A Brussels Upbringing
My design sensibility was forged in the beautiful, chaotic collage of Brussels. Growing up in a city that speaks three languages at once and mixes Art Nouveau with gritty concrete taught me that the best things in life don't always "match." Living in such a multicultural hub—where the world feels like it’s packed into a few square kilometers—deepened my admiration for different cultures and made me a people person by nature. I’m at my best when navigating diverse perspectives and collaborating across borders.
The Global Squiggle
My curiosity eventually took me far beyond the Belgian border. I spent some time solo-traveling through South America, losing myself in the dizzying, cosmopolitan energy of Buenos Aires (which felt like a long-lost cousin to Brussels), exploring the subtle European echoes of Uruguay, and soaking in the vibrant chaos of Rio de Janeiro. I also found myself captivated by Boston, where the deep sense of history, the Irish connections, and the world-class art galleries felt like a home away from home for a history-loving designer.
Finnish findings
Most recently, I spent two years living in Helsinki, an experience that fundamentally shifted my creative perspective. The Finnish way of life reinforced my love for nature and the vital importance of quiet, contemplative moments. It was under those Nordic skies that I truly leaned into my "naive" illustration style. The silence of the Finnish woods allowed me to strip away the noise and focus on the raw, minimalist beauty of woodland flora and fauna—a theme that now sits at the heart of my personal work.