I am currently looking for an intern from September 2026 onwards.

Please read this page carefully.

Hi, I’m happy to hear you’re considering an internship at my studio! 🙂 Here’s some useful information about the internships. Also, below this text you can read some reviews of past interns.

I am looking for someone familiar with the following:

• Fluent in Dutch or English (or both)
• Skills in techniques like needlework are a must, think about things like sewing/embroidery/knitting/crochet/weaving/etc. You don’t have to have mastered them all, to be a beginner is okay, but you do have to be able to show you have some experience working with textiles, crafts and/or needlework. There is no point in applying for the internship if you don’t have any experience with needlework. Sorry 🙂
• Someone who studies art, fashion, photography, textile design or a similar course and/or has a strong interest in traditional arts and crafts, and political art in general.
• My work is very time-consuming, so please realise that before applying. It sometimes takes weeks or even months for a new artwork to be finished.

Some more information:

• My studio is located in the north-west of Utrecht. Unfortunately, there is no compensation for standard travelling costs to and from the studio. If we need to go somewhere far, you will get compensated for the extra costs. The studio is 15 minutes away by public transport or a 17-minute bike ride from Utrecht Central Station.
• While working on new projects, we will also visit gallery spaces and exhibitions together, and attend exhibition openings and network meetings. I tend to stick to regular working hours and working days, from Monday ’til Friday. Because of exhibition openings taking place in the evening and on the weekends, this schedule can vary a bit every now and then.
• My studio is fully equipped, so you can leave behind some belongings overnight (food, warm clothes, etc). There’s wifi, a tv with chromecast, and a radio available.
• If you are an intern from abroad, I will make an effort to help you find affordable housing in or around Utrecht. There’s also a bike available for you to borrow while you’re staying in Utrecht. For interns from the EU, the Erasmus+ programme might be something worth to look at.
• My studio and work environment are LGBTQAI+ friendly.
• My art practice sometimes exists out of tasks that are not complicated, but do take a long time before they are completed (button sorting, bead weaving, fabric cutting, etc). We will work together on such tasks to prep the artworks; interns won’t be there to just take on the “shitty” jobs. I will learn you the same skills I use to make my art. However, please keep in mind that some tasks or parts of a process can be very time-consuming. So, this means that sometimes we’ll be stuck on the same task for hours on end.

Important things:

• Unfortunately, it’s not possible to intern at the studio outside of the time period that is listed top of this page. Applications for a time period other than the one listed on top of this page will not be taken into account. Sorry 🙂
• Please send over your portfolio with relevant projects + CV to my email address that is listed on this page. Please do not apply for an internship through social media or by phone.
• My response time to your application varies between 2 days to 1 week.
• If you’re from outside of the Netherlands, you might be eligible for the Erasmus+ programme.

Curious about some behind-the-scenes photos? Check out the intern-run Instagram account over here.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about an internship.

With regards,

Joyce

Review no.14, by Sonia Fresco, a student in the field of Fine Art, Università Iuav di Venezia, Italy. September-December 2025.

“I did my internship with Joyce from september 25 till december 25, in these three months i learned exactly what i was hoping to learn. Since i’m studying visual arts in Venice and came to the Netherlands to both fill my curiosity on the culture there and on how an artist studio works, I can proudly say that this internship was the right choice.
I really liked my experience here at the studio and got to know the other interns really well, which made the experience super fun but also I can say that Joyce is a really caring person and she’s always there to make sure we feel comfortable during the internship and making sure we’re learning things that are useful for our study field and for our future as well (but we also have so much fun).
I recommend this internship to all the possible future interns, and I give this experience a ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ review! :)”

Review no.13, by Jaun Moon, a student in the field of Textile Design, KABK, The Hague, The Netherlands. September-November 2025.

“I completed a three-month internship here, and as a student studying textiles, it was an especially meaningful opportunity. Since most of the work is done by hand, this internship requires patience and attention to detail. However, it never felt boring—the process itself is enjoyable, and watching the pieces come together little by little is truly fascinating. Even though the techniques were new and sometimes difficult, the designer explained everything step by step, no matter how many times I asked. She is incredibly calm, and even when mistakes happen, she works with you to find a solution. So even if you are not a textile design major, I highly recommend this internship if you are interested in art or crafts!
During the internship, you will also have many chances to experience various art events in the Netherlands. From large exhibitions to small independent designers, so you also get to explore a lot of Dutch culture.
The atmosphere in the studio is very calm and comfortable. I felt that the designer treated every intern kindly and created a very welcoming environment. As a university student preparing to enter the professional world, I also learned many important skills—how to communicate with other designers, how to use social media, how to manage emotions and time, and more. Watching the designer made me think a lot about what I should prepare for my own future.
Of course, work is the main focus and the internship is taken seriously, but it is far from boring. By the time the internship ends, you will have formed a strong bond and feel sad to leave. She is truly a designer you will want to work with again in the future!”

Review no.12 by Mathilde Clapier, a student in the field of Materials and Textile Design, Cantau High School, Anglet, France. May-July 2025.

