The story behind AlienTrick
Sometimes a great adventure begins without an outlined plan. That's exactly how the story of AlienTrick began. What is now a successful strategic design firm began as a side job for two college students.
First steps
Raymond, the current co-owner of AlienTrick, began repairing computers and creating flyers and logos for small businesses in 1996 alongside his studies. Arne worked, also as a side job alongside his studies, on hardware solutions for companies under the name Proware. For both, this work was a fun way to pay for their studies, and also better than alternative side jobs.
In 1997, fate brought Arne and Raymond together when a letter from Arne landed on Raymond's doormat. Soon they started talking about work, discovered shared interests and decided to share their knowledge with each other.
From Proware Computers to AlienTrick
In 1999, Raymond joined Arne and they continued together under the name Proware Computers. The focus was on building and repairing computers, network management and building websites and applications. At this time, the Internet was emerging and companies were taking their first steps into the digital world. For Arne and Raymond, this period was all about discovery and learning, experimenting with new innovative technologies.
For example, they pioneered 3D design and shared their work on an online blog site where they explained the technology through futuristic designs. The positive response inspired them to continue developing their creations. These "alien tricks" were so well received online that this is where the name AlienTrick was born, along with the first design of the distinctive alien as we know it today!
Growth and renewal
Raymond and Arne were still operating under the name Proware Computers for a while. During this time, their work grew rapidly. Together they developed, among other things, in the program Flash, where animation and web design came together. Their work was received with great enthusiasm, which even led to a number of international mentions. Between 2001 and 2003 the company grew so much that they moved to their first "real" premises in Hengelo. Due to this growth, the name Proware Computers no longer covered the scope of work.
They decided to continue as AlienTrick, with a focus on diversity in projects and innovation. The current building at Oosterveldsingel 51 in Hengelo, 300 meters from the first premises, was built in 2011 to accommodate the growing number of employees. What began as a side job in hardware and computer repairs grew into an international, full-service, strategic design firm with a wide range of work.
Challenges and rediscovery
As with many companies, challenges came their way, leading to reorganization. Work was more specifically delineated to make AlienTrick more responsive to the changing market. Almost all software activities were terminated and work was prioritized. The choice was no longer to grow in size, but to focus on sustainable stability and quality. This proved to be a positive step for AlienTrick.
Embrace the unknown
The story behind AlienTrick shows that every great success begins with a first step, no matter how small or simple it may seem. Whether it's working together, seizing opportunities, or having the guts to change direction.
Sometimes all you need is a little courage to embrace the unknown - and a few brilliant "tricks. 👽
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Raymond
Strategy Director and co-founder