Vrints–Kolsteren
Vrints-Kolsteren is an Antwerp based design studio founded by Vincent Vrints and Naomi Kolsteren in 2015, working both locally and internationally. The bureau’s forte is developing visual identities with a clear and strong focus on typography. When working on an identity, they usually create a system, a set of rules, which can evolve over time. Additionally, dealing with the organic opposed to rudimentary shapes and straight lines is a recurring narrative within their practice.
Vrints-Kolsteren puts an emphasis on collaboration and likes to work closely with their clients, as well as having a constant presence of at least one intern.They don’t want to view the client as a client, in the strict sense of the word, rather they consider all parties to be equal. V-K expects a certain connection with the client and they want the client to feel the same way. By working with interns, they create a continuously expanding network and appeal for them to collaborate further on specific projects.
Vrints-Kolseren is influenced greatly by the modernist period, with clear references to that time, its designers and artists, which can be seen in their attention for form, linework, and most importantly, the use of grids and rulesets. As designers, you can place V-K with the likes of Wim Crouwel, Ben Bos and Jurriaan Schrofer. Fueled by a further need to create, Vrints Kolsteren gave birth to V-K Editions, a platform for making publications, sprouted from their personal interests and arisen from the question of how they can invest back into their own network, while at the same time give them a free and open playing field for some of their bolder ideas. Therefore, V-K Editions doesn’t limit itself to printed matter per se, a result can also be a multiple or even a piece of furniture. In the end, Vrints-Kolsteren aims to translate any type of design into the tangible atmosphere and position it in your field of view.
Vrints-Kolsteren offers graphic design, development of visual identities and art direction, photography and book design. Their most notable and recent projects include ongoing work for HART magazine, Antwerp Art, the Academy of Mol and iMAL, as well as designing the book containing the current oeuvre of artist Tom Volkaert.
