League Spotlight: Meet Dean

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I work as a designer, focused on visual design, branding, and animation. I’m also part of the marketing team, where I help shape strategy, lead generation, and our approach to prospects and clients. Outside of work, I still play soccer, train regularly, game now and then, listen to a lot of music, and love spending time with friends. I also enjoy a good cocktail now and then. A PoMa or a Dark and Stormy usually does the trick.

How did you end up in design?
I always loved drawing. For a long time, I wanted to become an architect, until I realized how long it would be studying. That pushed me toward animation. I studied to become an animator, then went to art school, where I deepened my skills by combining design and video. That mix still defines how I work today.

What does your day-to-day role involve?
My days move between design, marketing, and alignment. I design branding, presentations, social media, video, and campaign visuals, while also ensuring new clients find their way to our website. I often help shape the story before it becomes visual, so the result is clear and strong. I work closely with sales, marketing, and client teams to make sure what we show truly reflects who we are and helps move conversations forward.

What kind of projects give you the most energy?
I still love animating and rebranding. Reinventing a brand and seeing it come together never gets old. I also really enjoy the small extras. The moments where we go the extra mile, like personalized mugs, tailored LEGO figures, or small jokes hidden in the Herald (our company newsletter). Seeing people react to those details is very rewarding.

What moment are you most proud of?
Honestly, it’s the reactions. When people notice the effort, and it makes them smile, that’s the win. Those moments show that design is not just about how things look, but also about how they land.

What would surprise people about you?
Most people don’t know how big of a nerd I am. I love puzzles, math, anime, and problem-solving. I enjoy digging into things until they click.

What do you enjoy most about working here?
It may sound corny, but it’s the people and the culture we’ve built over the years. Even after moving to Maarssen, the office felt right from day one. When we organize events, a lot of people show up, and it’s always a great time. That says a lot about the place and the people in it.

What is your advice for someone considering a career in digital design or marketing?
Stay curious and keep building. Learn the basics well, but don’t lock yourself into one box too early. Design and marketing work best when you understand the full picture, from story and strategy to execution. Try things, make mistakes, and improve fast. Also, pay attention to how people react to your work. If it helps them understand, smile, or act, you’re doing something right.