Jonas Skafte

I am a graphic designer and Kaospilot interested in collaboration and the benefits that arise from working together. I experiment with practical opportunities in which people from different professions and backgrounds come together to collaborate and innovate to create effective results. I have a varied background as a chef, adventure sports instructor, entrepreneur and graphic designer. This is often apparent in the outcome of my projects, which tend to be diverse, experimental and conceptual. I refer to myself as a Kaospilot as I studied for three years at The Kaospilots; a hybrid business and design school which teaches leadership and entrepreneurship. I then studied for two years at Central Saint Martins (BA in graphic design), followed by an MA in Visual Communication at the Royal College of Art.

Within the field of graphic design I am especially interested in 'systemic graphic design'; a research topic of mine which explores the potential of using graphic design as a tool to lead groups of people. In contrast to traditional leadership styles which are often 'top-down', systemic leadership is 'bottom-up' and more about facilitating rather than commanding. I believe that graphic design has the potential to be a great leadership tool for this kind of 'soft leadership'. I wrote my dissertation on this topic and intend to continue the research.

On a more practical level I work with concept development and I create visual identities for small and big businesses and for not-for-profit organisations. My focus after leaving the RCA will be on my design studio 'Work till Late'. From July 2014 we will be two full-time partners and we aim to expand the business further.