About me, myself and I

In the vibrant and rough city centre of Amsterdam, late 70’s, I took my first steps into the world, surrounded by the canals, the rich history, and the lively atmosphere that defines this authentic city. This is where I laid the foundation of my being. Little did I know that my journey would take me far beyond its borders, weaving a narrative of diverse cultures, artistic pursuits, trough the flow of life.

As a family – my parents and brother, we ventured to Nicaragua in the early 80's, a country that became the backdrop of my formative years. The vibrant landscapes, the warmth of the people, the wounds of a war and devastating earthquake, but also and the cultural aspect of Central America in general left a mark on my childhood. It was amidst this somewhat enchanting setting for someone at the age of seven, that I discovered the roots of resilience, community, and the appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

After traveling all the way trough Honduras, Guatamala, Mexico and the United States to New York, the returning to Amsterdam marked a pivotal chapter in my life. It was here that I pursued my education during the 90’s and delved into arts education, immersing myself in the world of creativity and self-expression. The streets I once roamed as a youngster and 'graffiti artist', became the canvas for my artistic endeavors, and the city itself became a melting pot of inspiration. Exploring the emerging grunge/metal, hip-hop, house/techno music scenes and the early internet.

This early interest in the internet led me to Curaçao, an island gem in the Caribbean. Where I worked as a web designer several for local brands. This change in scenery introduced me to new languages, faces, and the vibrant hues of a different culture. The island's dynamic energy and natural beauty became another canvas for both personal and professional growth.

Returning to Amsterdam once again, my journey took a turn into the realm of agency life. The city, familiar yet ever-evolving, now became the stage for my professional endeavors. Here, I honed my skills, navigated the intricacies of the creative industry, and contributed to the vibrant pulse of Amsterdam's digital agency scene and development of more complex digital products

However, the call of adventure beckoned once more, leading me to the picturesque island of Ibiza. It was on these sun-kissed shores and cliffs that I found solace, and my new-born daughter too became part of the island's story. Ibiza's tranquil beauty and the Mediterranean rhythm became the backdrop for a chapter of life centered around family, serenity, and the pursuit of a life well-lived. It was also during this time I started my own business.

But as the tides of life ebbed and flowed, I found myself drawn back to the familiar embrace of Amsterdam.

My primary focus initially centered on ensuring a stable environment for my daughter as she grew up. Only after addressing the complexities of parenthood did I begin to tackle the other facets of rebuilding a life; a new direction as a freelance designer and eventually finding a new love.

Together we embraced a fresh chapter with a somewhat engagement, eagerly anticipating the unwritten adventures that lie ahead. 

Now in the heart of Amsterdam while writing this story, I reflect on the diverse chapters that have composed the story of my life. From the tropical landscapes of Nicaragua, the artistic realms of the Rietveld Academy, the bustling (digital) agency life in Amsterdam, the serene shores of Ibiza and Curaçao and fatherhood – each phase has contributed to the experiences that define who I am today. Grateful for the journey, I continue to diverge the evolving beauty of Amsterdam, surrounded by the echoes of my past and the promise of new adventures yet to come.

This is my humble portfolio and digital space with several highlights from the many projects I've participated along the way. Currently as a product director with technical expertise, but also a user experience designer and a digital designer.

If you are already here reading this, feel free to reach out on any of the social networks, connect on Linkedin or or send me an email at michiel@digitalux.nl