'Be inclusive, work sustainably. And for god’s sake, stop asking people to work for free' - Editor, Milou van Rossum

'Be inclusive, work sustainably. And for god’s sake, stop asking people to work for free' - Editor, Milou van Rossum

'Be inclusive, work sustainably. And for god’s sake, stop asking people to work for free' - Editor, Milou van Rossum

Milou van Rossum, Editor at NRC Magazine, is joining the Culture Jury at this year's Dutch Creativity Awards. Milou’s passion for journalism developed early on whilst working at HP/De Tijd and later joining as fashion editor at de Volkskrant. Read on to learn about the qualities Milou is looking for when judging this year’s entries, we also find out who in her eyes is a creative visionary as well as her best piece of advice.

What are you most looking forward to as a Jury Member for this year's Dutch Creativity Awards? Will you be looking out for anything in particular?

Putting talent in the spotlight

Who is your current ‘one to watch’?

Bodil Ouedraogo

'Be inclusive, work sustainably. And for god’s sake, stop asking people to work for free' - Editor, Milou van Rossum

What’s your biggest takeaway from last year?

Zoom meetings suck.


Who would you define as a creative visionary? What qualities should that person have?

There are so many. I love it when someone brings a whole new aesthetic to the world. That requires a strong belief in one’s own vision, fearlessness and endurance.


Do you have any creative mantras?

Concentrate. If that doesn't help: take a shower

'Be inclusive, work sustainably. And for god’s sake, stop asking people to work for free' - Editor, Milou van Rossum

How do you deal with (the fear of) failure? Any tips?

Try to stay alert until the very, very last moment.


What drives you to pursue your career goals?

Doing work that I enjoy.


How can we, in the creative industry, help to build a better tomorrow?

Be inclusive, work sustainably. And for god’s sake, stop asking people to work for free.

Best piece of advice?

You’re gonna go there, you’re gonna finish your work and you’re gonna succeed. (My late father, the one time I was afraid I would not pass a school exam. I passed.)