Mads Monsen started his photographic journey while studying art history at the University of Bergen, Norway.

He secured an apprenticeship with one of the commercial photography studios. Working with technical cameras, medium format and 35 millimeter as well as darkroom processing. The studio was the first of its kind to invest in digital camera equipment. Nerd fact: Working with Photoshop version 2.5.1 with the clone function tool.

After running his own commercial studio, Mads Monsen embarked for London, UK. He graduated from Central Saint Martin's with a BA (hons) Graphic Design. Nerd fact: Wrote his thesis on artificial intelligence and received a First.

Mads Monsen worked for Bagshawe Leahy in London before Atlas Industries offered to fly him to Ho Chi Minh City to work for their startup. Nerd fact: Received a licensed Fontographer by Macromedia as farewell present.

In Ho Chi Minh City Mads Monsen continued the journey and worked for Sun Flower Media. Both art directing magazines and running the in-house photography studio. Nerd fact: Both magazine titles Mads Monsen art directed were listed as number one within their segment by TNS Survey.

Mads Monsen and a fellow Norwegian, Sindre Østerås, helped Charming Vietnam with their magazine redesign. Nerd fact: New custom grid system as well as styles guides for a bilingual publication were developed.

Later, Mads Monsen took over the art direction of Word magazine and at first oversaw two city publications that later merged to one national magazine. Nerd fact: Complete overhaul of style guides and revamped sections as well as overall look without changing ad sizes.

Parallel to the publishing world, Mads Monsen is also running Studio MadsMonsen, a commercial photography studio. From products to production lines, from food shots to packaging design to editorial assignments and commercial productions. Nerd fact: Photographed both Ms Earth and Ms Air.

Mads Monsen still finds time for his latest adventure, the O&M Collection. Producing fine art photography for corporate gifts, hotel and resort interiors as well as a custom souvenir line highlighting Vietnam's cultural heritage. Nerd fact: Organising the transportation of a 5 meter wide and almost 3 meter tall custom made wood frame and get it delivered safely to Phu Quoc island was quite a feat.