My name is Eline, and I’ve been working as a graphic designer for over six years now but only recently I’ve truly found my why.
Since I was little, I’ve always loved being outdoors. Nature was my place of play and wonder. I felt one with nature and wanted to protect it in my own little ways - by moving the snails from the road so they wouldn’t get crushed, or by stuffing my pockets full with candy paper to throw away at home.
This active love for nature faded during my studying years (Allround Design at Academy Artemis), though it was still visible as a source of inspiration in my creations. In 2017 I was lucky to find the opportunity to do an internship in Peru at an organisation called Waves for Development. They connect surf tourism to the local communities and promote a type of tourism where your impact is positive and supports the locals. This experience opened my eyes on the impact we make as an individual and collective as we move through the world, and how being conscious of your choices can make a real difference.
After graduation however, I feel like my impact through designs became less important, and my work became solely a source of income. There was no space to be picky on which clients to work for, but looking back I needed my eyes off work - to fully explore the world and all it had to teach me.
A few key experiences that shaped me and my vision were:
Living in Argentina for two years taught me that spontaneity gives joy - the freedom to feel and decide in the moment, instead of having life all planned out. I learned to see beauty in doing nothing. The importance of living in the present, as we can never fully predict the future.
The pandemic showed me that the most important things in life aren’t the ‘big’ things. For me it’s family, friends and access to a natural environment. Not being able to go anywhere, I truly (re)found a sense of home in nature. Often I felt more at home among the trees than in the fast-paced world outside them.
My first Branding & Webdesign client Eefje, from the Forest Bathing Circle, brought me in contact with the Forest Bathing practice. This Japanese practice taught me how slowing down in nature heals. When reconnecting with our senses in nature we can find a true sense of calmth, but also of inspiration. It helped me to find clarity; on my needs, on what I want, and above all what I need.
And while these all may seem like very separate experiences, they shaped me and how I work today.
Earthkind Designs came to live because my mission is big:
to move us back to nature,
back to each other,
and back to ourselves.
I believe that we are nature too, and by living in disconnection with the natural world we live in disconnection to ourselves. I believe that we are not meant to live this individualistic life many of us are living now, but that there is strength in community and gathering the unique strengths of each one of us. My mission is that we come back to kindness. To others, to ourselves, and to earth.
My strength lies in visualising stories.
Your story.
I can’t change the world alone, but I can amplify the impact of those who are already doing good work. Through impactful and strategic brand design I help your essence take visual form and create a brand that resonates with your audience, attracts the right people and makes your impact grow.
And together, maybe, we can build something gentler.
Something truer.
Something that brings us all back home.
This Substack will be the space where I share what I’m learning along the way - about design, purpose, and living in rhythm with nature.
Feel welcome to come along and share your thoughts along the way.