Desk of Tobias von Schneider

My favorite type of designers

There are many types of GREAT designers I've had the pleasure of working with over the past two decades and what I learned is that they are all not measured equally. Below are some of my favorites for the various circumstances. (FYI: very rarely does a designer inherit

by Tobias van Schneider

The beautifully imperfect sculptures of Massimiliano Pelletti

For hundreds of years, the art of sculpting has sought, in part, to immortalize humans in marble or stone. But visit any museum today and the truth is apparent: decay is inevitable. What were once godlike figures are now busts without heads and heads without noses.

by Tobias van Schneider

How to be a self-taught designer

I always described myself as a self-taught designer. It was the best term I could find; I never studied anything at university and dropped out of high school at 15 years old.

by Tobias van Schneider

The most underrated page on your portfolio

There’s a page I don’t see on portfolios as often as I’d like. When I do, it feels like a treat. I go through all the other pages on the site first. I scan the homepage, usually click straight to the About page, followed by a few case studies. Finally, dessert: The Playground page.

by Tobias van Schneider

The phenomenon behind great products and their fierce fanbases

I’ve always been a devoted fan of brands like Nike, Nintendo and Disney. It’s an ice breaker that never fails when you meet someone who also happens to be a fan. I used this as a social survival mechanism long before I thought about it as a concept. Then I learned about fandom.

by Tobias van Schneider

Should I add a blog to my portfolio?

It never fails. Every time I work with a new client and talk through the pages on their new site, they say, “Oh yes, and the blog!”

by Tobias van Schneider

Portfolio tips from UX designers

Creating a compelling online portfolio for UX work can be tough. We can only see so many sticky notes, user journeys and device mockups before it all starts looking the same.

by Tobias van Schneider

The portfolio trend I am hesitantly enjoying

I always talk about how important it is to keep your portfolio updated. And by “updated,” I don’t mean launching a redesign once every one or two years. I mean continually adding your latest projects, optimizing and refining your design for the current moment.