Marlen Menze shares her thoughts with us – Marlen, originally from Hamburg and now living in Berlin. As a graphic designer, she works digitally, but also loves hands-on creative work – for example, tufting carpets or participating in workshops. She was part of an art collective for a long time, which strongly influenced her view of art and collaboration. For her, creativity is more than a profession; it's an attitude and a constant process.
A value that guides me in life...
For me, empathy means having a genuine sense for other people. I want to understand how someone is really feeling. I think it's important to listen attentively, read between the lines, and not pigeonhole anyone too quickly. For me, compassion means being present—even if I don't have a solution. Simply being there, honestly, openly, at eye level. That's important to me.
A value that continually challenges me...
Patience is a value I admire, especially people who master it. I often wish things would become clear more quickly, that processes could be shortened, that answers would come sooner. I'm someone who senses when something is moving – but waiting for the how and when is difficult.
A value that our society should live more by.
I think we should practice more integration. As a society, we often struggle to tolerate differences – cultural, linguistic, social. Yet, there's so much potential in this: new perspectives, new stories, new paths. I think this requires openness – but also structures that enable diversity. Integration is a mutual process: listening, allowing others to participate, sharing space.
