Past

I believe my development as a designer started quite early on, even if I might've not realized it at that time. In my childhood I would often times be interested in how and why things work, and would ask many questions about them.

As I grew up I realized that the people I asked these questions weren't always able to answer them. This led me to try and find these answers for myself, scouring the internet or reading books on the topics that bothered me. Quickly I discovered my affinity and passion for learning and understanding the world around me. My hobbies would be broad, and I would get a grasp of many technical things as a result. Be it 2D and 3D computer software, video and photo editing, game making, basic code, I liked to try new things. Next to the technical I would also hone and develop my creative skills. I have always loved to draw and paint, explore physical media such as paints, woodworking, or pottery. Even things that combine the both, such as 3D-printing, which I would explore in my high school final thesis.

During my time in high school, I started to realize not every question has an answer, and that not every topic has an absolute truth to it. I would mature a lot in my perception of the world and the people around me. My interest in philosophy would start to flourish, and I started figuring out what really drives me as a person: I want to be knowledgeable, skillful, and I want to make. Most of all, I want those things to be seen and appreciated by other people.

After taking the beaten path, going down a Chemical Engineering road after graduating high school. I realized that I wasn't doing something that fit my identity. I wasn't exploring anything new or discovering any opportunities, only reciting passed down information. I wasn't doing the things that gave me energy and ambition to continue. That's where I truly discovered my need for creativity and passion for design.

This artwork is one of many artworks I made of my personal character/caricature called Kenji. If you have ever seen or met me before you have probably noticed this character.

I explored many options, even applying for a design study at St. Joost School of Art & Design in Den Bosch.
The Admission Portfolio that got me accepted into St. Joost can be found here. (fair warning, everything is in Dutch) This portfolio also showcases the more artistic side of me prior to this study.

My diverse hobbies, technical and creative skills, and views on the world eventually led me to study Industrial Design at TU/e, where I felt empowered to explore who I am and what my role is as a modern day creative in this fast changing world from both the creative, and the technical side. Being surrounded by like-minded people, and the tools and opportunities necessary for me to truly explore my identity and role, allows me to develop quickly and learn how to guide my own development through techniques such as Personal Development Plans and reflect on it in this portfolio.

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