ConefreyKoedam Grafisch Ontwerp is a partnership of two graphic designers, Ann M. Conefrey & Marco Koedam. Ann has an artistic background and is an expert in tactile graphic design with knowledge of braille. Marco has a strong typographical and photographic background. He specializes in corporate identities and web design and development.
We’d like to introduce ourselves and tell you more about our background and what motivates us as designers.
I am a designer specialized in tactile graphic design. My career spans almost thirty years in which I have developed a wide range of design skills and expertise. By combining my professional experience as a designer with firsthand knowledge of visual disabilities and braille, I am in the unique position to create inclusive and accessible designs. In 2014 I set up BrailleDots as a platform to promote the use of braille by researching and initiating tactile design projects, either independently or in collaboration with others.
‘My passion and affinity lies with tactile, ‘touchable’ design. I am particularly interested researching all kinds of materials and exploring the tactile possibilities of traditional graphic techniques such as embossing, thermography, screen printing and modern techniques such as elevated printing (2.5D), 3D and laser. I believe that designing is an innovative and creative process, seeking a good balance between aesthetics and functionality, developing designs through ‘doing and testing.’
‘In a nut shell: a response to the lack of inclusive design for printed media, in particular the lack of quality tactile designs with braille. I felt a responsibility to change this, to make a positive difference. As designers and parents to a blind daughter, if we don’t care about making visual communication more accessible then who will?’
‘I regularly attend expert meetings for designers, visit paper factories, printers and bookbinders, take part in workshops and attend art and design exhibitions. Over the years I have developed a broad network (National and International) within the world of visual disabilities. I research and read relevant studies and take part in symposia and conferences.’
‘I have a file full of ideas for future projects. High on my list would be the design and production of affordable tactile books. I’d also like to further explore and work on multi-sensory design solutions, contributing to the development of a more inclusive approach to design in general. Hopefully one day this will be the norm.’
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I welcome opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborations. Should you have any comments or questions then I look forward to hearing from you. You can also follow me on @AMConefrey or linkedIn.
I began my career as a designer at the end of the 80’s, having graduated in graphic design and typographic design from the Royal Academy of Art in the Hague. Graphic (printing) techniques, type design, calligraphy, typography and photography not only formed the basis of my study but continue to play an active role in my creative development. We started our partnership in 1993 after a kick-start working for several years by well-known studios: Total Design in Amsterdam, followed by 2D3D in the Hague.
‘I find the tension in the relationship between form and content a fascinating area to investigate. A ‘blank sheet’ literally indicates the playing field and is an important condition in a figurative sense. Searching for creative solutions, within the design criteria but without preconceived ideas is an interesting and inspiring challenge and a fascinating process.’
‘By keeping a close eye on changes in society and the resulting changing context for words and images. This influences the relationship with clients and the design process.‘
‘I see the value and usefulness of Ann’s plans to develop affordable tactile books and I definitely want to contribute to that. Expanding our online shop with more unique products is also an intention. Self-publishing a photography book with my own work is also on my list.’
You can view my photography on marcokoedam.com.
Work included in the NAGO – Dutch Archive Graphic Designers.
