I work as a graphic designer and digital marketer for the Hilaire Van der Haeghe Group in the Benelux region. Still, I am primarily a visual designer for the company. My portfolio showcases a diverse range of graphic design skills. Several years ago, I made a conscious decision to become a well-rounded individual in various areas, and today I am reaping the benefits of that choice. I handle everything from simple business cards, flyers, and brochures to complete websites, multimedia productions, and video and audio creations, as well as campaign development. My motto is: "Evolve or dissolve!"
At the age of 16, I joined a local video film club, where I discovered my passion for visual storytelling. I turned this passion into a career as a camera operator and video editor. I worked for various video production companies that produced documentaries for national television (BRTN). In 1992, I signed a contract as a technician with VTM, the first commercial TV station in Flanders. Later, I joined VT4, where I worked as a camera operator and vision mixer in London, UK.
Most graphic designers primarily create business cards, flyers, brochures, posters, magazine layouts, and other similar materials. They typically use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for design work and finalise their projects using Adobe InDesign. While desktop publishing is a part of my job, it isn't the main reason I chose this profession. Compared to website design, desktop publishing offers endless possibilities without the technical restrictions often associated with online design.
I create engaging presentations that incorporate text, graphics, audio, video, and 3D animated diagrams. My journey in presentation creation began in the late 1990s when I developed a successful presentation for EUROCONTROL, a pan-European civil-military organisation dedicated to supporting aviation in Europe.
Although I used unconventional software like Macromedia Flash at the time, the project was well received. Nowadays, I utilise Apple Keynote for all my projects.
With years of experience in video production, I’ve built a strong foundation as a professional camera operator and editor. I specialise in creating high-quality commercials, documentaries, and a wide range of visual content. From capturing dynamic footage to crafting compelling narratives in the edit, I bring both technical precision and creative storytelling to every project.
I still remember when Microsoft Windows 95 launched; it marked the beginning of my journey in web development. Back then, graphic capabilities were limited, so I primarily used pure HTML and CSS in Notepad. Later, I started using Macromedia Dreamweaver, followed by various content management systems (CMS). Today, with the abundance of online page builders, the possibilities are endless! However, as technology continues to advance in this field, it necessitates a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
When you combine all of the skills mentioned above, you arrive at multimedia design. One project I am particularly proud of is the design and development of "The NATO Xperience." Over 25 years ago, I created an interactive application that was available both on CD-ROM and online using Macromedia Flash. Unfortunately, the online version is no longer accessible due to the discontinuation of the Flash plugin, and the CD-ROM format is also becoming obsolete. The good news is that you can still download and learn more about this project by clicking here!
Artificial Intelligence is set to revolutionise the audio-visual industry, and for graphic designers like me, it's both a challenge and an opportunity. From automated image enhancement to generative design and intelligent video editing, AI tools are accelerating workflows and unlocking creative possibilities that we couldn't have imagined before. Instead of replacing creativity, AI becomes a powerful assistant, speeding up repetitive tasks, offering innovative suggestions, and allowing us to focus more on concept and storytelling. The future of design is evolving fast, and embracing AI means staying ahead in an industry where innovation is everything.