“I was an intern at Joyce’s studio from may to july 2025.
Joyce cares about the fact that the interns feel good at the studio (and also in the Netherlands for foreign interns like me). She was always present to answer my questions about whatever I needed and she also gave me some advice on visiting some cities, exhibitions and cultural places…
I feel like this was the best internship of my life. Indeed, beyond teaching me how to master the techniques she worked with, she showed me many aspects of being an artist, such as communication, and how to adapt when something wasn’t working in the process of creating an artwork.Moreover, she uses a lot of different textile techniques and that was really enriching because she took time to teach me many of them and that will be beneficial for my studies in textile design.
The atmosphere at the studio is enjoyable. As she teaches new techniques to the interns, she knows that we cannot master them right away, so we try on sample pieces, then we can work on her art pieces. This allows us to learn without pressure and to be proud to help on her artworks.
To finish, I highly recommend interning at Joyce’s studio and would love to do it a second time ! This was a lovely experience.”

Review no.11 by Andreia Correia, a graduate student in the field of Fine Arts at the University of Porto, Portugal. February-May 2025.

“From February to May 2025, I interned at Joyce Studio through the Erasmus+ program. With a background in painting and only basic sewing skills, I was welcomed into a supportive and stress free workplace. Joyce was patient, observant and provided an environment where I could comfortably learn new techniques for her projects such as bead weaving and bobbin lace. She was also keen in sharing her knowledge about the art business, which added a valuable professional insight to the experience.

Beyond the studio work, Joyce showed genuine care for our well-being. She helped me adapt to the new country by offering advice on accommodation, introducing me to local culture through food, language, and cycling, and sharing insights about politics and society. Her caring nature made the transition both smoother and more authentic.

During the internship, I also had the chance to attend exhibition openings and art fairs with Joyce and the fellow interns, which gave me a better understanding of the art world and the importance of networking. She encouraged social and alternative activities that helped strengthen the bond among the colleagues. These four months were meaningful, and I left with new skills, valuable experiences, and lasting memories of (Joy)ce Studio. Dank u wel! “

Review no.10 by Eloïse Hess, an graduate in the field of Art History and Archeology from Université de Montpellier. April 2025.

“I spent 1 month in Joyce’s studio for an international internship, which was enough to learn about multiple sewing techniques, and much more :
She also took me and the other interns to multiple art events in the Netherlands, which allowed me to learn more about the current art world and meet many different people. I appreciated how invested she was in immersing us as much as possible in her work process, in and out of the studio.
At the studio itself, I have to say that it didn’t feel like working, in the best way possible : infinite tea and true crime shows to pass the days, and the general atmosphere with Joyce and the others was really relaxed while still working hard and learning a lot. Joyce also introduced me and the other international intern to a lot of aspect of Dutch culture, which was super fun.
My one month at the studio went by really fast as it was really full, and I left with great memories, new skills and valuable experience in the art field.
I would definitely recommend this internship and would do it again!”

(There were no internships available for August 2024-January 2025, hence there are no reviews of that period)

Review no.9 by Aukje van Geel, a student in the field of Advertising at Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam. May 2024.

“For my self-directed internship, I applied at Joyce to work in her studio for a short period (3 weeks.) Even in this short time, Joyce allowed me to learn different techniques and disciplines and took me on a journey through her craftsmanship. In a short time I was able to soak in valuable insights about the art world. The atmosphere in the studio is great and makes you feel very welcomed. I am especially grateful for the time and energy Joyce put into her interns. She makes sure you leave the studio well-nourished with information and skills!”

Review no.8, by Anna Kitija Ziediņa, an interior design student from Riga Technical University Liepaja Academy (RTU LA). February – April 2024.

“I went on a erasmus internship for Joyce Overheul, in two months I got to see some part of the art world and learn about promoting myself as an individual. I got to see the way she does things and help her out in the studio. I believe that this internship made my view of working a lot different, since the experience I had before was vastly different from working for Joyce (mostly because in Latvia the workload was not explained in detail). I felt more at ease, could understand what she wanted from me as an intern and had a fun time while making art. The feeling in the studio was light, you could talk with Joyce like a sister, I felt welcomed here. It was fun, I’d definitely do it again.”

Review no.7, by Kirsten van der Meij, an Art & Education student from Willem de Kooning Academie Rotterdam. November 2023.

“My internship with Joyce was short (4 days), but in this short time I learned a lot. The atmosphere at the studio is pleasant, and everything is well organized. Joyce tries not to let the handwork be repetitive and teaches you many different techniques. Joyce also takes us to exhibitions, where you get to know more artists. She has an extensive network of artists and knows lots about entrepreneurship, which comes with life as an artist. Above all, Joyce herself is a fun person to work with.”

Review no.6, by Sam van Tol, a student of Art, Communication and Design at Fontys Hogeschool, Tilburg. August-December 2023

“During my internship with Joyce Overheul, I learned a lot on a technical level, but she also showed me what it is like to be an artist. For example, I was allowed to attend many openings, she showed me how her production process worked, and she wanted to teach me and the other interns as much knowledge and techniques as possible before we graduated. Due to the time-consuming work, I have become more patient and noticed that I have made great progress on a technical level. Joyce immediately sees which details in her work are important and which are not, which makes you learn to work differently and more efficiently.

