Michael Michielsen: 'SLIEB gave me the opportunity to get my business up and running again'
What if you're already running your own creative business while studying, but barely have time to develop it? For Animation Design student Michael Michielsen, SLIEB offered a solution. Instead of doing an internship at a studio, he spent six months working on his own professional practice. He reopened his online shop, built his own website, became more confident talking about money and entrepreneurship, and discovered what happens when you step outside your familiar creative bubble.
Michael knew he wanted to do something with drawing and animation long before starting his studies at ArtEZ Academy for Art & Design Zwolle. 'Drawing had always been my favourite hobby, but I thought it would be even better if I could turn it into a career,' he explains.
Choosing ArtEZ was an easy decision. 'There aren't many degree programmes in the Netherlands that focus so specifically on animation. I also really liked the atmosphere at ArtEZ in Zwolle. It's not overwhelmingly big.'
What he particularly enjoys about the programme is that it goes beyond technical skills. 'Of course, we learn how to animate, but we also learn how to tell stories. To me, storytelling is an essential part of art. You can be incredibly skilled technically, but ultimately, it's the story that connects with people.'
Putting his business on hold
When Michael started his degree, he was already developing his own creative business. He sold products through an online shop and was active on social media. But combining all of this with his studies proved difficult. 'Eventually, I had to put everything on hold. I simply didn't have the time.' Initially, Michael looked for an internship at an animation studio. When he couldn't find a suitable placement, he came across SLIEB. Bibi Anker, who had previously taken part in the programme, also told him about her experience.
'Bibi really convinced me. She said you could spend six months focusing entirely on your own business. That got me thinking.'
After speaking with SLIEB coordinator Andrew David, Michael decided to go for it. 'I thought, why not give it a try? How often do you get an opportunity like that?'
At first, however, he wasn't sure whether he qualified for SLIEB. 'I didn't have a Chamber of Commerce registration number yet, and I thought my business wasn't established or big enough. But neither turned out to be an issue. I quickly arranged my registration while applying. And as an art student, you're not expected to have a fully developed business yet. What matters is that you're working on your own professional practice, however big or small it may be.'
Finally, time to focus
Rather than one major research question, Michael had several smaller goals he wanted to work towards during the programme: reopening his online shop, building his own website, finding out more about the legal side of running a business and becoming more active on social media. 'Not everything had to work out, but I had plenty to get started on.'
Above all, he wanted to get his business moving again and build a solid foundation, so he wouldn't have to start from scratch after graduating.
'I now have a better idea of what to expect and how to have meaningful conversations with people outside the arts sector.'
Learning to recognise your value
As part of SLIEB, Michael joined the LevelUP! programme at Saxion, where he received guidance from several business coaches. Among other things, he learned how to market himself and his products more effectively. 'Before SLIEB, I found it difficult to present myself and what I do. Now I'm much better at explaining my work and what I'm good at.'
Not everything about SLIEB was quite what Michael had expected. He had assumed he would meet more people from the arts sector, but instead found himself working alongside people from a wide range of professional backgrounds. He felt there was a greater emphasis on money and making a profit, whereas artists often approach their work differently.
'We tend to be more focused on the creative process.'
Yet that difference turned out to be one of the most valuable aspects of the experience. During SLIEB, Michael stepped outside his familiar arts environment.
'After three years at ArtEZ, you suddenly meet people who think very differently and, for example, use AI a lot in their work. It's a completely different world.'
Those encounters ultimately taught him a great deal.
Taking control of his own future
Ultimately, Michael hopes to work entirely for himself. 'I find it difficult working directly under a boss. I'd much rather be in control and make my own decisions.'
He would certainly recommend SLIEB to other students. 'If you want to develop your own professional practice and build a solid foundation for life after graduation, I'd definitely recommend it. Where else do you get the chance to spend six months properly focusing on your own business? You don't have to hand something in every week just to earn credits. You can work towards your future in your own way, at your own pace.'
About SLIEB
SLIEB (Stagelopen In je Eigen Bedrijf, or Internship in Your Own Business) gives students the opportunity to use their internship period to develop their own business and professional practice. With guidance from coaches at ArtEZ and Saxion, students work on their business plans, vision, professional networks and entrepreneurial skills.