Robeco - New infographics added to the illustration portfolio

In December 2017 is was asked by Robeco to design three variations of a new Infographic. The Infographic called 'Zo beleggen anderen' ('This is how other invest'), shows a visual representation of numbers and data on how Robeco clients (investors) where investing successfully in 2017.

The three illustrations shared one header image, but each infographic focussed on one of three specific target groups / products of Robeco.

Adobe Illustrator vs Sketch

In contradiction to the two previously designed infographics where I used Adobe Illustrator, I used Sketch. I already had been using the app for my UX/UI Design projects but was curious how it would work with a purely illustrative project.

In short, I am satisfied with how it all worked out. Sketch has a lot of similarities compared to Adobe Illustrator but also a few smart functionalities that make the design process a lot easier and faster. And the enhanced speed was needed because of the super tight deadline of approximately 1.5 weeks. 

Infographics are labor intensive

Infographics take time to design. Each separate item is a visual translation of raw data which is the part where creativity is needed. Graphical design skills are needed to 'glue' all the items together to get a coherent visual style, often fitting within brand style guidelines.

But I really love doing these projects. 

Normally I need 32 to 40 hours for a larger infographic, like the two previously made for Robeco. But these three variations had to be finished within less than the same time as one separate one. Challenging, but rewarding when I was able to deliver the illustrations on time. 

Do you need illustrations?

Please check out my Illustration portfolio for more illustration projects I did in the past. Contact me if you have questions regarding the Illustration projects.

Besides Illustration, I am always interested in new, challenging UX/UI or Visual Design projects. Lets connect on Linkedin!

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oBook.nl - E-book webshop design added to portfolio

Magento / Drupal Specialist Synocom (currently Youwe), based in Rotterdam, asked Dutch Freelance Visual and UX/UI Michiel Nagtegaal to develop a new graphic style and online identity for one of their clients: oBook, a new e-book webshop.

The oBook logo was already designed. Based on the colors and typography in the existing logo I designed a new User Experience / User Interface. 

The shop was to be build on the Magento webshop framework. Synocom / Youwe has a lot of experience in developing Magento based webshops, so a lot of my ideas where implemented and they gave me a lot of freedom in designing the online shop.

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OBOOK.NL E-BOOK WEBSHOP - PRODUCT DETAIL PAGE DESIGN

Click on the button below to see more images of the designs and read more on my role as a Freelance Visual and UX/UI Designer in this Magento webshop design project.

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Robeco.nl corporate website optimisations added to webdesign portfolio

Since June 2016 I have been working as a Freelance UX/UI and Visual Designer at Robeco Institutional Asset Management. I was part of a small but dedicated team of various disciplines responsible for the online marketing and website optimisation of Robeco.nl and Robeco.com.

Robeco

Robeco is a top asset manager with more than 85 years of experience in fund investing, with their headquarters in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Their clients range from private individuals and companies to institutional investors, such as pension funds.

Their investors are active in Rotterdam, Chicago, Paris, Zurich, Boston, New York, Mumbai and Hong Kong.

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Challenge

When I started, Robeco's website wasn't updated much in the past years. A small team was set up and is still responsible for the e-commerce acquisition and retention optimisations on Robeco.nl.

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RE-DESIGNED FUND SELECTOR PAGE WHERE INVESTORS CAN SELECT THE FUNDS THEY WISH TO INVEST IN. I FOCUSED MAINLY ON THE NAVIGATION AND THE WAY THE LARGE AMOUNT OF CONTENT IS PRESENTED.

Click on the button below to read more on my role as a Freelance UX/UI Designer in the small Robeco team.  And the parts of the Robeco website(s) and mobile app I proposed a re-design for, on my Robeco portfolio page.

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Re-designed corporate website Youwe.nl added to webdesign portfolio

In the end of august 2017 I finished two rounds of User Interface / Visual Design for Youwe. CEO Rob Wiek of the Rotterdam (NL) based internet agency, asked me to provide a re-design of their existing website.

After an initial set of two different version they decided to continue with the first, more traditional version.  

Since 2000, Youwe (pronounce it as 'You We') has been working for clients like Grolsch, Heidelberg, SNS Bank, 24Kitchen, Spinning Records, PPG and the Dutch postal company Postnl. They have a strong focus on technical, Magento e-commerce projects.

Design brief

Rob Wiek contacted me with a simple brief; 'Provide us with a few re-designed pages of our corporate website Youwe.nl. Don't bother redesigning content.'

Design solution and Art Direction

I designed two versions, both based on Youwes existing brand guidelines. 

Version 1 has a more traditional look&feel but with a lot of whitespace and well-balanced graphic elements. I also suggested a change in the typography to get a more consistent look channel-wide. 

Version 2 used a more bold approach and freedom towards the current brand style. 

Youwe choose to continue with Phase 2 with the Version 1 designs. 

All web designs where made with the Mobile First methodology in mind, where mobile designs where designed prior to the desktop version. Although this usually is used because of the advantages in content presentation and sanitation (not part of this project), I used it primarily to make focus on great mobile website design.

