Jakob Bladt Jensen

Age: 27
Nationality: Danish
Study programme: Industrial Design
Year: 2nd

Why did you choose Design School Kolding? I had visited the school and heard a lot of great things about it. But I also considered the practical aspects. I’m from Nordborg on the island of Als. It’s not far from Kolding and means that I can go home and visit my family and friends whenever I want. Also, there’s the economic aspect. I have a dog and so my girlfriend and I have rented a small house with a garden. Renting a house would not have been an option if I had applied in Aarhus or Copenhagen.

How many times did you apply? Three times. In 2009 I applied for dispensation from the rule of having an upper secondary degree. My application was rejected so I took a Higher Preparatory Examination Course for two years (HF). In 2011 I passed the entire admission procedure but was not given a spot. Then in 2012 I got in.

Have you always known that you wanted to become a designer? Yes.

What do you like best about the training? That I get to do what I want which is to draw and create products and learn about my passion.

What do you like the least? We had a rough start because the school has added a new study programme. Also the cross-disciplinary programmes can be quite hard to get through. They are long and can be quite draining.

What has surprised you the most about the school? Nothing really. I’ve spent a lot of time getting in and was very aware of what to expect.

Tell about a project you made in school. Our first project was about toys. I made a bike helmet with a mask to protect the face but it also had a holder for a phone. The idea was that you could upload the stuff that you made on your mountainbike or skateboard directly to your phone.

How did you come up with that idea since it’s not a toy? I took a bit of a detour. I also considered a transportable scooter but one idea led to the next and I ended up making a bike helmet.

Who inspires you when you’re making a product? Many of my ideas simply emerge but I also like to discuss them with my teachers and my fellow students.

What do you want to do after you graduate? I’ve never been more uncertain about that than I am right now. When I applied the first time, I was sure that I wanted to design furniture but now that’s not my main passion. I would like technology to be involved as well.

What do you do outside school? My life revolves primarily around school and I spend a lot of time improving my drawing skills. When I have time I go out sailing and then I take care of my dog Stewie – a black labrador.

Do you have a student job? I’m a trained boat builder and when I’m back on the island of Als, I work in my dad’s company.