For almost a decade now, I’ve immersed myself in the captivating world of court photography. It’s a surreal thought when I think back over the years; time seems to have slipped by unnoticed. My approach has evolved over time. Gone are the days of aimless wandering through city streets in search of courts. Nowadays, I meticulously scout them out on Google Maps or Earth before setting off on my expeditions.

My passion has taken on a more structured form, with dedicated trips solely to capture the essence of these courts. Yet, besides the methodical planning, the thrill and exhilaration remain unchanged. I’m in it for the long haul; there’s no end in sight to this endless journey of exploration. I will keep my eye out for those hidden gems.

I’m Thijs Janssen, a creative digital designer with a decade of experience. I’ve had the privilege of working with agencies, corporations, and start-ups, developing my craft across various industries. But beyond the day-to-day grind, I pour my heart into this passion project, World of Hoops. I’m constantly searching for the most unique and weird locations to capture the cultural richness found around the lines of basketball courts from around the world.

A few years back, I did some volunteering at a local basketball club called RZ (Rotterdam Zuid Basketball). The club had financial difficulties at the moment I joined the board. Initially, I joined as a designer, driven by a vision to transform the club’s image, making it “the most professional-looking” amateur club in the Netherlands. Eventually, I stepped up as vice-president and served in that role for about three years. Together worked tirelessly to revive the club, steering it back to financial stability and sporting success. Which in the end we were managed to do.

As a designer, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some remarkable brands throughout my career, including adidas, Miele, BBDO, and Philips.