These days, Studio Ubique works passionately as a full time freelancer focused on websites, landing pages and e-commerce sites for companies around the world. We chatted with him about his 99designs career, the web design trend he’s most excited about and the clever meaning behind his name.
Location: Netherlands
Specialty: Web- & UI/UX design
Tell us a little about yourself
In short… Studio Ubique was founded in 2012 by Lennart de Ridder. Based in the Netherlands, I create experiences for web users and help businesses communicate across digital platforms with their customers. I’m working at home (deliberately no office), but before 2012 I gained experience at publicity agencies.
My design career has been a journey through printing offices and publicity agencies where I was working as a graphic designer. After a few years a found my passion in web design. Since 2012, I stopped “working” and I continued with my hobby and passion. I love what I do.
How did you get involved in graphic design?
I started in the printing business with my father in 2002. Since then I’ve been busy with logos, corporate identities, brochures, flyers and all other printing.
After a while, a customer asked us if we were able to design websites too. That was something new at the time, but I knew it was a turning point in my career.
What drew you to web design in particular?
A website is one of the most important tools a business has to promote itself, so first impressions really count! I like it when I see my work online, shining on desktops and other devices. Especially when everything is perfect in terms of code.
What web design trends have you noticed recently? What excites you most about the direction technology is going?
Asymmetry. 2016 broke the rule of symmetry. I like it, but I see the clients wanting something more traditional, like a standard horizontal header on top etc. It’s hard to convince them and show them different trends. For example, Beoplay‘s site. I like the space, cleanliness, balance, function it’s just awesome.
Do you have a favorite project or client? Can you tell us a little about it?
My favorite project? Every web design project. I don’t like the logo or other contests at all. I’m focusing only on websites, landing pages and e-commerce sites.
To be honest, I like it when international clients ask me for a (re)design of their website. It makes me proud.
Do you work full time as a freelancer?
I work primarily for a wide range of advertising agencies and web developers who hire Studio Ubique for web design projects, mostly based in the Netherlands and the USA.
Besides that, I’m participating in contests and 1-to-1 Projects here at 99designs. And mostly, I’m working 50 – 60 hours a week to work out everything in time!
How has 99designs affected your career?
Since 2010, I was busy on other contest platforms in the Netherlands and hadn’t heard about 99designs. Google helped me after my search for “international contests”. 99designs was on top.
Since 2012, I’ve worked at 99designs only. Everything looks good here. It’s well organized, the designer and client are protected, awards are consistent with the contest, the client is controlled by 99designs and that works great for me as a designer.
I relish the opportunity of competing against some of the world’s very best. Participation in these contests provides an excellent opportunity for me to sharpen my skills and broaden my range of experience.
How did you come up with the name Studio Ubique?
That was the most difficult part when I started in 2010. There were a lot of options, but most of the domain names were already taken. Somewhat frustrated, I chose Studio Ubique.
Ubique means “everywhere” in Latin and it perfectly fits with my services. Since I participate on 99designs, I’ve built up an international portfolio. So Studio Ubique is everywhere.
What do you do when you’re not creating websites?
Most of the time I’m web designing, because that’s my passion. The few times I’ve leave, I spend time with the family, on holiday or watching documentaries & series.
What’s your favorite part about living in the Netherlands?
Honestly? I would like to emigrate to the USA or Canada ;). But what I really like about our little country, especially my hometown, is that I live near a lake. My house is surrounded by the forest, heath and sand drifts.