Internship VanDen

During my internship at Studio VanDen, I had the opportunity to work closely with a young design entrepreneur, Jesse van den Broek, while contributing to multiple projects and gaining deep insights into the design industry. My role primarily involved translating initial design concepts into detailed 3D CAD models, creating high-quality renders, and preparing products for prototyping and production. This experience allowed me to enhance my technical skills, particularly in SolidWorks and KeyShot, while refining my understanding of design workflows in a professional environment.

One of my main goals was to become proficient in creating accurate technical drawings and renders that could be used for production. I worked extensively on complex projects such as a lamp series for Versmissen and a table series, which required careful attention to design details and adaptability to frequent changes. Despite challenges, including tight deadlines and communication hurdles, I successfully delivered production-ready models and developed valuable insights into managing client expectations and the dynamics of working in a design studio.

In addition to honing my design skills, I conducted a marketing study to explore strategies for increasing the visibility of Studio VanDen, researching how prominent designers like Maarten Baas and Marcel Wanders established their reputations. This expanded my understanding of the business side of design, particularly the role of networking, exhibitions, and digital presence in growing a brand.

A key takeaway from my internship was the importance of maintaining structure and communication within a creative process. Although I was initially seen as someone who should follow directions, I gradually earned more autonomy and took on greater responsibilities, eventually leading a project to establish a new design label. This experience taught me the value of assertiveness in creative collaboration and prepared me for future roles where leadership and independent decision-making are crucial.

My internship at Studio VanDen was not only a professional learning experience but also a personal journey of growth. I gained confidence in my abilities as a designer, learned how to balance creativity with practicality, and developed a passion for using design to create meaningful, high-quality products.