Graduation Show '17 Design Team

What did you learn during this project?

DooWon: Working closely with clients and making sure you’ll find your stance within the bounds of the project.

Sofia: We had to divide tasks. With so much to do, we had to think about everyone’s strengths and abilities. Tasks can be divided according to personal interests or skills. You can’t please everyone. There’s always someone who dislikes your project. (Then again, so far we have only had positive feedback, so that’s good!) Also, making visuals and conceptualising go hand-in-hand.

Noemi: I was excited from the beginning to work on the Graduation Show identity because it is a mammoth project next to the projects I worked on so far. I learned a lot about the process a bigger project can have and it shed a bit of light on what it’s like to work as a designer.

Reinier: During this project, I've learned how to work together in a team with only graphic designers. They have a completely different look at things, for example, if I make an illustration they will look at white spaces instead of the illustration itself. Very refreshing, a different point of view.

Something you didn't expect to learn but it came as a bonus?

Sofia: To work with an illustrator! That was completely new to me. Share ideas with others and don’t be scared to give feedback: this helps others grow, too. I learned that money is kind of a taboo when it comes to creative thinking. However, I understand that budgets and such create an extra “layer” to this practice and make things more challenging… However, creativity can also flourish within tight constrictions.

Noemi: I did not expect to learn so many technical details as I did. There is some geeky stuff about graphic design that is oh-so-horrifying but still beautiful, like colour conversions and printer marks and grids and baselines.

Reinier: That if you're working on an assignment this big, you need to be really flexible and always be prepared with a plan B and even a plan C. There is a possibility that clients don't like your first idea so it’s good to have more ideas then just one.

Did you gain any insights that can be used in your further life and study?

Sofia: It’s vital to have spare time; being with friends or doing self-initiated projects. Anything! Live life and see how it affects your designs.

Noemi: I think what I can take away from this project is how you can work together with other peeps strengths to build up something big. Dividing tasks makes it easier to keep focused on your part, but it doesn't mean that you cannot help each other out.

What kept you awake at night?

DooWon: The project kept occupying my mind and I found myself constantly thinking about it all the time.

Noemi: Routing and signing. Trying to imagine the route of the exhibition and think whether there are enough arrows.

Reinier: I think what kept me awake at night was the feeling of forgetting something for deadlines and meetings.

What was the greatest obstacle?

DooWon: Ensuring the files were ‘ready’ for the printers and figuring out the choice of colours without being able to test print in Pantone prior to it being finalised.

Noemi: I guess for me time was the greatest obstacle. It takes away from the freedom of experimentation when you have to limit yourself to little time.

Reinier: Finding my way in this project, since I was the only illustrator. And I think it worked out really nice, I was doing my own thing in the studio and showed my ideas to the rest of the group and they responded pretty good at what I had been doing.

Why did you opt for studying at WdKA?

DooWon: The wide opportunities that were possible through the open courses and stations that were available for students.

Sofia: This may sound weird, but based on intuition. I liked the introduction video that was posted on the previous website. I applied to other schools as well, but I’m happy to be here.

Noemi: I wanted to study abroad to get an education where technological development is incorporated in the programme and encouraged rather than looked upon as something that complicates things. It does complicate things but there is plenty of fun in it.

Name your favourite working space within WdKA

Sofia: Mediatheek, especially the Kunstkelder. Sometimes I like my own space and quietness. On the other hand, the Artist in Residence room was really nice too! I wish we had more of these studio spaces.

DooWon: I also choose the Artist in Residence room, due to the amount of light the large windows provide and the quiet state of the room.

Noemi: I really like working in the Interaction station.

Reinier: My favourite working space is the Publication Station.

Dutch people are…

DooWon: Dutch people are direct.

Sofia: ...in love with sandwiches.

Noemi: tall and laid-back.

Reinier: Dutch people are (sometimes too) honest.