After working as an art director at a record company, he decided to set up his own studio in 1994, named HORT (HORT in German means kindergarten, and reflects his playful approach towards graphic design). He set up some basic rules for himself: have fun, get paid, don’t work with assholes… Emphasising the social aspect of his work he points out that he rather trusts in relationships than in money. Working on his own for a while, being very successful, he was missing the exchange of thoughts. That’s when his studio stared growing to a group of individuals. In his team it’s important to respect and trust each other. There is no wrong and no right.
After initiating a series of workshops with kids and students he came to the conclusion that a tutor now should not judge but motivate, mentor, respect and support the upcoming generation. Following these principles his ‘After School Club’ became very popular among students and became an experimental platform of exchange that is held every year.
Eike König
Graphic Designer, Owner of Hort (Berlin)
His most recent project is the HORT BAND which experiments with sound, shape and colour. The band can be seen as Eike’s creative and playful freedom. We are very curious where this will lead to.
By Julia and Sandra / Graphic Birdwatching
