I am an art director, designer, illustrator and communication specialist with over 20 years of experience in visual communication, digital products and educational tools. Based in Rotterdam, I have worked as a freelancer, agency owner and independent art director, creating accessible and engaging communication for healthcare, education, software and cultural organisations. Alongside my professional work, I am an activist and active member of the HIV community. I focus on normalising HIV and other viral diseases through peer counselling, education and public engagement. My work combines lived experience, empathy and design expertise to translate complex and sensitive topics into clear, human and stigma-free communication. I strongly believe in simplicity: clear language, intuitive design and communication that respects its audience. Life is complex enough — communication should make it easier, not harder.

Rens Willemsen

I am an art director, designer, illustrator and communication specialist with over 20 years of experience in visual communication, digital products and educational tools. Based in Rotterdam, I have worked as a freelancer, agency owner and independent art director, creating accessible and engaging communication for healthcare, education, software and cultural organisations. Alongside my professional work, I am an activist and active member of the HIV community. I focus on normalising HIV and other viral diseases through peer counselling, education and public engagement. My work combines lived experience, empathy and design expertise to translate complex and sensitive topics into clear, human and stigma-free communication. I strongly believe in simplicity: clear language, intuitive design and communication that respects its audience. Life is complex enough — communication should make it easier, not harder.

Available to hire

I am an art director, designer, illustrator and communication specialist with over 20 years of experience in visual communication, digital products and educational tools. Based in Rotterdam, I have worked as a freelancer, agency owner and independent art director, creating accessible and engaging communication for healthcare, education, software and cultural organisations.

Alongside my professional work, I am an activist and active member of the HIV community. I focus on normalising HIV and other viral diseases through peer counselling, education and public engagement. My work combines lived experience, empathy and design expertise to translate complex and sensitive topics into clear, human and stigma-free communication. I strongly believe in simplicity: clear language, intuitive design and communication that respects its audience. Life is complex enough — communication should make it easier, not harder.

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Language

English
Fluent
Dutch
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance designer at Bow and Arrow Studios
December 1, 2022 - Present
Freelance designer and art director for various companies
Freelance Art Director & Communication Specialist
January 1, 2022 - Present
Design and communication work for universities, medical centers and international consortia, including Utrecht University, Amsterdam UMC and Interreg. Focus areas include branding, digital platforms, campaigns and educational tools.
Owner & Art Director at Twisted Stranger (Design Agency)
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2022
Founded and led a full-service design agency delivering branding, campaigns and digital products. Clients included Disney, Warner Bros, Erasmus MC and Novadic Kentron.
Freelance Graphic Designer
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2015
Worked for healthcare organisations and social initiatives such as Mondriaan GGZ, GGZ Nederland, Ready for Change and KinderThuisZorg.
Package Designer & Branding Specialist at Trust International
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2007
Freelance Art Director & Communication Specialist at Self-employed
January 1, 2022 - Present
Design and communication work for universities, medical centers and international consortia, including Utrecht University, Amsterdam UMC and Interreg. Focus areas include branding, digital platforms, campaigns and educational tools.
Owner & Art Director – Twisted Stranger (Design Agency) at Twisted Stranger (Design Agency)
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2022
Founded and led a full-service design agency delivering branding, campaigns and digital products. Clients included Disney, Warner Bros, Erasmus MC and Novadic Kentron.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Freelance Graphic Designer
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2015
Worked for healthcare organisations and social initiatives such as Mondriaan GGZ, GGZ Nederland, Ready for Change and KinderThuisZorg.
Freelance Art Director & Communication Specialist at Self-employed / Freelance
January 1, 2022 - Present
Design and communication work for universities, medical centers and international consortia, including Utrecht University, Amsterdam UMC and Interreg. Focus areas include branding, digital platforms, campaigns and educational tools.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Various healthcare organisations and social initiatives
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2015
Designed branding, campaigns and educational materials for healthcare organisations and social initiatives such as Mondriaan GGZ, GGZ Nederland, Ready for Change and KinderThuisZorg.

Education

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Qualifications

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Industry Experience

Healthcare, Education, Software & Internet, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Gaming, Life Sciences