VrijFormaat – that’s us: designers Esther van de Visch and Joke van de Fliert. So, two designers, one name.
Although… actually, it’s also two names. Because we run a graphic design studio together as well, called Omniafausta. VrijFormaat was added to this when our desire to create independent work grew stronger and stronger. In other words, Esther and Joke: two designers who bring all sorts of things into the world, whether on commission or working on their own projects.
How it all started
Our collaboration began quite a few years ago. We first met at the Utrecht School of the Arts. During a painting seminar, our easels happened to be placed next to each other, and we soon discovered that, apart from having rather strong opinions on fashion and music, we had even more in common. For behind our tough exterior, it turned out we were both quite shy and, when it came to art and design, still complete novices. Two young provincials, still wet behind the ears.
After we survived art school, we moved into an old school building dating from 1897 in the centre of Utrecht. It was here that our collaboration became official. Omniafausta, our graphic design studio, was born and raised here, and it’s also where VrijFormaat saw the light of day many years later.
And we’re still based in this building. We’ve moved around internally, but we certainly have no plans to move elsewhere any time soon. We’re very happy in our former gym with its high ceiling and large windows.
Graphic design is central to both Omniafausta and VrijFormaat. However, at VrijFormaat, the focus is more on illustration and independent work. We explore all kinds of design and illustration using a variety of techniques. We draw, paint, embroider, sew and print, using both analogue and digital methods. And ever since we bought our own Risograph, we’ve been captivated by this inspiring technique.
Collaborations
In all the years we’ve been working together, we’ve never felt the need to expand into a studio with staff. We still mainly work as a duo. However, over time, other collaborations have emerged.
Blender
Around the turn of the century, we launched Blender, a network that included graphic designers, printers, furniture makers and other artists. Throw it all into a Blender and create something completely new; that was the starting point. We collaborated across different disciplines and, for a large group exhibition, reacted to what others had created by placing something completely different alongside it. An interesting and educational challenge. Unfortunately, Blender didn’t last very long. But it was fun while it lasted.
Truttenware
Another collaboration took the form of Truttenware parties. For years we would every so often travel from place to place with a group of women, calling ourselves ‘De Trutten’. We had postcards, screen-printed T-shirts, hand-painted covers, bizarre exhibitions, hilarious slide shows and more. Everything was homemade, produced in small editions or as single items. Barkin’bags’ unique handmade bags also have their origins in the Trutten era. Esther continued to design and produce bags under this name for many years afterwards, but sadly, the bags no longer bark…
Because
When our friend and theatre / spatial designer Balthasar Prinsen dropped by our studio with a commission for his design studio, the conversation evolved into plans for further collaboration. It became clear that there was a need on both sides for cross-fertilisation and mutual inspiration. Balthasar had plans for a product line including cushions and wall hangings. We wanted to design more graphic applications for interior use. We’ve named this – still small – platform ‘Because’. The first product lines or brand names are ‘Becush’ for cushions and ‘Belong’ for wallpaper and pattern designs. We’ve also designed the corporate identity for this project and, for the first time, our very own font.
And what does the future hold? No idea. We don’t have a clearly defined plan. At the moment, Because is on the back burner due to all sorts of other plans and commitments. And should that last little flame go out too, we can at least look back on a lovely, inspiring time.
Do you have a plan, a project proposal or an interesting suggestion for collaboration?
There are usually not enough hours in the day for us to actually research and/or carry out everything we’d like to do. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t open to fun plans, crazy ideas or special side steps. So if you’ve got a plan, and you think we’d be a good fit or could help with a brainstorm, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Even if you’ve spotted something in one of our collections that’s a perfect match for an idea you’d like to bring to life, do let us know. We’ll then explore the possibilities together.
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See you soon in our studio or just somewhere out and about,
Joke and Esther
