Mudguard x Fontys: Meaningful You Challenge
A CHALLENGE THAT HIT DIFFERENT
From March to May 2025, Mudguard stepped into a completely different world: the classrooms of Fontys Hogeschool Eindhoven. Here, first-year students who weren’t sure yet which direction to take on their HBO-journey were given a chance to explore through challenges. One of those challenges was “Meaningful You.” That’s where we came in.
Kik, founder of Mudguard, connected with Davey and Hannah, two dedicated guides for these groups. Together, we shaped a challenge around creativity, identity, and community impact. The idea wasn’t to sell clothes. It was to show students that storytelling, design, and vision can change the way you see yourself, and the world around you.
WHAT THE CHALLENGE STOOD FOR
“Meaningful You” wasn’t about ticking boxes or doing schoolwork. It was about teaming up, identifying a target group, doing real research, and then creating a product, service, or story that carried true meaning for that group.
Students had to document their entire design process in a mini-documentary, reflect on their role in the team, and present their end result interactively. In short: it wasn’t about right or wrong answers. It was about growth, courage, and creativity.
When Kik introduced Mudguard, the task was clear:
Develop a visual online campaign.
Not a standard Meta ad, not a recycled format, but something bold and a bit crazy. A short movie, viral content, or a cinematic story that makes people feel. That’s what Mudguard stands for, no fast fashion, but emotion, art, and impact.
STUDENTS TURNING INTO CREATORS
The results were really cool. Multiple groups created short movies, each with their own unique angle. Some were completely in line with the brand, others were wildly creative and challenged us to think differently. That’s the point, creativity doesn’t always fit neatly inside the lines, and that’s where the magic happens.
The proudest moment? Seeing students who walked in doubting their creativity, walk out with concepts that carried power. One student even felt so inspired that he decided to start his own fashion label. Later, he had a one-on-one call with Kik to get tips on how to take his first steps. That’s impact. That’s why we do it.
BUILDING CULTURE BEYOND CLOTHING
This collaboration with Fontys wasn’t about grades. It was about mindset. About showing students that whether you design a tee, film a short, or build a campaign, it’s all storytelling. And when you realize your story matters, you start to believe you matter.
THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING MEANINGFUL
Mudguard x Fontys wasn’t just a one-off challenge. It was proof that fashion, culture, and education can collide in ways that inspire the next generation. We’re already looking forward to more collaborations where we can keep building, keep inspiring, and keep pushing boundaries.
To Davey, Hannah, and every student who took part: thank you for letting us be part of your journey. You showed us that meaning isn’t something you find, it’s something you create.
Love,
Mudguard
