On Sunday 3 November 2024 the department Graphic Design kicked off with the first event of Alumniverse: a universe for Graphic Design alums. A small community with alums from different years were present. The visual identity was made by our alum Liz Klaver.

This first event in a series was in Paradise, an external event location of the KABK. Five alums from different graduating years were asked to talk about life after the academy and share five wisdoms. What are their experiences in the graphic design field and which wisdom can they share with the graphic design community? Their experiences and wisdoms of the alums are listed below.

This first Alumniverse ended with drinks and possibilities to network with each other. There will be more events in the future, including current students and tutors. Community building is key in the Graphic Design department. It was heartwarming to be together and to hear from all our alums where they are working and in which projects they are and were involved. The scope of their professional work is very broad and sometimes mind blowing and unexpected. The tutors and staff are immensely proud of all the current and graduated Graphic Design students!

One of the current Graphic Design students, Nel Danesi (year 1 and student worker at the event) says: “To get feedback from alums was extremely useful and enlightening considering that I am just starting at the Graphic Design Department. I got great tips this alumniverse session that you can only get from previous students.”

Fien Leeflang  @fienleeflang (2020)

Fien Leeflang is a journalistic designer at VPRO Tegenlicht. Fien’s wisdoms were very much related to her current work. One of them is useful for every graphic design practice:

“Learn their Language. If you work in a different field, in my case science and journalism, communicate about your work in their jargon. Because they don’t and won’t speak yours.”

Dominik Vrabič Dežman @dominik.ooo (2023)

Dominik is a graphic designer and researcher with a focus on AI. After graduating at the KABK, he did a double master in Media Studies & Philosophy at the University of Amsterdam. Around 25 % of our students pursue their studies by following a master's programme at (another) art academy or an affiliated programme at another university.

His first shared wisdom: “Keep training your eye 👁️”

Samuel Salminen @sensual.mailmen  (2021)

Samuel is a freelance graphic designer and currently doing a master at the Design Academy in Eindhoven. In the past few years his income has been balanced by his own created community of like-minded designers, coders, professionals in the creative workfield. Finding a balance between commercial clients and non-commercial clients is a challenge when you are just starting as a beginning freelance graphic designer.

“Nurture your network -> an alternative economy of collectivity.”

Mika Schalks @mikaschalks  (2021)

With Mika, a visual artist for film, animation & real life we arrived in a different world, the world of animation. Mika continued, like many other graduates with his graduation work. Next to getting a cat Mika’s wisdom was on “Funding Projects: elaborate on your passions.” They explained how important is to work together with other creative artists on projects and find ways to get them funded. Just as Samuel, Mika also elaborated on working together and helping your colleagues in projects which are important to you. This also being a part of your income. Finding your own community is key. You can help each other.

Peter van Langen @studio_petervanlangen  (2019)

Last but not least Peter, who is a graphic designer/art director in the music scene, told about his journey after finishing the Bachelor's Graphic Design. Peter always wanted to work in the music scene, which is quite a niche market, but he succeeded in doing so. Although the journey was not without hurdles he always believed in this path to work as an art director and designer. Peter also stressed to the audience how important it is to recognize your own value, which should be translated in your income/fee.

“Embrace the bussiness side: say yes to contracts, invoicing and planning”