Hello,
I am
Merel Witteman
A designer by instinct
An art director by experience
An environmental engineer by degree
A do-er who starts with 'why'?
A thinker who makes things happen
Always excited for what's next?
I have
studied at Design Academy Eindhoven from 2008-2014
Study: Bachelor of Design, department Man & Leisure. Extra curricular courses: New materials minor (LAB), Textile minor. Followed courses on materials (wood, metal, plastics, textile, silkscreening) as well as design research, hands-on problem solving, visual communication and critical thinking.
started MaartjeMerel with Maartje Slijpen in 2010
MaartjeMerel (formerly known as SNØT and studio met/zonder) is an independent studio and a two-headed creative team. We do many things, but overall we like making good things clear rather than making shitty things look nice.
worked at KesselsKramer from 2012-2019
I worked as an art-director for communication and advertising agency KesselsKramer. I came up with several ideas for campaigns, books, videos, visual identities and other communication ‘challenges’. I worked for a variety of clients, including NEMO Science Museum, the Dutch Government, Tele2, Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, Provamel, Women Inc, IDFA, het Koning Willem I college and Greenpeace.
studied at Wageningen University from 2019-2022
Study: Environmental Sciences, specialisation: Environmental Technology, which focuses on developing and evaluating innovative, environmental technologies and concepts based on processes from nature to recover and re-use essential components. Graduated Cum Laude (average grade 8.76)
worked at Nexio Projects from 2021-2022
Curious to the world behind carbon accounting and sustainability transitions from a business perspective, I came to work at Nexio projects. Here I specialized in sustainability strategy, carbon footprint assessments and developing and implementing reduction strategies to help companies become more sustainable.
been working independently since 2023
Helping businesses become more sustainable by coming up with science-based creative concepts that transform products, services or processes. Battling 'boring' in the fight against climate change.
I like
Making lists
Coming up with ideas
Getting to the bottom of things
Converting waste to worth
Translating 'complex' to clear
Questioning 'what if…' scenarios
Inventing
Overseeing processes
The miraculous life cycle of the Eel
I know
Advertising / Air chemistry / Analytical thinking / Bacteria & microorganisms / Beer brewing / Bioplastics / Campaigns / Carbon capture / Carbon footprints / Closing nutrient & carbon cycles / Communication / Critical thinking / Design-thinking / Ecological design & permaculture / Environmental science / Environmental technologies / Fermentation / Food forests / Graphic design / Microbial processes / Presenting / Public speaking / Removal of (micro)pollutants / Renewable energy / Storytelling / Sustainable websites & data-waste / Sustainability / Systems thinking / Waste(water) management/ White rot fungi / Zero-waste thinking
