It became clear pretty fast that of the three career options I considered, I lacked the talent to become an actor, and was probably not motivated enough to study for at least seven years to become a surgeon. For the latter, being easily distracted wouldn't really be helpful either. So instead of a life marred with bad reviews, or patients being operated on the wrong leg, I chose to become a graphic designer.
After completing Graphic and Typographic Design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in The Hague, which took me a bit longer than most students, I decided not to apply for a job, but start out on my own. Winning a prize with my final year project made that decision easier, as the exposure lead to my first clients.
Some time later the need to expand my horizon first emerged, by wanting to grow my business. In 1992 I founded OPHIS, office for design, which grew gradually from two to 14 people in several years. It was enjoyable to some extend - it is always nice to work for renowned clients, and see your work on display around the country. But growth meant employees, and that required more time lost to managing colleagues, less time to design. It was time to change the horizon again, as I was beginning to lose my passion for design.
In 2001 I took the first steps towards a drastic shift. Instead of the sometimes erratic and often stressful lifestyle I had become so accustomed to - but thoroughly hated - I considered living a less demanding life. Something I knew would be extremely hard to achieve in the Netherlands. After discussing my ideas with Maartje (my partner) she agreed to pursue a life overseas. Now you may think I'm the great persuader, and that Maartje was won over easily, but neither is the case. It took many talks, tears, trips, an unexpected and definite farewell, and three years and two days from the actual first step to require information about New Zealand to the moment we arrived in Wellington to stay.
It was this transition, and life here, that has made me realize what is truly important to me. Not only on a personal level (Maartje, my daughters Claartje, Wiesje, and Coosje, family, several very good friends, an astonishing beautiful view) but also on a professional level: creating great design for people that are as passionate about what they do as I am about design. Working with people that understand the value and importance of design, how it can help change the world to become a better place. And at least as important, both on a personal and professional level: learning while having fun.
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Pastimes
I read a lot, can't see enough movies, cook almost daily, couldn't live without music. And I paint too. Sports? No, thank you. But I do enjoy lane swimming in Thorndon pool. Especially when I need to shed the excess flab.
I like a lot. A lot of wine, good food, and great friends to share it with. I also collect stuff, such as books, and more books, and books. And stuff. That I need to change - the stuff part - that I don't like, anymore.
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Designer profile: Jeroen ten Berge
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