For Alexandra De Keyser, every adventure begins with one simple question: What can I discover here? That curiosity has taken her to mountain peaks in Nepal, inspired her to learn all kinds of languages, and become the common thread running through a career shaped by one recurring question: how do people communicate, and what influences their choices? Today, she brings that same open-minded perspective to One Inch Whale as our newest Visual Design & Semiotics Lead.
Understanding the world, one conversation at a time
For Alexandra, travelling isn't about ticking destinations off a list, it's about meeting people. Since her first solo trip to Nepal in 2018, she has preferred to let herself be surprised rather than follow a carefully planned itinerary. "I like to plan my travels as little as possible. That leaves room for surprises."
That became clear during a trip to Montenegro, where she unexpectedly found herself at a local boxing match after her host invited her along. Sometimes it's a conversation at a bus stop, sometimes an encounter with a local. It's these unexpected connections that make a journey unforgettable. "Travel isn't something material. It's the memories you carry with you forever."
That curiosity doesn't stop at national borders. Before almost every trip, Alexandra learns the basics of the local language. Not because she wants to master it perfectly, but because a few words often make the difference between a fleeting encounter and a genuine connection. "I get frustrated when I can't communicate with people.
That's why I always learn the basics of the language. It makes every encounter so much richer."
Communication as a common thread
That drive to connect has been a constant throughout Alexandra's journey. She first studied Speech and Language Therapy, driven by a fascination with human communication, before going on to complete a Master's degree in Fine Arts, specialising in Advertising Design. "Communication is the link between the two. I've always been fascinated by how people communicate and what drives them."
That same interest remained central throughout her professional career. Working in branding and visual design, she analysed not only how designs looked, but above all the messages they conveyed and the way they influenced people. She wanted to understand why people make certain choices and
how design helps shape those decisions.
Supporting that is her exceptional eye for detail. As she laughingly points out, she immediately notices when a painting is hanging just a millimetre out of line, a skill that continues to prove invaluable when analysing designs today.
Where design creates connection
At One Inch Whale, Alexandra is building on her experience in branding and visual design. What particularly appeals to her is the scientific foundation behind visual communication. "I've analysed many designs, but the colour choices weren't always scientifically grounded. I'm really curious to learn more about how colours influence people."
Alexandra describes herself as a highly visual person. "I even eat with my eyes," she says with a smile. Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that she feels so drawn to colour science and semiotics, where the meaning behind colour and design takes centre stage.
It wasn't just the role itself that appealed to Alexandra. The team immediately gave her confidence as well. "I saw how everyone complemented one another. The team came across as committed, professional and enthusiastic."
A new adventure
Outside work, Alexandra throws herself into a creative project with just as much enthusiasm as she does into a new journey. She enjoys drawing, making candles and baking, and finds just
as much energy in a new idea as she does in a new destination.
As Visual Design & Semiotics Lead, she looks forward to building further on her experience in branding while combining it with the scientific insights behind colour, design and semiotics. In doing so, she hopes not only to deepen her understanding of visual communication, but also to contribute to designs that genuinely connect people with each other, with brands and with stories.
We're delighted to welcome Alexandra to One Inch Whale. Welcome aboard, Alexandra!
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