Jill Senft

What do you wish you’d known now when you started your design course?

I have tried many techniques and workshops during my studies, but I was never aware of how great it is to have time to do that. I would, therefore, like to have enjoyed it more back than.

What originally lead you in to design, and how has that changed - what do you want to do/are doing now?

I originally just did not want a normal office job but didn’t know what to study. So I searched for something creative (as I was pretty into knitting, sewing, painting, building as a child) and thought about studying fashion design until I recognised when I did my first application that I wanted to basically just draw and paint. It took a while to realize that but then I started to apply for visual communication which illustration was part of. I got accepted, did a bachelor and now also finished my master degree. Now I’m a freelance illustrator or painter or whatever you want to name it.

Any hot tips for getting ahead at uni?

Listen carefully to your professors, sometimes they are right but also trust your gut and do your own thing. In the end you have to like what you do, that’s why you do it.

What do you love about the design scene in your city and what companies are on your dream list to work or collaborate with?

The design scene in Berlin is certainly very big, in comparison to smaller cities. Nice about the scene, in general, is actually that there is always something to do/see, an exhibition, a performance, an open door to a studio.

Companies on my dream list to work for could be almost every company that is open for my ideas and would like to collaborate. I would rather not fix it exactly on a few names.