Hi, I’m Justus van Eijk—an ambitious, 19-year-old creator with big dreams and an even bigger vision. I was born on May 26th, 2005, in the beautiful city of Utrecht, Netherlands. After finishing high school in 2023, I immediately knew I needed to take a gap year to focus on my true passion: Nova Pangea, the TV series I’m dedicated to creating.
As an optimistic opportunist, I’ve learned to never see anything as impossible. Sure, I recognize the challenges ahead, but I’ve taught myself to embrace a growth mindset. To me, every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and I’m not afraid to take risks to make things happen. That’s why I’m embarking on a journey to New York for two months—to prove (mostly to myself) that if I work hard, stay determined, and connect with the right people, anything is achievable.
One of my favorite things in life is meeting new people. While it can be scary sometimes, I thrive in environments where I can form deeper connections. This love for understanding people on a deeper level is why I’m drawn to psychology, which I may study next year alongside producing Nova Pangea. But more than that, I’ve always been fascinated by the quirks of the human mind. I love knowing what makes people tick, and psychology is a way to dive deeper into that curiosity.
I’m a foodie at heart—sushi and Italian cuisine top the list—but there’s one thing I just can’t get behind: mushrooms. The combination of texture and taste just doesn’t work for me.
I also enjoy traveling, having spent time in Thailand during my first gap year, immersing myself in new cultures and experiences.
Despite my adventurous spirit, I’m not immune to fear. I’m scared of spiders, the dark, and the deep. Approaching new people can also be challenging, but I’m always working to push myself outside my comfort zone. That’s something I try to apply to everything in my life, especially in my creative work.
Movies have always been a passion, but after learning about the art of filmmaking, I now watch them with a completely new perspective. It’s fascinating to see the magic behind the scenes. When I’m not diving into a film or working on my projects, you’ll likely find me hanging out with friends—people who make me feel comfortable enough to sit back, be quiet, and still enjoy the moment.
Although I’m 19, I feel much older, having lived through experiences that have shaped me into someone who is mature beyond my years. One of the things I’m most excited about in life is having a pet dog, and I’ve already picked out a name: Moes (pronounced as Moose). Growing up with my mom, dad, and older sister in Utrecht has taught me the importance of family, and I’ve always been motivated by the support they give me.
I’ve had my struggles with mental health, which is why I’m so passionate about the themes of Nova Pangea. Mental health is not a flaw—it’s a vital part of who we are as humans. It’s something that shapes us, with both challenges and positive aspects when we learn to understand ourselves better. For me, the journey of mental health is not about fixing flaws but about growth and self-awareness. I’ve had moments where my mind races at night, and I dream a lot (sometimes even talking or sleepwalking), but I embrace this as part of my creative process.
I dislike being underestimated, especially when people judge my abilities based on my age or lack of experience. Though I may not have a long professional track record, I’ve proven time and again—through my previous jobs and personal projects—that I’m a fast learner and highly proactive.
During my gap year, while developing Nova Pangea, I also worked as an office manager at O My Bag Amsterdam, where I made sure everything in the office ran smoothly. This job required problem-solving, communication, and leadership—qualities I’ve always worked hard to develop. Alongside that, I gained experience in retail and customer service, working part-time as a sales associate. My role involved sustainability-focused selling, client experience, and problem-solving on the spot. Before that, I also worked at de Bijenkorf, PostNL, and Jumbo, where I developed my ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities.
Managing these jobs alongside my creative ambitions has taught me that I thrive under pressure and can juggle multiple projects at once. It also reinforced my belief that learning new things quickly is one of my strengths. Whether it’s navigating the demands of an office, leading a team, or making sure a store runs efficiently, I’ve proven that I can handle challenges head-on while staying committed to my bigger goals.
In everything I do, I trust my gut, even though it’s not always easy to believe in myself fully. But I’m determined to keep pushing forward, and I’m excited for what the future holds. Thanks for taking the time to get to know me!