This scholarly edition was created by Daisy Evers and Johanna Pichl, who are currently pursuing their master's degrees in Media Studies: Digital Cultures (2024/2025) at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) at Maastricht University.
Our contribution focuses on the historical, cultural, and social significance of Kermit the Frog, drawing on academic perspectives as well as our shared interest in the enduring legacy of this iconic character. To give you a better sense of who we are and where we come from, we would like to briefly introduce ourselves.
Daisy Evers
Hi there, I’m Daisy! Before starting my master’s in Media Studies at Maastricht University, I completed a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, also in Maastricht. During my bachelor’s, I moved from traditional painting to digital art, focusing mainly on 3D modelling and animation. This shift combined my passion for visual creativity with my long-standing interest in computers and video games, where my enthusiasm for digital storytelling truly began. What I enjoy most about working with 3D is its endless possibilities, as there is always something new to learn or create. Alongside my interest in practical creation, I’ve also been curious about the theoretical and research-oriented side of media. This was one of the reasons I decided to continue with the Media Studies master's program: I wanted to understand not only how to make media but also how media shape and influence us as individuals and societies.
Contributing to this Kermit the Frog Voyager Edition felt like the perfect way to combine these two worlds. I could apply my technical skills while exploring the cultural and historical significance of a character I grew up with. I have fond memories of watching The Muppet Show with my mother, which made working on this project feel both meaningful and fun. It was a pleasure to collaborate with Johanna on this edition. Her attention to detail, writing skills, and critical insights elevated the project, and our teamwork allowed us to blend visual design and academic research smoothly. I hope you enjoy this edition as much as we enjoyed creating it!
Johanna Pichl
Hi, my name is Johanna! Before coming to Maastricht, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Communication and Documentation in Germany in 2022. Since my previous studies mainly focused on the practical and technical dimensions of media, I was eager to complement this knowledge with a deeper understanding of how technology influences society and how, in turn, society shapes technology. This curiosity led me to this master’s program.
Kermit has been a familiar companion to me since childhood, when I regularly watched Sesame Street on German television. Like many childhood characters, he faded into the background as I grew older, but I reconnected with him through internet culture, where his expressiveness speaks to me more than ever.
Although I had already worked with 3D programs before, this project was a completely new and enriching experience. I not only advanced my technical skills but also gained a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and value of toys. What I enjoyed most was completing this final project alongside my dear friend Daisy, which was not only rewarding but also a real pleasure. She contributed valuable 3D skills that made the model look as it does today and always had my back, for instance when I completely messed up the tag. Thanks to our open, clear, and direct communication, we were able to overcome such challenges.
So, kudos to Daisy for her skills, patience, and great teamwork, and to Jona, who kindly lent us the Kermit figure that made this project possible in the first place. I hope you enjoyed our edition and that we were able to share some of the fascination and meaning Kermit holds beyond the screen.