Hello I’m Jola.
I’m a skilled communication designer and photographer with a passion for creating bespoke design solutions through understanding and empathy. Working independently with a diverse range of clients from architecture to therapy, my belief is that good design can shape our interactions and experiences to be more meaningful. My hope is through positive change we create better outcomes for individuals, communities, and our planet.
3+ years of experience as freelance Communication Designer & Photographer
Toolkit: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe XD, Figma, After Effects, Premiere Pro
Languages: German (first language) / excellent spoken and written English (C2 / 4+ years experience working in English)
Core Values: curiosity & empathy / interest in regenerative and circular design / eye for detail / open communication / team-player / work-life balance
My Interests: sports / nature / travelling / good food / architecture / psychological anthropology
CV
2023 Google UX Design Certificate
2022 Guest-lecture / Graphic Design / Ulster University Belfast / UK
2022 Exhibited / The Rise at D-Light Studios / Dublin, Ireland
2022 Lead Photographer / BBC short film Fun Boys
2022 Short-listed / Belfast Photo Festival
2021 Guest-lecture / Photography / Augsburg University of Applied Sciences / Germany
2021 Silver Winner / AOP Emerging Talent Award 2021
2021 Exhibited / A Lightness of Touch at Belfast Exposed, Belfast / UK
2021 MFA Photography / Ulster University Belfast / UK
2019 BA Hons Communication Design / Augsburg University of Applied Sciences / Germany
2018 Exhibited / Designswarm, The Good Home / Milan Furniture Fair / Italy
2018 Intern Advertising / Oliver Foss / Hamburg, Germany
2017 Intern / ZurGestaltung / Nürnberg, Germany
Photography
At the core of my work as a photographer is a genuine interest in the people I work with and the passion to tell authentic stories.
I have worked with:
Tony Devlin / Jennifer Atcheson – WT: The Quarry (pre-production)
Terry Palmer / Damien Elliot – Lost Souls (pre-production)
Adidas Terrex – Transvulcania Ultramarathon on La Palma
Mountaineering Ireland – Bouldering Guidebook
Action For Children NI – Portaledge (rope-access)
Gravity Climbing Wall Dublin – G-Forece Video 2019/2022
Boulderworld Belfast – Promotion / Comps
Crooked Mile Tattoo – Headshots / Promotion
Fine art Photography
Jolane Schaffner is a German photographer based in Belfast where she completed her MFA Photography at the Belfast School of Art.
The German language contains two words for home: Zuhause (the place where one lives - a place of comfort and peace) and Heimat (a familiar landscape, sound or smell evoked by memories and nostalgia). Jolane's work has always evolved around these twin notions of belonging; of absence and presence. She draws from personal experience as well as the experiences of others, often supporting her photographic work with oral histories to build a multi-vocal portrait of people and place.
Showcased – In Our Own Image – D-Light Studios Dublin / 2022
Shortlisted – Belfast Photo Festival 2022
Published - AOP Awards Book 2021
Published – Photograd Zine 2021
Longlisted – Photoworks Photography Graduate Issue / Vice Photobookscafe
Feature – Grain Project / Northern narratives / RPS Womenphoto
Online publication - Source Graduates MA 2021