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Designing a Logo – Wordmark, Lettermark, or Brandmark?

As a Dutch Freelance Designer my native language is Dutch. Writing in English is just a little bit more difficult and slow but luckily there are a lot of good blogposts out there that I can refer too. E.g. this morning I came across this nice blogpost by Logogarden.com explaining the difference between the English terms 'Wordmark', 'Lettermark' or 'Brandmark'.

Logogarden is a logo generating service. Advertising with the payoff 'LogoGarden’s free logo generator makes it as easy as 1-2-3'. Which, in a way is the opposite of letting a professional logo designer be creative with your business and after a week or two coming up with a truly unique identity. But I certainly can understand that sometimes its perfectly fine to buy a 'fast food' logo at online services like Logogarden.

The following blogpost appeared on Logogarden.com, on March 25, 2012 and was written by Tom Feary. It thought it might be useful to you and like to make sure it stays available in case Logogarden ceases to excist. If you prefer the original blogpost, you'll find it here. 

Creating a Logo – Wordmark, Lettermark, or Brandmark?

When you’re creating a logo to represent your brand or business, you need to make a very important decision up front. Will your logo design be a wordmark, a lettermark, a brand mark, or a combination of these design choices? Before you can make that decision, you need to know what each of these logo design terms mean. Here are some easy-to-understand explanations to help you.

The Three Main Types of Logo Design

Wordmark Logo Design

A wordmark logo is made up of text (typically the brand or business name) in a specific font. The text could be designed using a custom font or a tweaked familiar font. For example, for many years, the AT&T corporate typeface was AT&T Garamond, which was a tweaked version of the popular Garamond font. That font was used in the company’s logo design and was an integral part of its brand identity.

Creating a logo as a wordmark is a good choice for companies and brands with names that clearly communicate what the company or brand offers to consumers since there is no icon included with the logo to give any additional insight into what the company does or the brand promises. Wordmark logo designs can also be used when a well-known company or brand is rebranding with a new logo and brand identity.

The logo of V&A Advocaten is an example of a lettermark, where the characters form unique shapes.

Lettermark Logo Design

A lettermark logo uses text to create a unique typographic mark. For example, a company might use its initials in a unique design as its logo. Those letters become the brand icon. Lettermark logos are very popular in rebranding campaigns for companies with names that have been shortened to acronyms over the years. The Associated Press logo is a good example.

If you’re thinking of creating a logo as a lettermark, make sure the initials in the logo are a better representation of your company or brand than the full name is. You might need to invest additional time and money into educating consumers about what your company does or brand offers if you choose to use a lettermark logo design, because it might not be as clear as your complete company or brand name is. Also, make sure the initials look good together and can’t be misread or misinterpreted.

Brandmark Logo Design

A brandmark logo uses an icon or symbol with or without the company or brand name. Brandmark logos are popular with companies of all sizes and in all industries because images are often more memorable than words or letters. An icon or symbol can also help to communicate additional information about your company or brand, particularly when your company or brand name doesn’t offer enough details about what you do.

It takes time to raise recognition and increase recall for a brandmark, but for companies that do it successfully, the icon can become a valuable company asset with deep brand equity. For example, brands like Nike, Playboy, and Starbucks don’t need to include a name with their logos at all because their brand icons are so well known. Those icons mean something to consumers.

A short overview of the logo design process behind the Designia logo

Combination Logo Design

Many logos use a combination of wordmark, lettermark, and brandmark elements. The trick to creating a logo with a combination of elements is to make sure the elements work well together without becoming too cluttered. Combination logos that use a wordmark and brand icon or a lettermark and brand icon are very common and you can find them in all industries.

Combination logo designs are popular for companies and brands that are new and trying to communicate key information through their logos. They can’t afford to take the time to educate people about what their company or brand does, so they try to communicate as much as they can through a combination logo design.

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Beautiful Moo Postcards arrived in my mailbox

Today my Moo Postcards and Luxe Postcards arrived! Although I paid for the postcards myself
ofcourse, it truly felt like receiving a gift. The Luxe Postcards came in a very luxurious hard case, with a nice card that says each order is checked and packed by hand by the Moo Crew.

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A couple of weeks ago I already ordered the Moo Sample Pack. To test the delivery and the quality ofcourse. It exceeded my earlier expectations of the Moo.com print quality. That's why I can't help placing Moo in the same list as Apple and some high fashion brands as it comes to beautiful packaging and quality. Not to mention the enthusiastic, creative copywriting they use in all their communication.

I ordered three packs. Two sets of five 'regular' Postcards and one set of five Luxe Postcards. Each card has its own image (my art) on the front and some lines or white space for writing on the back. 

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Seeking representation by illustration agency or agent

I like my UX/UI and graphic design work very much but I am also very passionate about illustration and doing projects that require more of my drawing and illustrator skills. So I'd love to do more of it. Therefor I am seeking professional representation by a Dutch or international illustration agent or agency.

