Amsterdam and The Netherlands have become an international hotspot for digital craft. But what’s going on there that’s so exciting?
The Drum spoke to four members of agency representative Dutch Digital Design to find out.
Maintaining quality
Ronnie Besseling, creative director of Nok Nok Studio, believes The Netherland’s success is down to creativity and quality control.
“I believe the Dutch digital design culture is more relevant than ever. A heritage of bold concepts and simplicity in combination with innovation, more international talent floating in, and someone [like Dutch Digital Design] to watch over the ecosystem will only lead to even more outstanding brand design and digital experiences in the near future.”
Providing fertile ground for new businesses and talent
Sebastiaan Scheer, design director at MediaMonks Amsterdam, believes Dutch culture is paramount.
“This is a great place to work. Conditions are good, and the culture fosters openness, progressivism, and collaboration. It’s a country of entrepreneurs and freelancers; setting up your own business here is very easy.”
Downplaying success
Liza Enebeis, British/Greek creative director at Studio Dumbar, says:
“The Dutch are hard on themselves, quite critical, downplaying their work even when it’s just great. The upside of this attitude is that it drives us forward.”
Daring to experiment
Bert Hagendoorn, chairman of Dutch Digital Design, thinks today’s digital craft echos the Dutch design principles of the past.
“We dare to experiment and our “nuchterheid” (sober, cool approach) and simplicity help designers come up with creative, effective solutions.
“The proof is in the pudding; over the years we have been doing very well at international digital design award shows like Awwwards, The FWA, Red Dot Awards, the Webby Awards and most recently at the Lovie Awards.”