Could you introduce yourself?

Yes, my name is Kimberley. At the moment i am 25 years old.

How is the whole graduation experience doing it for you?

Well, it’s going quite good actually, there have been a lot of ups and downs. But I guess that’s all part of graduating.

Could you tell us a little bit about your research project?

Briefly, it’s about the secret cities in Russia (so called ZATOs) I was looking for a way how I could ‘open’ this closed system, so I came up with the idea of storytelling.

What were some important influences or inspirations for the creation of your project and the way it’s constructed currently?

I like the use of symbolism and metaphors (and narratives), I already knew i wanted to use these ‘tools’ to make (say, a closed city) visual. There were not necessarily any designers or artworks which inspired me, it was mostly philosophers (from the 19th century).

Does this project, to you, feel as like it’s your Mona Lisa of your work so far?

Yes, because I can see that all the research and sketches are leading to one final end result.

Onto another part of graduation: could you briefly inform us on the subject of your thesis?

My thesis is about how art(itst) and design(era) ‘infiltrate’ in different type of media formats, how they follow the ‘design rules’ of each type, to for example, make a statement.

Has the subject of your thesis had a certain influence on deciding on the research assignment? If yes, in what way?

Kinda, I use a novel as a ‘tool’ in my research project. Just like some of the artists and designers use other types of media as a tool in my thesis.

To what sense would you like this project, and it’s methodology, to correspond to your practice after graduation?

I’ve always liked the use of symbolism and metaphors in art and design. So after graduation I would like to continue to do something similar.

Were did you do your internship?

I did my internship at Márcia Novais (in Porto). They mostly design for exhibitions and lectures all in and around the city of Porto.

In what way has the experience of doing an internship changed you of your (design)beliefs or (work)habits?

I’ve learned how to work more concentrated, as in starting with a good basis. I’m always quite chaotic while working on a project so I’ve learned that it’s good to have in mind: ‘first things first’.

Did they serve avocado during lunch?

Nope, haha I think this is more a dutch designer–thing isn’t it?

Could you inform us on your partner, client and type of assignment for the practical assignment?

Me and Iris IJsvelt made a catalogue for the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. We had access to the archive of all the graphic posters from starting from 1900 (arpox) It was quite a challenge to make it into a practical catalogue, but I think we did a good job.

Five years from now, you’ll be doing what?

Living abroad or working at TNT post.

Any tips for upcoming graduate students? Or for new students?

Rock on — Kimberley Rutjes (2014).