Don’t Be Afraid to Fail – Try Your Wildest Ideas

We have talked to Bartolomeus who graduated from the Bachelor’s Programme in Design at NABA in 2018. He currently runs his own design agency and is a good example of what opportunities there are. We learned about his best tips for studies, why he chose NABA and how easy it is to meet friends.

Why did you pick NABA?

My mother’s from Milan. After high school, I came into the design track and felt that that’s what I wanted to study. There were not so much design schools that attracted me in Sweden so I went down to Milan to visit the schools that were there. I visited NABA and got a great impression! I got to see campus and heard about the studies and how much I had to do. I was sold right away. I’m definitely going to study here, and I did.

Bartolomeus studied NABA’s Bachelor of Arts (BABA) degree at NABA’s Milan campus. He describes Milan as a city where design is constantly present in everyday life with inspiration around the city. He tells how he saw much more opportunity in Italy so starting to study here was an easy choice.

How was your study at NABA?

The lesson was awesome. I learned a lot. I’m very happy with the school.

But I don’t think I was ready. The degree job you do last year is big and big. Something you have to fight, but that you learn a lot from.

Studying in Italy is different from Sweden. It’s a matter of daring and taking advantage.

During university time, you tie up with your classmates with companies through various events, exhibitions. Then you get in touch with the industry which gives you a lot of opportunities!

After his three years at NABA, he went home to Sweden and started as an intern at a design company that focused on interior design. It went well and after 6 months he started his own business, https://www.bartalomeus.com/

Works with interior design against the restaurant and hotel industry. Working on a dream project right now! A hotel in central Stockholm where he has completely free rein. He describes how his artist soul is very happy about this. He got the directive

How is it to work with design?

It’s a challenging but fun business. Much change and adaptation needed.

It’s almost absurd to see your sketches come true. To be able to walk into a restaurant and see something I’ve been drawing.

Now I hear design companies in Italy are looking for people. They’re almost a little short of labour.

What advice do you have for those who are going to study at NABA?

I was very focused on studying, as you do when you study a more theoretical education. But quickly learned that it wasn’t about that. There is much more about the creative way and creating ideas. I don’t need to know the theory by reading in a book. For more that I learn during the process. You try and you fail.

Not to be afraid of failure, but to try out crazier ideas than to believe. It’s appreciated by the teachers. The most appreciated students were those who had dared to stretch the rules on what design is. You should get me from the start – dare to test your own and other boundaries within design. The school’s high on the roof.

How’s social life?

There is a sponsor program – which can be like a boost into social life. I joined it my first year at school and was also a sponsor my third year. That was awesome!

Finding friends is the easiest way to do that! There’s nothing easier than making friends and friends. They’re all artists’ souls and outgoings. Something always happens – dinners or parties. Friends are the easiest.