New K-TOTEM design by Dante Verbauwhede
Once a year, the Digital Design and Development (Devine) program at Howest launches a call among its students to develop a design for the K-TOTEM. The K-TOTEM is the regional showcase for graphic talent from the region. The 3.5m high sculpture by Designregio Kortrijk - developed within the Kortrijk Creëert project - at Kortrijk station is taken in hand every three months by a regional graphic designer or illustrator. Dante Verbauwhede won with his design where he focuses on the concept of globalisation and how it will evolve in the future.
Hi Dante, can you tell us a little more about your design?
In the brainstorming phase of this project, I quickly realised that I did not want to work too directly around the obvious theme of "Kortrijk". I wanted to avoid the obvious. Eventually I arrived at the concept of globalisation and how it would develop in the future.
As I elaborated on this, I got a little distracted and wandered off in my thoughts. Spontaneously, I asked myself what ancient civilizations, such as the ancient Egyptians and the Vikings, would look like with today's technology. From then on, ideas bubbled up, leading to the creation of this design.
Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
I mainly draw inspiration from my daily life, ranging from series, games, travel to the dreams I cherish. It might be considered "professional deformity", but everything I see is carefully studied and mixed with numerous other vague concepts in my head.
What are some trends in the creative world that inspire you?
I am a fan of cyberpunk/steampunk and many similar styles that focus on the future or an alternate reality, all with a touch of fantasy.
What illustrators or creatives do you look up to?
I could give quite a list here, my instagram feed consists almost entirely of visual artists. Since I don't really consider myself a "full-fledged artist" yet, I am constantly trying to learn something from all styles and techniques. For example, if I look only at Belgian artists, it goes from cartoonists like Lectrr and Studio Stoutpoep to illustrators like Musketon and Jonas Devacht, to muralists like LobsterRobin and Bué the Warrior.
What do you think is the most beautiful spot in Kortrijk?
The Buda island has some nice places like Buda beach, the Irish pub, Budascoop and not to forget the Buda factory, which is a very nice place to get an education anyway.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
It would be nice to have made a small name for myself as a creative/illustrator/painter within five years. Also that I can and may do some nice projects to which I can give my own creative twist.
