I'm Maaike—a graphic designer and art director who works where disciplines collide. I blend strategy with empathy, bold ideas with playful details, turning core concepts into visual languages that surprise, connect, and leave a lasting impression. I believe that every project should be concept-driven and built to last. For me, design is a collaborative process, one that pushes boundaries and creates real impact within its field. Rooted in a DIY spirit, I often explore ways to make my work feel more tactile—finding subtle ways to step beyond the purely digital. My focus lies in branding, visual identity, fashion, and interior design—always aiming to craft meaningful, lasting work. Being creative makes me happy. It always has – much to my mother’s dismay. Many of her lifestyle magazines fell victim to my early collages and mood boards. This love for visuals led me to a foundation course in design, followed by an apprenticeship in graphic design at an advertising agency in Lucerne. Afterwards, I spent a year studying at “F+F – School of Art and Design Zurich.” During an internship at Rework – a sustainable fashion start-up – I gained valuable experience as an Art Director. I was responsible for the brand’s entire visual presence and communication: from social media and e-commerce to newsletters and even the in-store concept. After freelancing on editorial design and corporate identity concepts, I worked in advertising agencies including Ogilvy, Wunderman Thompson, and Publicis Zurich, collaborating with clients such as Migros, Ford, Heineken, and Toblerone. Raised in the German-speaking part of Switzerland by a Ticinese mum and Dutch dad, communication has been part of me since day one. I love bringing that strength into team meetings, brainstorming, and I’m ready for new creative challenges and growth.

Maaike Fortuijn Harreman

I'm Maaike—a graphic designer and art director who works where disciplines collide. I blend strategy with empathy, bold ideas with playful details, turning core concepts into visual languages that surprise, connect, and leave a lasting impression. I believe that every project should be concept-driven and built to last. For me, design is a collaborative process, one that pushes boundaries and creates real impact within its field. Rooted in a DIY spirit, I often explore ways to make my work feel more tactile—finding subtle ways to step beyond the purely digital. My focus lies in branding, visual identity, fashion, and interior design—always aiming to craft meaningful, lasting work. Being creative makes me happy. It always has – much to my mother’s dismay. Many of her lifestyle magazines fell victim to my early collages and mood boards. This love for visuals led me to a foundation course in design, followed by an apprenticeship in graphic design at an advertising agency in Lucerne. Afterwards, I spent a year studying at “F+F – School of Art and Design Zurich.” During an internship at Rework – a sustainable fashion start-up – I gained valuable experience as an Art Director. I was responsible for the brand’s entire visual presence and communication: from social media and e-commerce to newsletters and even the in-store concept. After freelancing on editorial design and corporate identity concepts, I worked in advertising agencies including Ogilvy, Wunderman Thompson, and Publicis Zurich, collaborating with clients such as Migros, Ford, Heineken, and Toblerone. Raised in the German-speaking part of Switzerland by a Ticinese mum and Dutch dad, communication has been part of me since day one. I love bringing that strength into team meetings, brainstorming, and I’m ready for new creative challenges and growth.

Available to hire

I’m Maaike—a graphic designer and art director who works where disciplines collide. I blend strategy with empathy, bold ideas with playful details, turning core concepts into visual languages that surprise, connect, and leave a lasting impression. I believe that every project should be concept-driven and built to last. For me, design is a collaborative process, one that pushes boundaries and creates real impact within its field. Rooted in a DIY spirit, I often explore ways to make my work feel more tactile—finding subtle ways to step beyond the purely digital. My focus lies in branding, visual identity, fashion, and interior design—always aiming to craft meaningful, lasting work.
Being creative makes me happy. It always has – much to my mother’s dismay. Many of her lifestyle magazines fell victim to my early collages and mood boards. This love for visuals led me to a foundation course in design, followed by an apprenticeship in graphic design at an advertising agency in Lucerne. Afterwards, I spent a year studying at “F+F – School of Art and Design Zurich.” During an internship at Rework – a sustainable fashion start-up – I gained valuable experience as an Art Director. I was responsible for the brand’s entire visual presence and communication: from social media and e-commerce to newsletters and even the in-store concept. After freelancing on editorial design and corporate identity concepts, I worked in advertising agencies including Ogilvy, Wunderman Thompson, and Publicis Zurich, collaborating with clients such as Migros, Ford, Heineken, and Toblerone. Raised in the German-speaking part of Switzerland by a Ticinese mum and Dutch dad, communication has been part of me since day one. I love bringing that strength into team meetings, brainstorming, and I’m ready for new creative challenges and growth.

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Language

Italian
Fluent
Dutch
Fluent
German
Fluent
English
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Add your work experience history here.

Education

Preliminary course for Design & Art at Zürich
January 11, 2030 - August 13, 2025
Graphic Design Apprenticeship EFZ at Lucerne
January 11, 2030 - August 13, 2025
Graphic Design at School of Art and Design, Zürich
January 11, 2030 - August 13, 2025
Art History at School of Art and Design, Zürich
January 11, 2030 - August 13, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality