About me

Hi. I’m Rutger Middendorp (1977). My job is finding stories. Whether it is the story of a start-up company that wants to make a name for itself, a large enterprise that needs to tell people why they’re a great employer or literally a story that I write about something that intrigues me for a magazine. The central question is always: what is the story?
In the process I clarify, identify, enthuse, explain and speed up. In a wide range of settings. From a brainstorm at a University Hospital to an editorial item for Bright Magazine. From teaching young students to think conceptually to helping the Ministry of Economic Affairs explain what they do with more panache.

I fly solo sometimes, but work together with some of the finest people in their respective fields on other occassions. Be it graphic designers, photographers, code-gurus, filmmakers, project managers or musicians, they all have one thing in common: a genuine love for what they do. Which guarantees both a pleasant project and a wonderful product.

Here’s what some other people have to say about me.

As a regular contributor at Bright Rutger is one of our defining voices. Great associative skills, well informed on relevant developments, quick to gain insight and with that contagious sparkle in his eyes. It’s a joy working with him

— Erwin van der Zande, editor in chief Bright

Rutger is one of the most open-minded, social and creative people I’ve ever met. Moreover, he possesses the ability to relay his considerable knowledge of arts and ads onto the people around him. And he’s a nice guy.

— Maarten Boer, Buutvrij for life

Rutger is one of those people that lead the charge in new developments in the city of Groningen. A bit wild and weirdo, eloquent, sometimes too hasty and associative.
A trendsetter. For a senior like me, meeting someone like him can be mind-blowing, give food for thought, inspire awe, and sometimes feel like ‘this is not for me’. Rutger is Sturm und Drang. Nieuwe Garde. Chaotic. Energy.

— Hemmo Philbert, freelance project manager

Rutger: beard, glasses, hyperenthusiastic, uut Grunn, down to earth, always looking for opportunities and possibilities, likes to take charge, takes initiatives, thoughtful, inquisitive, assertive.

— Jack Brandsma, product- and interior designer

Rutger focuses on ‘the story’: what do you want to say? To whom? And why would this person want to hear your story? Both for developing concepts as constructing an advertising campaign this is the backbone and basis for success. Rutger doesn’t mince words and gives his opinion directly. If you can’t handle that, you’re not the right client for him, so don’t even bother him. If you like a strongheaded character, have something to say and aren’t afraid of trying something new, Rutger’s your man.

— Lykle de Vries, owner De Ondernemers

A creative spirit that listens well and asks useful questions to get under the skin of an organisation and come up with solutions to problems in a refreshing way.

— Mark-Pieter Bakker, owner Alfred Bakker Makelaars

Rutger is to creativity what an engine is to a Ferrari F50: he gets it going 100 km / hour in an insignificant 3.87 seconds. In every possible way Rutger is a one of a kind man / father / husband / child / business partner / friend. I don’t know anybody who approaches a car, his son, a job or rebuilding his house with the same knowledge, enthusiasm, thoroughness and humour.

— Victor Ponten, owner Habbekrats

In the two years that we have worked together rutger has proven to be a very nice person with great teamspirit, and a great defender of creativity. Always on the lookout for new experiences and better quality he has been a great partner for coworkers and clients with expertise from sales to quality assurance and definition of processes. At times a bit impatient, but always in an agreeable manner!

— Peter Boer, Lost Boys