The atmosphere in the studio was always charming and there was always room for humor, which made the days fly by. Joyce was understanding, and flexible, and liked to think along with solutions when there was a problem. In addition to working in the studio, we regularly visited a museum or went out for a day to gain inspiration. Conclusion: I have had a super nice and educational period, and will recommend this internship to other students!”

Review no.5, by Beyza Tasova, a student in the field of Textile and Fashion Design from Bilgi University (TR). August-October 2023

“I applied to Joyce Overheul for my Erasmus internship program as a textile and fashion design student to explore a niche that is related to not only textiles but also art. During my internship, I learned and gained hands-on experience in bead weaving, including the creation of intricate shapes, such as bullets, and stitching these bead weavings onto fabric. I also discovered how bead weaving is connected with bead weaving software to create stunning tapestries. My internship provided me with a fresh perspective on art promotion and public relations, particularly through my involvement in the Calendar project and participation in exhibition opening days. The processes of setting up and dismantling exhibitions, as well as handling the transportation of artworks, played a significant role in Joyce’s work. While assisting the artist Joyce Overheul, I had a remarkable opportunity on the opening day of Vlampijpateliers to exhibit my own handmade upcycled plastic jewelry, which I had personally designed. I also had the privilege of visiting numerous museums and galleries in the Netherlands, focusing on art, textiles, fashion, and jewelry, alongside Joyce’s team. Throughout these journeys, I realized the potential of integrating bead weaving and plastic recycling practices. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from Joyce was the importance of working smart, not just hard. I found it incredibly beneficial that my internship with her allowed me to focus on gaining rich experiences. I wholeheartedly recommend interning at Joyce Overheul for students pursuing careers in arts and fashion.”

Review no.4, by Yuna Bourguinat, a Textile Design graduate from Lycée Gustave Eiffel Bordeaux (FR). October 22-June 2023

“My internship at the studio of Joyce Overheul was a really rich experience. I was able to practice and learn a lot of different textile handcraft techniques while also experiencing the artistic world (going to openings, visiting art fairs, and building exhibitions). Joyce is a really good tutor, always attentive and cheerful. It’s a pleasure to work with her and Luna her assistant.  There is always a good atmosphere in the studio. As an international intern (France) I also appreciated the cultural Dutch lessons Joyce gave me while working. The studio is English friendly so it’s the perfect place for an Erasmus internship!
If you are considering doing an internship at the studio Joyce Overheul, stop thinking and send a motivation letter right now! “

Review no.3, by Chelsea van der Bent, a 3rd year student at HKU, BA Fine Art. April 2022

“I’m a third year student at HKU, and make work that I hope will sometime get me in the same circles as Joyce. This is why I applied, to get a better insight as to how my future could look and what steps to take in order to achieve that.
The first time we met, Joyce and I immediately clicked. It felt very laid-back and she had a clear overview of what we would be working on together. We worked on some really big projects, which was really cool! I also got to attend her masterclass at de Fundatie in Zwolle. All in all I learned a lot on how to make connections with the right people, how to go about doing big projects and how to stay true to your morals while also making a name for yourself in modern days art world.”

Review no.2, by Luna van Acker, a 3rd year student at HKU, BA Fine Art. October 2021

“Internship Joyce Overheul summer of 2021

In the summer of 2021 for about two months I did an internship for Joyce Overheul. Around three times a week I would come to her studio in Zuilen and assist with a whole range work, to name a few:
Cutting, stitching, and stuffing fabric, assisting with a photoshoot, learning about different making methods, to sorting out articles, building up and helping for This Art fair, joining for meetings and borrels with other artists, to lots of interesting insightful conversations about social constructs, media, feminism, taxes and also what’s it like being an artist and the Utrecht art scene.

It was truly lovely being an intern for Joyce. It felt very professional and organised in the sense that it was always clear what work had to be done. And at the same time fun and comfortable to talk and ask regarding all the questions I was curious about.

The internship felt perfect for someone like me. I make conceptual digital art and installations, just rounded off my third year of fine art HKU, and was completely intimidated by what the future would behold after my final fourth year of Art academy.
The internship with Joyce helped me a lot to give me a clearer insight what steps it entails to be a professional artist in the Netherlands in this day and age. And as a bonus learn about various techniques regarding textile work.

100% recommend”

Review no.1, by Kara Geraerts, a 3rd year student at HKU, BA Photography. July 2021

“During my first visit at the studio, Joyce and I clicked right away. As an intern you experience how much time and attention is spent on every art object. It is beautiful to share this passion for arts and crafts.

Communicating with Joyce went very well, there was always a clear schedule of what needed to be done and you always knew what was next on the agenda. There is a nice work atmosphere in the studio, you get a lot of personal attention and Joyce is always in for a nice chat.

Joyce has a lot of experience and likes to share her knowledge. She shows interest in your personal learning goals. She also has an extensive network and I have met nice and inspiring people, among which a couple artists at the Vlampijp Studios.

I will definitely drop by in the future!”