Reflecting on my past, I realise that my passion for design has been an integral part of my journey from the very beginning. It all started with my fascination for architecture, which gradually evolved into a deeper appreciation for physical and product design. However, it was not just the end result that fascinated me; it was the very act of designing itself that unlocked my creative spirit. Throughout my life, I have been an avid doodler, constantly filling notebooks and covering my workspace with little sketches and designs. Designing has become my preferred mode of self-expression, allowing me to effortlessly translate ideas and images from my mind onto paper with just a few pen strokes, ultimately giving birth to concepts and tangible products.
Moreover, my love for photography has played an instrumental role in shaping my design process. Through the lens of a camera, I developed the ability to perceive products and situations from different perspectives, enabling me to capture their true essence. Photography taught me the significance of detail, lighting, and composition, enhancing my skills as a designer and expanding my visual repertoire.
As I embarked on my journey, various opportunities in my past served as catalysts for my flourishing interest in design. During my high school years, I had the privilege of undertaking two inspiring internships that left an permanent mark on my creative path
Philips Design
One of these internships was at Philips Design. Working alongside talented designers in this world renowned organisation, I found myself dumbfounded by the diversity and depth of design possibilities. As I delved into my own project, the Pregnancy+ Belt (which you can find under my projects section), I engaged in conversations with designers from various backgrounds. These interactions reinforced the belief that design encompasses a broad spectrum, yet it can also be deeply specialised once you discover your true interests. Witnessing the fusion of cutting-edge technology with the psychology of human experience, I realised that design possesses the transformative power to impact people’s lives. This transformative potential solidified my conviction that pursuing a future in Industrial Design was the right path for me.
Go Short International Film Festival
In another pivotal experience, I interned at the Go Short International Short Film Festival, situated in my hometown of Nijmegen. Although the festival predominantly involved event planning, it provided me with an invaluable opportunity to engage with a diverse array of individuals and gain insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects of festival design and organization. While not directly related to my design practice, this experience heightened my awareness of attracting and engaging with audiences in unique and captivating ways. It was an eye-opening exploration of how people interact with objects and one another, and it left a long lasting impression on my design philosophy.
Looking back at my past experiences, I am grateful for the opportunities that have broadened my design horizons and deepened my passion for the craft. These formative encounters have solidified my commitment to creating impactful designs that merge aesthetics, functionality, and the user experience. As I present my portfolio, these experiences serve as the foundation upon which my design vision and identity are built, propelling me forward to explore new realms of creativity and innovation in my present and future works.