Meet Rinske Rietveld, a real girlboss with a passion for entrepreneurship, graphic design and travel. Basically everything we would want too. But she also just does it. This girl has spunk, humor, a pretty face and above all ambition. I got to interview her about her business, passions, future plans and she gave away her best tips. Get inspired!
Her journey to entrepreneurship
At the age of 19, Rinske started her company "Rietfield," an English translation of her last name Rietveld. She was then in the second year of her graphic design course at the Grafisch Lyceum in Utrecht. "I work for many clients whom I get to know both online and offline - via via, for example. What do I create? Logos, illustrations, business cards, online art boards and you name it. Eventually I also want to specialize myself in websites and other forms of graphic expression."
Whether she learned entrepreneurship in her education? "In school I did have the subject of entrepreneurship, where I did learn some things, but I still learn much more from practice. If I don't understand something properly, I ask the entrepreneurs around me. Sometimes they can't help me either; fortunately, the Internet exists! I use Google and YouTube for explanations and tutorials. For inspiration, I use Pinterest, Behance, YouTube and Dribble. I also check out the work of other graphic designers or illustrators on Instagram."
I ask her who her inspirational person is. "You inspire me a lot, when you see entrepreneurs like you going about their business and traveling on top of that... no words, respect! That really is my dream. Totally great if you can then do good work as well. That really inspires me a lot." Aw, how sweet! Thanks girl.
An entrepreneur at heart
Rinske is a true entrepreneur. Take it from me. I have met her in the flesh and she is not a kitten you can handle with your bare hands. In a good way, of course. "I've always been a feisty person. You really need this in this world, otherwise someone will easily walk around you. I could negotiate with people from a young age and I have learned this even better over the years. You have to find a balance in this; what does the client expect from you and what do you expect from the client?"
Mind you, this chick is only 21 years old. So does she feel like she's being taken seriously? "It doesn't matter if you're young. Radiating your passion and showing your work with enthusiasm and conviction will still give people a different view of you. Go networking and always do your best to appear professional - find the balance between creative and business. Then you come across as much older than you actually are. I also notice that people think it's cool to see young entrepreneurs with a passion, who are serious and know how to get things done."
"I could negotiate with people from a young age and I have learned this even better over the years."
Life as your own boss
As a young graphic designer, you want to grow quickly. You can do this by working for yourself, but also by simply going back into paid employment. Because you can also be an entrepreneur in paid employment, Rinske believes. "If I had the opportunity to work at a cool design studio, I would take it. Maybe not for the rest of my life, but for a year or so. Then I can get even more hands-on experience and improve my skills. That way I can become even better at my graphic work as an entrepreneur, which will help me build my brand stronger." You see, nothing "safe and boring" about it. Still heartily entrepreneurial. You go, girl.
We are all in business for our own reasons. The freedom, the money, really doing what you love without anyone watching your back. Deciding when to work yourself... "Success has no limits, so ignore the limitations and look for a new way to make a profit and have fun. I have so many more challenges in life as an entrepreneur. You are actively working on your own schedule and working hours. I love that. I have gained so much knowledge and experience in the graphics field as an entrepreneur. From my mistakes, on the contrary, I learn a lot."
The future of Reedfield
So this girl knows how to do things. As if that's not enough, she also loves to travel. And she just goes for it. I met her in Bali in December, where she was an intern. At that time I was a digital nomad there (those were the days) and I inspired her. Super nice to hear of course. Her plan is to work and enjoy working at the same time. "While traveling, I still want to keep working, of course. I want to expand my portfolio, but also broaden my network. In September I'm going to Bali, which really feels like coming home. But I would also like to go to the Philippines and other Asian countries. I want to work eight hours a day then, but of course it depends on how many assignments I get and how much motivation I have that day." Like me, Rinske chooses to work abroad because of the freedom and the chance to discover new cultures and countries. We can definitely recommend it.
"Once you find your passion and figure out your business, you are unstoppable."
Hold on - working eight hours a day? How so? "I am comfortable working all day long because I just do what I like. It doesn't feel like work then. My hobby is my work. If I have a long day behind me, I usually work on my own business until late." Still, she does like a day of rest from time to time. She keeps herself fit through fitness. This is also when the ideas flow in and she clears her head.
An ambitious entrepreneur would not be an ambitious entrepreneur if she did not have a vision for the future. "On to the top! I see my business growing more and more and that feels so good. I want to see the world while working on my business. My dream? To start something in fashion, but with a graphic twist and with my own style of illustrations. I really want to market something unique. Street fashion is really cool to me, as is vintage. There are so many things I like in that industry, as long as I can combine it with graphic design like illustrations."
Rinske's tips for budding entrepreneurs
She just seems perfect, or is it just me? Yet she's also uncertain at times. "There are so many graphic designers on Behance who do beautiful work. Sometimes that does make me jealous or scared, because they are so good! But I try to be inspired. Through them I raise the bar and really want to grow my business."
Rinske noticed she was getting better at time management, organizing and planning. "In time management, goals and planning are a must. You have to constantly prioritize. Determine what you want to accomplish. As an entrepreneur, you are the spider in the web; you are busy on an operational level every day, but you also have to take time to think about your long-term choices. Take a conscious distance from time to time. This produces better insights."
To inspire you, I asked her for her best tips for budding entrepreneurs. "When you start your business, clearly define a goal. Your strategy will flow from that. Think carefully about why you are starting the business and for whom. Do something you enjoy." Her favo quote? "Never give up on your dreams. Once you find your passion and figure out your business, you are unstoppable. Figure out what gives you perseverance and make sure you enjoy your work. It really gives me a thrill to make people happy with my work and to add something special to a business."
