Even on holidays, I would build huts and dive into them with my paper, scissors and glue.
I studied at Utrecht School of the Arts, first a year of graphic design and then illustration.
I had no plans — I was finished and then all of a sudden it's 11 years later! Everything happened in quite a natural way, but I do feel that having worked from shared spaces in creative buildings has influenced me positively. I am always surrounded by all sorts of other artisans/designers working on their own creations, ranging from metal and wood to painting, photography, jewellery, etc. Currently my studio is in the NDSM, a very inspiring place in Amsterdam Noord, where I go by bike and ferry. I enjoy working from there a lot; not one day is the same.
I see interns as collaborators. I really like the feeling of joining forces, credit them in collaborations, and continue to collaborate with them after their internship where possible.
I like diving into stories and backgrounds through the library. There is a whole treasure of input hidden there: old dusty books, beautiful images and interesting information. Therefore I also have a lot of books, from an encyclopaedia of flags to a DIY kite book. I like finding and discovering inspiration in other media or in the past — not online.
I used to paper cut a lot as a kid or draw abstract shapes and things. I have continued to use this method but then sometimes (unfortunately) the paper cut shapes are replaced by sketched shapes that I then digitally trace.
Be yourself! Develop your own style and don’t worry too much about who and what is already out there. I notice my students look at instagram a lot, but sometimes this can also feel discouraging.
Fun events at foam, PechaKucha Amsterdam, Unfair Amsterdam, citylikeyou, Unseen.
Making more personal projects: 3d objects and more made from a-z by hand.
'You can Netflix and chill another time.'
Website: suedoeksen.nl
Instagram: @suedoeksen