Ways Into Practice

In this episode of Ways into Practice, Kristine and Rasmus sit down with Kristoffer Eidsnes, the Design Director at ANTI, to discuss his unconventional path into design, his work with cultural and commercial clients, and how real-world experience can shape a designer’s perspective on what is good design. Kristoffer shares insights on collaboration, staying original, and how his work in music and festivals continues to inspire his creative process.

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of transitioning from academic life to the professional world with our guest, Guro Røberg. Alongside hosts Rasmus and Kristine, we explore themes of belonging, power dynamics, and the importance of continuous learning in the workplace. Guro shares invaluable insights from her diverse background in music, economics, and design, offering guidance on navigating the early stages of one’s career.

Guro is an experienced design leader and executive advisor with an international background. For the past 10 years, she has held leadership roles in four consultancies (ÆRA, EY Doberman, Designit and Netlife) and is currently a Product Coach at Telenor. As an economist from Copenhagen Business School, she specialised in managing creative processes and has driven transformation processes for clients with bold strategic ambitions worldwide. She is a professional facilitator and public speaker who contributes to conferences and podcasts on topics relating to design, innovation, leadership and organisation. She founded an interactive talk show that explores how we can live better lives at work, investigating topics like power, belonging, beauty, language, change, success and consciousness.

In this episode, Rasmus and Kristine sit down with Richard Baird, a designer, writer, and publisher who has taken a unique path into the world of graphic design. From his beginnings in furniture design to creating platforms like BP&O and Logo Archive, Richard shares his journey of finding his true calling. We explore the importance of understanding design history, the challenges of maintaining creativity in a trend-driven world, and the value of spontaneity and experimentation in building a fulfilling design career. This conversation offers insight into how designers can find inspiration, learn from the past, and adapt to an ever-changing industry.

In this episode of Ways into Practice, we dive into the multifaceted concept of diversity in the design world with guest Sun Helen Isdahl Kalvenes. From her experiences across different countries and cultures, Sun Helen discusses the various dimensions of diversity, the importance of representation, and how to address biases in creative spaces. She shares her insights on the role of empathy, the significance of diverse leadership, and how we can make design truly inclusive.

In this episode, Sanda Zahirovic, Managing Director at Heydays, joins Rasmus and Kristine to explore; the challenges and opportunities in the current creative job market, focusing on how to navigate the industry during economic downturns, the importance of standing out as a candidate, and the ethical considerations around education and job preparation. Sanda shares insights from her 16 years in the industry, including advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, the evolving role of designers, and the impact of market dynamics on career development.

In Episode One of Season Two, Kristine and Rasmus talk to Erik Berger Vaage, co-founder of the design studio Walk of Thought. Erik shares his fascinating journey from his roots in Oslo to his experiences in the early days of Collins in San Francisco and setting up his own practice in Paris. The discussion delves into the influence of place on design processes and outcomes, particularly universal design, the challenges of building a cohesive brand across different markets, and the importance of maintaining the small studio ethos in larger corporate settings.

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WIP is a podcast about design by Bielke&Yang. Featuring in-depth interviews with established professionals sharing their personal journeys into the field. Aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the design industry and empower aspiring designers to make informed decisions about their own professional paths.

A podcast created and produced by students as part of the Bielke&Yang internship programme. Providing students and young designers with valuable insights into the design industry. Each episode features in-depth interviews with established professionals from various disciplines. By sharing their personal journeys and experiences, the guests provide valuable insights and advice on what to expect and demand from the industry. The podcast also addresses important aspects such as work-life balance, ethical considerations, and the role of design in society. By diving into these discussions, (WIP) aims to provide a holistic understanding of the industry and empower aspiring designers to make informed decisions about their own professional paths. Season Two is presented by Bielke&Yang interns Kristine Kapstad and Rasmus Fiske.

Ida Louise Andersen is a Senior Designer continuously searching to find new ways to bend, stretch, feed and grow new ideas. Currently working at Scandinavian Design Group (SDG). She takes us on her journey from studying in Oslo and Milan to how she started in the industry. Ida shares her experiences in branding the nation branding of Norway, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the challenges of designing for a diverse international audience.

Ida talks us through the concept behind her personal project, "Ida's Space," a digital haven where she finds artistic freedom and inspiration beyond the crowded social media landscape. We explore the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and how creativity flourishes when designers step outside the design bubble.

Ida's passion for design shines through as she discusses the impact of her playful mindset on her recent project, Mash, a lifestyle brand focused on wellness and embracing life's highs and lows. Join us for an engaging conversation with Ida as she shares her design philosophy, her approach to nation branding, and the magic that comes from finding joy in creativity.

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Ways Into Practice (WIP) is a resource created and produced as part of Bielke&Yang’s internship programme.

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A project initiated by @bielkeyang with the support of a grant from @grafill

Interviews, identity and design by @linn.linn.linh & @kristoffer.design Illustrations by @linn.linn.linh Photography by @bowoslo Episodes mastered by Simen Stokke Typeface STK Bureau Sans & Serif by @smuss.studio

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waysintopractice.no

#design #students #process #design #branding #careerdevelopment #graphicdesign #interview #podcast #independent #designer #creativity #freelance #entrepreneurship

Even Suseg, is an award-winning graphic designer, art director, and co-founder of the Oslo-based creative collective, Also Known As. With a wealth of experience in diverse disciplines and sectors, Even creates unique concepts that surprise and challenge, working with major commercial clients and some of Norway's most prominent artists.

