From Brabant to Amsterdam: My story

I always felt a pull towards creativity that my quiet surroundings couldn't satisfy. My journey from this serene corner of North Brabant to the bustling streets of Amsterdam has been anything but straightforward. Along the way, I explored multiple facets of design, faced the realities of the creative industry, and forged lasting friendships that continue to inspire me. This is the story of how I became the designer I am today—down-to-earth, creative, and always with a touch of humor. Join me as I recount the experiences that shaped my path.

Growing up in Dinteloord

In 2013, I began my All-round Designer education at Zoomvliet College in Roosendaal. As a resident of the quiet village of Dinteloord in North Brabant, this program felt like the ideal place to further explore my creativity. The tranquil environment of Dinteloord offered little in the way of creative stimuli, so a course where I could let my creativity run free was exactly what I needed.

Four directions, one choice

The first two years of my education were all about discovery. I explored four fields: Art & Design, Graphic Design, Audiovisual, and UX/UI Design. Graphic Design and UX/UI Design especially appealed to me, and I debated between the two for a long time. Thanks to the broad setup of the program, I was able to delve into both areas and learn a lot before ultimately choosing Graphic Design. This mix of visually appealing and practically applicable work suited me perfectly.

From Roosendaal to Amsterdam

In 2015, I moved to Nieuw-Vennep, which meant not only a new place to live but also a new school. I continued my studies at Mediacollege Amsterdam, where the city's hustle and creativity brought a completely different dynamic. Here, I interned at two remarkable companies: NEMO Science Museum and Mediadam B.V. At NEMO, I learned how to make complex subjects understandable and visually attractive (and no, I didn't have to wear a lab coat). Mediadam gave me a glimpse into the harsh realities of the creative industry, where feedback and tight deadlines are the norm.

Creative projects and valuable contacts

The last year of my studies focused on graduating and a few great projects that truly challenged my creativity. But perhaps even more important were the two girls I met who are still my creative sounding boards today. Together, we brainstorm about everything—from color choices to the eternal question of whether Comic Sans is really that bad (spoiler: it is). Their friendship and professional input remain indispensable to me.

Down-to-Earth Attitude

From Dinteloord to the Randstad, my path wasn't always straight but it was certainly engaging. This journey has shaped me into the designer I am today: down-to-earth, creative, and always with a wink. Because as we say in Brabant, "We'll just do it."