Remco Hofman Brand Designer
From beer mat to brand designer. This is my journey.
Sometimes a life path starts with nothing more than a beer mat and a big dream. For me, that was the beginning of a journey full of creativity, choices and moments of growth. From that first design competition at school to building complete brand identities, this is the story of how I became who I am today: Brand designer at heart.
Where it began
Media College Haarlem (1990 – 1994)
My love for design started at the Media College in Haarlem. During a logo design competition, I won my first assignment and €300. That same evening, I ended up in the pub with beer mats full of dreams. Mine said: to become an Art Director. Now I smile – because I am living that dream.
The fire ignites
Freelance start (1995 – 2004)
After graduating, I rolled straight into the profession. Companies saw my work and knocked on my door, even while I was still in the army. No wife, no children, but endless ambition. I worked for big agencies like Bela Stamenkovic (Mazda), Zwitserleven and NS. My work hung in stations all over the country. During this period, I found my style: Essential design – the art of omission.
Digging deeper
Owner Zaandam (2004 – 2012)
Time to dig deeper. With a family and my own studio, I continued to grow. I built a team, trained young designers and created special projects. I realised: my strength is not in managing, but in creating. And that is exactly where I make a difference.
Broadening and deepening
Creative Lead at Digital Agency 2016 – 2025
Looking for balance, I chose a permanent job at an internet marketing company. There, I learned all about digital brand experience: customer journeys, web design, UX/UI. But every Monday, Deep remained my branding playground.
Back to the core
May 2025 – Present
And then… everything fell into place. After years of building, experimenting and growing, this moment felt like coming home. Time to return to my roots – to the core where it once began. With thousands of designs and concepts behind me, and a head full of experience, I now confidently choose where my strength lies: brand design. Everything is coming together. Creativity is buzzing like never before. This is what I love doing most. This is what I live by.
And... what's on your beer mat?
Dreaming of a strong brand, a recognisable style or just a fresh look at your identity? Let us hear from you. Who knows, I might start working on your story today.