Christoph Ackermann's professional journey began with graffiti in 1993 and led to self-employment after studying industrial design at the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences from 1999 to 2004.
“I like to be surprised”
Since summer 2024, a large overseas container has been advertising the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences in a new color design. Vibrant blue and lush green mix with white, gray and black elements and arouse curiosity about this unusual venue and its contents. The mobile container has already been used at various events in Magdeburg: at the Tomorrow Labs in Magdeburg's Port of Science or at the MINT-machen Festival, it attracted many interested people to the experiments and presentations inside. Teaching and research you can try out and touch.
The eye-catching design of the container was created by Christoph Ackermann, Magdeburg artist and graduate of Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences.
“I take measurements, look at the ground, question the future location and the intended use. Based on the circumstances, I then create a framework of ideas in my head that leads me into the design phase.” Christoph Ackermann designed the overseas container for Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences in summer 2024. It was an exciting project for him, as the corrugated surface provided him with the framework: “Due to the differences in height, it was not possible to draw lines all the way through, so I worked vertically rather than horizontally. I took the shape and found an artistic design language that did justice to the facts.”
In addition to this task, Christoph is also active in many other areas: he runs workshops for children and young people and is involved in various projects, including screen printing and façade design. The Magdeburg native has been doing all of this for quite a long time. However, when he completed his studies twenty years ago, he had not yet decided to become self-employed....
From student to freelance artist
Looking back: The alumnus of Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences obtained his degree in Industrial Design from 1999 to 2004. “Going freelance wasn't so clear-cut, however. I first applied for a job purely as a product designer.” At that time, Christoph already had a customer base as a freelancer, was active as a workshop leader and had designed facades. It was therefore convenient for him that a job didn't work out. During this time, he clearly realized that entrepreneurship was the right path for him. He put his business on a stable footing with a one-year business start-up course at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
It all started with graffiti
“1993 was a seminal year for me, because I started with graffiti. This art form is the basis of all my work and also led me to decide to study design. Even before I started studying, I had clients and therefore already had a foothold in the city.”
A visit to the open day - at that time the university was still in Brandenburger Straße in Magdeburg city center - helped him gain clarity. Now he had to pass the entrance exam. Once he had done this, he was ready to go.
“I've never regretted my decision to study!” Christoph believes that it prepared him well for his professional life and contributed significantly to sharpening his overall aesthetic sensibility. “I learned how design works and how clarity can be conveyed without being obtrusive.” He also appreciated the practical teaching, which led to exhibitions and internships. “I got to see how design processes work in real life.” At “Studio Ambrozus” in Cologne, he designed tableware for Villeroy & Boch and worked for other major brands such as Miele.
Your tips?
“I advise student companies from time to time and encourage the kids to go through the entire process.” The path from the idea to the finished product is a colorful one: in addition to a coherent design, you have to keep an eye on the finances. Good project management is the basis. And this also includes funding applications and product photography. The Magdeburg artist tries to show young designers the broad spectrum so that they can get a feel for what suits them and find out where collaborations are fruitful. He pays attention to this himself in his daily practice.
And for the future?
“I like to be surprised, and my experience shows that as I continue to develop as an artist, new areas of responsibility are constantly being added that I wouldn't have expected a few years ago.” This includes curating exhibitions, but there are also prizes and awards that confirm him on his path as an artist.
However, one thing is particularly close to his heart: “I would like Magdeburg to catch up with other cities in terms of urban design.” According to Ackermann, art in public spaces should be taken much more for granted in this country.
Thinking outside the box...
Incidentally, the container will be used as the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences' own venue for the Magdeburg Culture Night on September 28. An unusual LED performance in the container and a music program with giant Japanese drums around the large box will alternate directly on the main boulevard of the cultural evening, inviting visitors to enjoy a cultural experience.
Photo: Sebastian Möser
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