The Visual Design Studio is all about telling stories through images. Students work primarily with illustration, photography and graphic design. They learn to use visual communication to convey a message effectively.
Why work with us?
Our students have the tools and skills to communicate complex messages clearly and attractively through visuals. They combine creativity with technical knowledge to create designs that are visually appealing, strategic and effective.
Our students:
create visual concepts that engage and persuade;
work with colour, composition, illustration and photography;
design for a range of media and applications.
What do we ask of the client?
Before the project begins, the client gives a pitch to the students. This is also the first meeting with the student team.
Halfway through the project, the client and students meet to discuss progress.
One week before the end of the period, the students present and deliver their final work.
Key features of the challenge
Students per team: 5-6 students in several teams
Course: NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Communication MultiMedia Design
Programme: Visual Design Studio CMD
Level: Bachelor, 2nd year students
Project groups: Multi-disciplinary, international (at least 1 Dutch speaking student)
No. of hours spent per team: 420 hours.
Deliverables: Students conduct research and design within their own field of study.
Company time investment: You will meet with the students three times: for an initial pitch, a mid-project review, and a final presentation and evaluation.
🏢 Company requirements
Any company/organisation (startup/scale-up/corporate/incubator/NGO/B2c/B2b) with at least two founders/employees working full time in the company. Preferably located in the Northern parts of the Netherlands. Able to be available for weekly contact with the student group.
📨 How to apply
You can submit the challenge directly through the website. Provide a summary of the challenge. Subsequently, briefly elaborate on your challenge (max. 150 words). For questions, please contact mascha.hofman@nhlstenden.com
🗓 Planning
Deadline for submitting your challenge: 31 October 2026
Contact with coordinator: 1 - 8 November
Starts: 9 November 2026
Delivery: 15 January 2027
Visual Design is part of the international CMD programme, so communication with the students takes place in English.