Our creative director, Bryan Veldkamp, has been with us for 5 years. Have you ever held one of our flyers, magazines, or brochures in your hands? Or attended our events and seen the presentations, videos, or banners? Then you’ve seen one of his designs. He holds the position of Marketing Design Specialist—a role he’s held for five years now. To celebrate, he’s sharing his experiences at IMAGEM helping us get to know him better.
Please describe your job.
I am a graphic designer. I’m also responsible for logistics during events and for marketing supplies, such as giveaways and other marketing materials. Simply put, I’m the person in charge of making sure everything from IMAGEM great. I want us to present ourselves as a professional company and for people to think, “Wow, that’s awesome! It looks neat and polished.” So that everything looks great.
People have confidence in my expertise. I find that having that freedom really allows my creativity to shine through.
— Bryan Veldkamp, Marketing Design Specialist
What is your background?
I studied Communication & Multimedia Design at HAN University of Applied Sciences in Arnhem. The program was a mix of different disciplines, such as coding, filming, and editing—basically everything related to new media. I learned how to use Photoshop and build websites there. After graduating, I started my own business with a classmate to help clients build websites. That was a great learning experience after graduation. That’s when I realized that direct sales wasn’t for me. But design was.
Armed with that knowledge, I started working at an online clothing store. I did everything there: unpacking clothes, ironing them, preparing them, putting them on mannequins, photographing them, editing the photos, uploading them to the website, advertising, and managing orders. The only thing I didn’t do was source the clothing. At a certain point, it all became a bit much, and I felt I wanted to do something else. I joined a marketing agency in Arnhem. This aligned more with my focus on design. As a result, I gained a lot of practical experience—such as understanding how clients approach projects and the business side of graphic design. But even there, it was mostly about production, and I missed the room for creativity. I’d rather work for a single client where I could dive deep and give 100% of my attention.
In 2016, I moved to Apeldoorn and literally looked up the area on Google Maps. That’s when I came IMAGEM on the map. They were looking for a junior graphic designer, and the job posting appealed to me—it was exactly what I was looking for at the time. The role was a good fit and offered a wide range of responsibilities.
What attracted you to this job?
First, the level of work. I didn’t feel like there was a lot of pressure on me. It was at a level where I felt comfortable. Things like designing PowerPoint presentations, selecting images, and creating social media posts. I was confident that I could do it, and that confidence was rewarded.
What are your fondest memories with the team?
The first Make Geospatial Matter event. It was an intense but rewarding day. Especially the dinner with the team afterward. The feeling that we’d truly achieved something special together. That was incredibly satisfying, especially when you see the smiles on your colleagues’ faces. I also have a vivid memory of a moment in the old office with Wim. On a quiet Thursday afternoon, the two of us spent hours singing the song from the Efteling’s Carnival Festival. It just kept going and going…
What's your favorite project right now?
Projects that give me the chance to film, especially with a drone. Like the recent Schouw M.App video. I want to do that more often, because I’m really proud of how it turned out. Going out to meet clients, asking them what they do, and then combining that with cool footage. I really enjoy doing that.
What do you like about working here?
The variety of tasks. While we do have recurring tasks that come up every year, the range of things we do is quite broad. Every day is different, and throughout the year I’m always working on different projects. And I’m regaining people’s trust. Because I’ve also learned by now that everyone has an opinion about graphic design. Despite that, my work is viewed with confidence. I notice that this freedom allows my creativity to shine through much more effectively.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I really see the Schouw M.App video as a milestone. But there are other things I’m proud to have been a part of as well. What I did for MGM and how we pulled it off five years ago. But also the way the IMAGEM brand has become IMAGEM and relatable. It’s really starting to shine through now. It took a lot of effort to get this far, but it’s become so much more vibrant now. Less black-and-white and by-the-book, but a visible expression of the dedication, fun, and culture we IMAGEM at IMAGEM .
Who on the team would you like to switch jobs with?
With Harald. The things he shows me and the places he goes really resonate with me. He goes everywhere and nowhere, and does cool things with clients. Whether it’s flying around with huge 25-kilogram drones, driving out into the field with the Department of Defense to map the terrain, or explaining a technical concept to students in a clear, visual way. I find that remarkable, and it’s something I’d love to do too.
What was the first thing you learned at the company?
I’ve learned to be flexible when it comes to my colleagues’ requests. And I’ve learned that it’s important to take responsibility for certain matters. For example, the team expected us to provide materials for marketing and sales purposes, and I was happy to take that on.
What three words would you use to describe your job?
Inspiring. Quality. Originality.
If you could change one thing about the company, what would it be?
I think we should do more social things outside of work. Not just popping into a bar or restaurant every now and then, but also activities like a LAN party, playing a game together, or having a quick game of FIFA during happy hour. That sort of thing.
Who was your first desk mate? And who is it now?
Yashita, my former marketing manager. And now Tieme and Yvonne, my colleagues in marketing.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
I lived in Hamburg for six months. That was for my graduation internship. I worked on a browser game for InnoGames. I actively contributed to the development of this game. In my free time, I made friends with people in the city, and I’ve stayed in touch with them ever since. I go back there every year. They’re truly people I consider my best friends. In fact, every time I go back, I feel like I’m coming home. Even after all these years. A fun side note is that, thanks to those connections, I learned to speak German in no time and developed a special connection to and appreciation for Germany.
Is there anything else you'd like to say?
I’m glad the atmosphere at IMAGEM is IMAGEM great and that the company culture is so positive. It’s really enjoyable to work here. I’ve truly found my place in the team and feel truly valued, which makes me very happy!