Even takes Linn and Kristoffer through his journey from studying in Trondheim to becoming a graphic designer in Oslo. He shares the process of finding his first job as an intern and the pivotal experiences at Metric Design and Scandinavian Design Group that shaped his career.

Later, we discuss the inception of Also Known As and how they approach their multidisciplinary studio, incorporating various talents like graphic designers, photographers, and film directors. He discusses world-class collaborations with brands like Red Bull and Posten, offering insights into the creative process and the value of documenting the journey.

We also delve into Even's long-standing collaboration with the Norwegian music duo Karpe, exploring the significance of trust, dedication, and the mutual respect that has made their projects truly exceptional.

alsoknownas.no

@alsoknownas__

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Ways Into Practice (WIP) is a resource created and produced as part of Bielke&Yang’s internship programme.

……

A project initiated by @bielkeyang with the support of a grant from @grafill

Interviews, identity and design by @linn.linn.linh & @kristoffer.design Illustrations by @linn.linn.linh Photography by @linn.linn.linh Episodes mastered by Simen Stokke Typeface STK Bureau Sans & Serif by @smuss.studio

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waysintopractice.no

#design #students #process #artdirection #careerdevelopment #graphicdesign #interview #podcast #independent #designer #creativity #freelance #entrepreneurship

Juliane Stensrud, the co-founder of Mos, is an experienced Art Director whose work centres around human insight, connecting target audiences to brands and making them relevant in people's lives. She believes in the power of visual expression and storytelling, emphasising that both disciplines are vital for creating standout brands with a strong impact.

In this episode, Juliane discusses her journey in the field of art direction and the inspiration she gained from collaborating with others. She shares how she transitioned from being an art director in larger agencies to starting her own business with Mos, highlighting the pros and cons of entrepreneurship.

Delving into the core values and working principles of Mos, emphasising the importance of honesty, communication, and craft in their creative process. She explains how the challenge of being self-reliant and finding answers themselves pushed them to define their beliefs and processes as a studio. Leaving the safety of a stable environment was a daunting experience, but Juliane expresses gratitude for the sense of freedom that comes with running her own business.

She also elaborates on the significance of establishing trusting relationships with clients. Highlights the value of challenging and questioning each other, leading to better outcomes and decision-making for clients. Juliane compares this relationship to a loving one, where the work environment and mutual trust greatly impact the success of the collaboration. Throughout the episode, Juliane's passion for visual expression, storytelling, and creating standout brands shines through, offering valuable insights into her journey as an art director and entrepreneur.

mososlo.no

@mososlo

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Ways Into Practice (WIP) is a resource created and produced as part of Bielke&Yang’s internship programme taking the form of a podcast to provide students and young designers valuable insights when starting their journey into the design industry.

……

A project initiated by @bielkeyang with the support of a grant from @grafill

Interviews, identity and design by @linn.linn.linh & @kristoffer.design

Illustrations by @linn.linn.linh

Photography by @bowoslo

Episodes mastered by Simen Stokke

Typeface STK Bureau Sans & Serif by @smuss.studio

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waysintopractice.no

#design #students #process #artdirection #careerdevelopment #graphicdesign #interview #podcast #independent #designer #creativity #freelance #entrepreneurship

Jelsen is a Haitian-American creative from New York – moving to Norway in 2018. His non-linear design journey has dotted several industries and countries. He graduated from the art direction program at Miami Ad School (Miami & Hamburg), soon after gravitating to graphic design within advertising, then broadened to studying industrial design at CSM (London) before re-entering the ad and graphic design world.

He balances his commercial work with an art practice. Through this body of work, he confronts social & cultural biases via material play, sculpture and installation.

Delving into the differences between working in the United States and Norway, Jelsen emphasising the importance of being selective and prioritising work and workplaces that align with his values, resulting in an international focus to his client list. The discussion also touches on the lack of diversity and representation in the design industry, both in educational institutions and the job market. Sharing his perspectives on the need for broader horizons, exposure to different cultures, and the inclusion of diverse voices in design. Exploring the challenges faced by non-white creatives in Norway and the importance of cultural representation and equity. Jelsen encourages students to expand their networks and engage with professionals in the industry, highlighting the value of reaching out, asking questions, and leveraging the connections and resources available through their educational institutions. He emphasises the need for students to position themselves effectively for job opportunities and the sharing of knowledge and insights with their peers.

archival-jelsen.com
jelsenjelsenjelsen.com
@sketches.in.plain

Founded in 2021 by Erlend Grimeland and Elias Oderbakk Travers, have a vision to foster a society that makes positive choices effortless for the community and planet. They believe in collective problem-solving for social challenges, which is why they frequently collaborate with talented and compassionate individuals from diverse fields. Seeking to work alongside those who share their commitment to creating a more democratic, engaging, and sustainable society.

Erlend and Elias talk us through their background, discovering their process and studio ethos, how they work today and what advice they would give aspiring designers when thinking of starting their own practice.

travers.as
@travers.lab