Desk of Tobias von Schneider

The unexamined life is not worth living — From the Desk of van Schneider — Edition №259

Last week I wrote about "Style is the answer to everything", a short personal meditation on style and a subtle nod to one of my favorite poems by Charles Bukowski. If you missed it, I highly recommend you read it. You can now read it here on my

by Tobias van Schneider

When your portfolio is a brand in itself

We've said that a portfolio should be curated. This brings the picture of you are and what you want into clear view. Few portfolios accomplish this better than The Locals.

by Tobias van Schneider

The other worlds of Ash Thorp

Entering Ash Thorp’s world is like stepping into a kid’s comic book. There are robots and fast cars. Monster and machines. Jiu Jitsu and outer space.

by Tobias van Schneider

The art of making information beautiful

Bureau Oberhaeuser is a Hamburg-based studio focused on information and interface design. They've been doing UX/UI since 2011, long before most UX designers today entered the field. But the studio doesn't limit themselves by this popular term.

by Tobias van Schneider

UX copy sells

When you write, you’re selling something: A story. A belief system. A product.

by Jon Vio

Monthly portfolio inspiration of October 2020

With summer over and the year winding down, this is the perfect time to finish your portfolio. It's been impressive to see incredible portfolios sent our way this month, from photographers and industrial designers to 3D design studios. Here are my latest favorites to keep you inspired. *We

by Tobias van Schneider

It’s all a game

Despite popular media that suggests otherwise, video games can significantly improve people’s lives.

MEMBERS ONLY by Tobias van Schneider

We don’t want to read your UX writing

Both ad writers and UX copywriters share the same challenge: They are writing for an audience that doesn’t read.

by Tobias van Schneider

The easiest and cheapest form of writing

Too often, I feel fired up about a subject and think: I’m going to do something about this. I sit down to write and find, 10 minutes later, hundreds of words on the page with barely a line break.

by Tobias van Schneider

The myth of “creative freedom”

If you’ve ever done freelance work, you’ve experienced it. When briefing you on the project, the client seems open and relaxed. “We trust you,” they say, “go wild.”

by Tobias van Schneider

Establishing your identity as a designer

We like to say designers are not artists. It is not our goal, so we've been told, to express ourselves. Our goals are our clients’ goals. Our style is the brand we’re designing for. And yet, we are expected to have a point of view. To stand out and make a name for ourselves.