"There are about five distinct moments that bring me joy:
The initial idea, finishing the design, printing the work itself, packaging fresh prints, and - of course - when someone actually buys a print!"

 

The Craft and Creative Spark

• Hi, Raoul, what is the art you make?

  I am a printmaker!
  I design and print colorful posters with quotes and illustrations - usually with a dash of humor sprinkled on top. My main techniques are screen printing and Risograph printing.

• How did you find your way to printmaking?

  In my hometown, there was a music venue with screen-printed gig posters designed by two local artists with a super bold signature style. I fell in love with their technique, booked a screen-printing course, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

• What is your personal highlight as an artist?

  Creating design work for the Design Museum and Noordbrabants Museum in my hometown of Den Bosch. I was asked to design a layout system for a series of posters for Museum Night - a huge full-circle moment.

Mindset, Process and Inspiration

• When do you feel most productive?

  Probably when I have nothing on my mind - or way too much. In both cases, my modus operandi is to create to soothe myself. It’s an artist cliché, but heartbreak seems to be a great driver of productivity.

• What or who inspires you?

  Nature is a recurring theme because it grounds my brain. I also love playing around with language - the Dutch language has so many catchphrases and sayings that are artworks all on their own.

• What do you do when you feel stuck?

  I let it rest, go for a walk, or visit thrift shops. Looking at wacky objects from the past forces me to step back so I can return to the studio with fresh eyes.

• How do you deal with setbacks?

  In design: Accept, adjust, and move forward.
  In life: Look within, take radical accountability for my part, and heal.

Small Joys and Big Dreams

• In which small things do you find the most joy?

  The sound of my screen-print squeegee - especially when flooding the screen.

• What is your ultimate dream for the future?

  Growing my print business so it fully supports my creative career financially.
  I want to print whatever my heart desires, share my knowledge, and run a creative studio/coffee shop space alongside other artists.

Quickfire Round

• A life well lived for you? 

  A life full of warmth, friends, family, and no stress. Throw in a few mountain hikes as a bonus.
  

• Your favorite feeling?

  Reaching the end of a day's hut-to-hut hike in the mountains with friends, cracking open a cold beer with a stunning view.
  
  

• Your least favorite feeling?
  

  Heartbreak.
  
  

• Your Biggest fear?

  Hurting people I care about.
  

• Your Book recommendation?
  

  The Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols by John Laing & David Wire.
  It's filled to the brim with weird graphics from all eras and cultures.
  
  

• Your song forever?
  

  All Along the Watchtower (Jimi Hendrix version).
  
  

• Your Guilty pleasure? 

  Any form of ice cream.
  

Thank you so much for sharing your story and creative insights with us, Raoul!

Whether you're planning a private outing with friends or family, or looking for a fun, hands-on teambuilding event for your company, we’d love to organize a custom Create Your Unique Tote Bag or T-Shirt workshop with Raoul for you!
Get in touch with us to start planning.