Design to Market – Talent Program. Over the coming weeks, Dutch Design Daily will be introducing the participants of 2025, today Ineke Neutelings.
If you ask Ineke Neutelings what she does for a living, her short answer is: “I’m an illustrator.” But if you take the time to talk to her, you’ll discover there’s a whole world behind that. Through her illustrations, storyboards, visual meeting notes, and concept sketches, she often makes complex information easy to understand and accessible.
“I enjoy social issues the most. And since I often work on projects commissioned by healthcare institutions, municipalities, and educational institutions, I get a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes at various organizations. It’s really interesting if you’re naturally curious!”
Speaking of visualization, how exactly do you go about it?
I combine illustrations and text to capture and clarify processes, concepts, or conversations. I often do this from home, but every now and then I also draw live. Just recently, at a public forum on the impact of technology on our social relationships. So I head out with a fanny pack full of markers and work on a flip chart. In other cases, I use my tablet while my screen is projected onto a large display. I then draw along with everything that’s being said.
Live illustrating on often complex topics—that’s no easy feat, is it?
No, it’s pretty nerve-wracking. You always know the general topic, so you can practice a bit beforehand. But you can’t prepare for everything. You also have to draw and listen at the same time. And sometimes it’s really just a matter of accepting that, for example, you’ve drawn a less-than-perfect bike. Because you have to keep going. I often sleep poorly before assignments like this. But luckily, you have to concentrate so intensely while you’re drawing that you can’t think about your fears at all. And afterward, it’s mostly the thrill and the satisfaction. That’s what makes days like this exciting and a lot of fun.
But you also do non-live work, right?
Absolutely. For example, I recently created an interactive poster explaining the concept behind volunteer transportation in a specific municipality. It provided insight into how that type of transportation is organized there and what’s involved if you want to set it up in your own municipality in the same way. And I design visual conversation tools, such as a set of cards used to discuss the redevelopment of their neighborhood with residents.
When I have time, I also create my own designs. “Spiekkleding,” developed in collaboration with the design agency DesignDrone, is a great example of this. The clothing features very practical phrases and clear illustrations for people learning our language. These garments help build confidence, foster connections, and promote understanding. Another example is “Kadoentjes”: cards for giving fun activities as gifts instead of material things. I do, however, get real satisfaction from making my illustrations as attractive and fun as possible. So, not purely functional business drawings, but a final product that people want to look at, hang up, or even wear more often.
And the future?
I’m far from done learning, and I feel I can improve or become more efficient in many areas. I also want to explore topics that intersect with my current work. Writing, for example, and facilitation. And ultimately, I hope to create my own visual stories that make an impact—stories about social issues. That’s when I’m truly in my element.
Design to Market
Design to Market is a talent program in Brabant for young designers who are looking to grow professionally and make a difference in society. Through personal coaching and practical training, they help them build their entrepreneurial skills and personal leadership.
Interview: Strooploos