Do you happen to know a creative agency that still has room for one more passionate illustrator? Than I would love to hear from you! By phone on +31(0)643491443 or send me a quick e-mail to get things rolling!

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Two new Mr. Upside art prints

Yesterday these two of my art prints came from the printer. Today I framed them. They're looking good, don't you think? The one on the left is called 'Pink White and Yellow' and the one on the right is called 'Red Crane Bird' by Janette van Tol.

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Doodle 'Wild Lines' with plain pencil and paper

Doodling with just a simple pencil and paper. Skipping rational thoughts and doing some meditative sketches purely on intuition.

Not sure if should put some of this stuff on canvas. What do you think?

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Illustration 'Courage' for Dutch agency MOED-CSD

Digital sketch of a commissioned painting. It’s for a small Dutch Interior and Product Design Studio MOED (thanks Monique!) which name translates in English as ‘Courage’. The studio is run by an awesome married couple, both Designers.

So I used a Human Canonball as a metaphore for courage. Each cartoon character has a few describing personal 'props’ around it. Running a business is like playing a game. Therefor I made the illustration look like a special 'courage’ playing card.

The digital sketch will be transferred to a regular canvas, handpainted with acrylic paint and will be used as a custom designed phone cover. 

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Print digital testrun commissioned illustration

Pretty stoked on how my ideas and hard work materialized into this large billboard (118,5 x 175,5cm, 46 x 69″ ‘abri’) poster! 

It was delivered this morning and it is a testrun for one of two proposals for a commisioned painting on canvas. I wanted to check that I did not loose myself in all the details, :)

The client still has to choose between this one and another fine one, but it is so cool to see one of the two designs on such a huge scale. Can’t wait to start painting!

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Photo 2 of 4 - Detail of the illustration

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Photo 2 of 4 - Design of the commissioned illustration edited in Adobe Photoshop

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Photo 4 of 4 - Design of the commissioned illustration

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Sketch commissioned illustration / painting for Dutch creative agency MOED-CSD

Sketching my ass off for just another painted illustration. Inspired by human canonballs. The illustration is commissioned by Dutch creative agency MOED. 

I always like this part of the process because this stage still holds so much opportunities for all kinds of outcome. 

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Digital sketch for a large commissioned painting

Working on a digital sketch for one of two large commissioned paintings. The yellow color in the background is far from final by the way.

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New business cards came from the printer today

With an interesting Trend Update at Platform Vaassen by Wiegertje Groenveld that we are about to attend and an upcoming exposition of my art at the NOW Art Fair in Eindhoven, I needed an update of my stationary.

Designed and uploaded the design in just a few hours yesterday and look what I found in my mailbox today. Thanks online printer Drukwerkdeal for the awesome speedy delivery!

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Illustration 'Mad men' on wood - Phase 2 colouring done

Phase 2, coloring can be considered done. Now starting the third phase; black linings. Although I like the current softness. Black lines will probably make it more musculine.

In terms of commercial purposes this project learned me that sometimes ideas may take too long to finish. A valuable insight though.

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Illustration 'Mad men' on wood. Slowly getting there!

#WIP. Slowy getting there. But the devil is always in the details.

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Updated progress on large illustration 'Mad men' on wood

Updated progress. Posca paint markers on wooden panel (120x120cm). Slowly getting there, :)

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Work-in-progress on this large illustration on wood

Work-in-progress on this large 1200mm x 1200mm wooden piece. Left it untouched for a couple of weeks due to some freelance design projects but continued today from our home office. Gradually working my way through it but I’m still stoked. Can’t wait to finish it. I’ll keep you posted until then!

More artworks and bio on my artist portfolio at MrUpside.com and more updates on Facebook. 

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Digital Adobe Illustrator sketches for my Ice-cream paintings

While scrolling through photos and screenshots I stumbled upon these digital (Adobe Illustrator) sketches of my 'pop art'-styled icecream series.

It’s good to feel I should still finish those pieces. For your information, the one in the middle has already been put on canvas and shines in our living room but the other ones need some extra work.

More info about the artworks on Facebook or my Mr. Upside artist portfolio. 

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Cartoon character designs for Dutch online insurance comparison website Verzekeringen.com

Nice to see Dutch insurance platform Verzekeringen.com finally live. After Designia) designed the logo, I delivered the Interaction and Visual Design of the main templates. This was back in March 2013.

Example 1 - Cartoon character designs 'Safe Vincent' for Dutch online insurance comparison website Verzekeringen.com

Example 3 - Cartoon character designs 'Octo Task' for Dutch online insurance comparison website Verzekeringen.com

Example 4 - Cartoon character designs 'Copter' for Dutch online insurance comparison website Verzekeringen.com

Example 5 - Cartoon character designs 'Piggy Bank' for Dutch online insurance comparison website Verzekeringen.com

Example 6 - Cartoon character designs 'Fetch' for Dutch online insurance comparison website Verzekeringen.com

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