The Freedom of Freelancing with Ingmar Larsen

Passionate about making an impact while make a living, Ingmar Larsen loves developing simple ideas that allow people to live simpler and happier lives.

With a desire for freedom and passion for entrepreneurship, Ingmar Larsen has created a life that reflects his personal values and priorities. From bow ties and tech-free phones, to digital storytelling and design, he has shown you can achieve your biggest dreams and on your own terms.

We were able to chat with Ingmar, a multi-passionate trailblazer filled with incredible ideas for the future.

Hi Ingmar! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a passionate creative Art Director from Amsterdam. With over 5 years of industry experience in advertising, concepts and design, I’ve worked at several international creative agencies like 180Kingsday, SidLee, TBWA and Boomerang.  I am passionate about design, entrepreneurship, digital storytelling and great ideas. When I am not finding creative marketing solutions, I am always looking for simple new ideas that stick and leave people with a smile. An example of one of my most successful side-projects is the NoPhone, a technology-free alternative to that nasty phone addiction (that none of us dare to admit they have).

I am currently available for remote jobs around the world. Besides freelancing I am busy with other inventions like the PhoneCell and recently TieBoth.

Can you talk about your leap into entrepreneurship?

After working in different agencies I thought it would be nice to freelance for a bit of time. Therefore I decided to quit and challenged myself to be able to get enough work to pay the bills and leave the safe environment of working for a boss. I have to say, it’s nice to have the freedom, but also challenging in a way.

What is something that you’re currently excited to be working on?

I am currently working on the TieBoth which is a tie and bow tie in one. But besides working on that side project, I am freelancing for different brands and agencies to work on marketing/advertising campaigns doing Art-Direction and some writing. Also, this month I decided to work with another freelance creative and combine our forces. We dedicate our freelance creativity for a good cause, so half of our salary of this month will be donated to a good cause. We call it Creative Charity.

Where do you go (or what do you do) to get inspired?

Browsing on the internet, walking in a park, going to museum— I like the Stedelijk. Basically you can get inspiration from anywhere. Sounds cliché but it’s true. For me there is not a specific place that inspires me; creative ideas appear when you are not expecting to be inspired.

What are some of your favorite books, movies, or podcasts?

I love books that get you moving your ass and are inspiring stories of entrepreneurs. Here is a list of books and movies I like:

Movies/Series

Moonrise Kingdom - Wes Anderson ( Love his style and tone of voice)

The Shawshank Redemption - Frank Darabont

Donnie Darko -  Richard Kelly

Inglourious Basterds  - Quentin Tarantino

Pulp Fiction  - Quentin Tarantino

Books

Shoe dog - Phil Knight

The $100 Startup - Chris Guillebeau

Made to Stick - Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Outliers - Malcolm Gladwell

What do you love most about Amsterdam, and what is one local place you’d recommend for a visitor?

Back to Black has a great vibe, great coffee, great atmosphere, and the best Apple Pie of Amsterdam.

And for local spots or nice places I am posting on this Instagram account, @streetsofamsterdam.

Great speaking with you, Ingmar! If you’d like to keep up with his work and travels, give him a follow at @ingmar_larsen.