The Journey

How a Kid Who Couldn't Stop Doodling Became Someone Clients Actually Pay

From choosing the "media" track in Gymnasium (because it sounded cooler than math) to building brands that don't make people cringe. Here's how it all went down, complete with the good decisions, questionable choices, and everything in between.

9
Years Learning
3-5
Screens
2004
Tabs Open
At least 17
Existential Crisis
Niklas now - Professional(ish)
Now: Professional(ish)
Niklas then - Had no idea
Then: Had No Idea

The Plot Unfolds

Every questionable decision that somehow led to a career.

2016
🎓

Gymnasium - Media Track

Where It All Started (Sort Of)

Chose the media track in Gymnasium because it sounded way cooler than science. Plot twist: it actually involved more work than regular classes, but at least I got to play with cameras and pretend I was artistic.

Key Learning: "Creative" doesn't mean "no deadlines"
First Success: Made a video that didn't make people cringe
Epic Fail: Thought I'd invented "artistic blur" (it was just out of focus)
2020
🏫

Full Commitment to the path

Entering a school for 'IT-Mediatechnology'

Started diving deeper into design software and realized there's more to visual communication than making everything neon and adding lens flares. Began understanding that good design is actually invisible—which was a bummer because I really liked making things glow.

Key Learning: This job includes more than just funny content?
First Success: Created a website someone was actually able to use
Epic Fail: Figured out Java is not the same as Minecraft. Very depressing.
2023
🛫

Traveling to 'learn about foreign cultures' (get me out of here!)

Traveling the world trying to figure out what i want.

After the pandemic i quit school because even tho it was 'IT-Mediatechnology' it was mostly Informatic. I dislike (hate) Informatic (Sorry Prof. Aisti). So i traveled to the United States and figured out that it's not for me.

Key Learning: The United States are not like the movies.
First Success: I figured out what i didn't want to do
Epic Fail: Submitted a project in Comic Sans (ironically, they said)
2023
💼

Civil Service for the Republic of Austria

Doing the literal opposite of my future plans

I spent 9 months of mandatory civil service at a Hospital in my hometown, moving patientes from their rooms to wherever they needed to be.

Key Learning: Everyone has their own story with ups and downs.
First Success: I saved a man's life as he flatlined on the way to the kardiologist.
Epic Fail: Lost a bet and had to get a buzzcut and dye my hair red.
2023
🚀

The Multi-Hyphenate Era

Designer-Developer-Photographer-Content Creator (Because Why Choose One?)

Realized that modern creative work means wearing multiple hats, so I collected them all. Started building websites, taking photos, and creating video content. Learned that being versatile is valuable, but explaining what you do at parties becomes impossible.

Key Learning: Jack of all trades can actually be master of some
First Success: Video series reached 150K+ views
Epic Fail: Tried to be good at everything simultaneously. Burnout is real.
Now

Present Day: Professional(ish)

Still Learning, Still Creating, Still Drinking Too Much Monster Energy (not sponsored)

Currently building this website (very cool), working for a Digital Marketing Agency (Weipert&Gil), and figuring out what comes next. Turns out the journey never really ends—it just gets more interesting (and the internal rage grows).

Current Focus: Finishing my apprenticeship and learning as much as possible
Latest Success: Perfect scores on case study projects (finally!)
Current Challenge: Explaining what I do in one sentence

Skills Collected Along the Way

Like Pokémon cards, but more useful in client meetings.

Design Foundation

🎨

Visual Design

Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Typography, Color Theory, Layout Design

🧠

Strategic Thinking

Brand Strategy, Market Research, Cultural Analysis, Problem Solving

Digital Expansion

💻

Web Development

HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Wordpress, Responsive Design, Performance Optimization

🎬

Content Creation

Video Production, Photography, Social Media, Storytelling

Professional Polish

🤝

Client Relations

Project Management, Communication, Feedback Integration, Deadline Juggling

🌍

Cultural Sensitivity

Global Market Understanding, Localization, Cross-Cultural Design

What's Next?

The plot continues...

On the Horizon

🎯

Mastering Strategy

Diving deeper into brand strategy and business thinking, because good design should also make business sense.

🌐

Global Perspective

Working with international clients and understanding how design translates across cultures and markets.

Innovation Focus

Exploring emerging technologies and how they can enhance user experiences and brand connections.

🤔

Figuring It Out

Honestly, still deciding if I want to freelance forever or join a team. Both have their perks (and coffee quality varies).

Back to Portfolio