Center is the official scheduling system of record. Verbal commitments, text messages, social media confirmations, and other informal communication are not binding on studioSHAPES until reflected on the calendar.

18.3 Service Availability

studioSHAPES makes commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Command Center available, accurate, and secure. studioSHAPES does not guarantee uninterrupted service and is not liable for outages, sync delays, data display errors, or other technical issues. Members should confirm booking status with staff if the system displays unexpected results.

18.4 Misuse of the Portal

Attempting to access another Member's account, scrape Member data, exploit security vulnerabilities, manipulate calendar entries belonging to another Member, or otherwise misuse the portal is grounds for immediate termination of membership and may be reported to law enforcement.

19. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law

19.1 Good-Faith Resolution

In the event of a dispute, complaint, or claim arising from or related to these Terms, the Member and studioSHAPES agree to attempt in good faith to resolve the matter through direct communication with studioSHAPES administration before pursuing any other remedy. studioSHAPES will respond to any formal written complaint within fourteen (14) business days.

19.2 Mediation

If direct communication does not resolve the matter within thirty (30) days, the parties agree to attempt mediation with a mutually acceptable mediator located in Cook County, Illinois, before initiating litigation. Each party bears its own mediation costs unless otherwise agreed.

19.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles.

19.4 Venue

Any litigation, action, or proceeding arising from or related to these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Cook County, Illinois. The Member and studioSHAPES each consent to personal jurisdiction and venue in those courts and waive any objection based on inconvenient forum.

19.5 Class Action Waiver

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, each Member waives the right to participate in any class action, collective action, or representative proceeding against studioSHAPES. Claims shall be brought only in an individual capacity.

19.6 Attorneys' Fees

In any action arising from or related to these Terms, the prevailing party is entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

20. General Provisions

20.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Member's signed membership agreement, any active add-on agreements, the published pricing menu, and any event-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between the Member and studioSHAPES regarding the subject matter and supersede all prior agreements, communications, and understandings, written or oral.

20.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force.

20.3 Waiver

The failure of studioSHAPES to enforce any provision of these Terms in any instance is not a waiver of the right to enforce that provision or any other provision in the future. No waiver is effective unless in writing and signed by studioSHAPES administration.

20.4 No Assignment

A Member may not assign, transfer, or sublicense their membership or any rights under these Terms to another person. studioSHAPES may assign these Terms in connection with a sale, merger, restructuring, or other transfer of the business.

20.5 Independent Contractor Relationship

Members are not employees, agents, partners, or joint venturers of studioSHAPES. Engineers, producers, and creatives who work with Members on a paid basis through studioSHAPES are independent professionals, and any creative-services agreement between such professionals and Members is separate from these Terms.

20.6 Notices

Notices to studioSHAPES under these Terms must be sent in writing to studioshapesllc@gmail.com with a copy to the studio's physical address at 2425 W 14th Street, Chicago, IL 60608, marked "Attention: studioSHAPES Administration." Notices to a Member may be sent to the email or address on file.

20.7 Headings

Section headings in these Terms are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.

20.8 Construction

These Terms are the product of negotiation between sophisticated parties and shall not be construed against the drafter.

20.9 Survival

Sections regarding intellectual property (13), confidentiality (14), liability (17), dispute resolution (19), and any other provision that by its nature should survive termination, survive the termination or expiration of these Terms.

21. Acknowledgement

By initiating or maintaining membership at studioSHAPES, you acknowledge that:

  1. You have read these Terms in full;
  2. You have had the opportunity to ask questions about any provision;
  3. You understand the financial, scheduling, conduct, and creative implications of membership;
  4. You agree to be bound by these Terms;
  5. You enter into this agreement freely, knowingly, and without coercion.

Last revised: April 18, 2026 Document custodian: studioSHAPES Administration For questions: studioshapesllc@gmail.com · 2425 W 14th Street, Chicago, IL 60608

Forever and always — studioSHAPES.