Designing by writing and constructing
With an education as a designer, in communications and in management support, I’ve gained my experience in a wide range of positions. There I have had the opportunity, in the various roles, to manifest myself as a creative narrator and connector, using different instruments every time. This defines me as a designer who thrives on diversity and who chooses every medium to suit a specific question. Thereby I will curiously/ keenly familiarize myself with the domain of my client. And so I do what I do, with an imaginative and supple mind.
Charlotte Bik, director ArtEZ Academy of Art & Design Arnhem
Yvonne is able to quickly deduce which way the wheels are turning and who could be running counter clockwise. Efficient, creative, vigorous and with great problem solving abilities, those are the words that immediately spring to mind, thinking of her. I know Yvonne to be a hard worker, conscientious and right on target. As administrator of the secretariat of the ArtEZ Academy of Art & Design, Arnhem Yvonne energetically and relentlessly produced many a document for the benefit of the accreditation and several policy documents and she was responsible for the complex planning processes within the academy, among other things. With her creative and organisational skills she will rapidly comprehend corporate structures, without loosing sight of the details. She is sensitive to interpersonal energy, yet keeps a sharp eye on the general line and bigger picture. Yvonne will sink her teeth into a subject, a project or an organisation, does her research, learns fast and delivers focused and on time. Every organisation needs an Yvonne!
Wilhelm Weitkamp, director ArtEZ Academy of Art & Design Zwolle
Yvonne Smit I know as administrator of the secretariat of the ArtEZ Art & Design faculty management. She has supported me, and basically the whole faculty, with her organisational skills. Where management and department heads would frolic around, like young cattle in springtime, she managed to keep us on track. Thanks to her commitment, we obtained our accreditations with flying colours and we were able to synchronize our graduation procedures. Because of her terrier-mentality, we have solved planning and production issues that would not have come about without her knowledge and tenacity.
In addition I have come to highly appreciate her writing skills. Her drafts for annual plans and identity documents for the faculty have proven very valuable and have helped shape ArtEZ Art & Design.
Sara Wolvenne, initiator and lead producer Hoogte80 Festival
Yvonne joined our team to streamline all our communications. From press release to invitation letter, with her appealing and vibrant style she knows how to capture the reader’s attention. She will grasp rapidly what kind of organisation she has entered and adjusts her writing accordingly. In collaborations she is eager to think along and she poses herself to be coaching and advising. If there is any commotion, she will keep track and is always looking for solutions. Do what needs to be done. A real fine one to have on board!
Einte Visser, project mananger HAN – Gelderland valoriseert
A dazzling finale to a six-year programme, that was our goal. No standard conference, but an unforgettable last party, at which the visitors would find themselves a key player in a show with music, impressions, well-directed presentations, excursions and a small ceremony. A celebration and experience with amazement and humour at the core. The production and coordination of this event we confidently put in the hands of Yvonne Smit. For her, form and content go hand in hand. Her strength is that she thinks in processes, with an excellent sense of design and impact for the entirety. Not only did she write the script, she also made the right connections to turn this event into a success. With infinite energy Yvonne will stop only then when things are really completely finished. And in addition a very likable person with whom it is a joy to work.
Agnes Loonstra, illustrator
Working with Yvonne for the project of ‘Gelderland valoriseert’ was a great pleasure. With her creative background she clearly understood what my process as an illustrator and designer was and because of that we collaborated harmoniously, with clear communications and solid ideas.
Bart Huydts, directeur Art Business Centre ArtEZ Hogeschool voor de Kunsten
Yvonne is a lucid thinker, who makes sharp analyses and transforms these into concrete propositions and ideas. She manages to give ideas an unexpected twist, adding extra meaning to the whole. In doing so, Yvonne surprised us time and again within our own concept. As a project manager she has the ‘constructive audacity’ to take that extra step. As a process controller Yvonne is rigid, consequent and clear. Ultimately she is focused on the result: a high quality, within hours and on budget. And…it is a pleasure working with her.