Book illustration
Do you want to release your story as an illustrated book? Then you’ve come to the right place!
My illustrations are frequently used in books for businesses, writers, publishers, and government organizations, both in black-and-white and color. When it comes to color, I can incorporate one or more colors from the client’s branding or style guide. This also applies to children's books. Anything is possible, with the foundation often being black-and-white illustrations.
With years of experience in book creation, I understand the importance of visual storytelling. Illustrations can not only complement the text but also clarify the message, add a playful tone, and enhance the overall atmosphere of the story. My style is characterized by simplicity and humor, which also reflects my approach to life. I enjoy simplifying things and approaching situations with a positive mindset, often with a wink. This simplification of reality is evident in my illustrations: sometimes a simple line drawing is all that’s needed, while for children’s books, I can indulge in rich, detailed artwork.
For each project, I work closely with you to determine what’s needed to bring the story to life visually. Let’s work together to bring your story to life!
Green Brain Teasers
For the book Green Brain Teasers, I created 14 illustrations and the book cover. It’s a book about sustainability. All illustrations in this book are line drawings printed on uncoated FSC Munken paper.
In this case, the client requested an additional color (PMS green) to be used alongside black and white. The branding of the Brain Teasers series is green (symbolizing a better, sustainable world), and this created a nice, cohesive green and rounded narrative.
book cover: from the book the Brein Brekers
(In English Brein Brekers means Brain Teasers)
Book cover: of the book Brain Teasers.
Overview of illustrations
The book provides answers to questions related to socially relevant topics, such as food waste, solar energy, the future of the natural gas network, and the barriers to bio-cremation.
Graphic design: Studio-10 and B5 studio.
Pittige Piraten en zwierige zeemeerminnen
In the book Spicy Pirates and Swirly Mermaids, which was published in October 2024 by OVERAMSTEL Publishers (imprint Moon), I illustrated the story Rijmpje and the Ink Fisher. This story was written by Mohana van den Kroonenberg. (reading level: from 6 years old)
In this story, I literally brought ink together with color as a metaphor for the story about an ink fisher.
In total, I created 10 illustrations. Below are some sneak previews of my illustrations.
Book illustration:Rijmpje and the Ink Fisherman
One of the 10 illustrations for the story of Rijmpje and the Ink Fisherman. From the story collection: Spicy Pirates and Swirling Mermaids.
Sneak preview of the book illustrations
All book illustrations for the story of Rijmpje and the Ink Fisherman were hand-drawn in large format, ranging from 297 x 420 mm to 420 x 594 mm. All drawings were scanned in high resolution and resized to the book's format.
Book illustration:Rijmpje and the Ink Fisherman
One of the 10 illustrations for the story of Rijmpje and the Ink Fisherman. From the story collection: Spicy Pirates and Swirling Mermaids.
Sneak preview of the book illustrations
All book illustrations for the story of Rijmpje and the Ink Fisherman were hand-drawn in large format, ranging from 297 x 420 mm to 420 x 594 mm. All drawings were scanned in high resolution and resized to the book's format.
In this video, I talk about the illustration process—how illustrations are added to a book. In this case, from the story 'Rijmpje and the Ink Fisherman' in the book Spicy Pirates and Swirling Mermaids.
Breda Folk Tales
A fairy tale book with folk stories about Breda. The book cover is in color, and the other 22 illustrations are drawn with black pen. Through hatching, perspective, and shadows, the illustrations become a bit deeper.
The book cover of Breda Folktales.
The Spanjaardsgat with the Grote Kerk in Breda in the background drawn in colored pencil. The Breda Folktales logo is printed on the book with gold foil.
Illustrations from the book Bredase Folktales.
All hand drawn in large format ranging from 297 x 420 mm to 420 x 594 mm. All drawings are scanned in high resolution. They are also available as a high-quality print in my webshop at www.melaniedrent.com
Illustration of the Nassaus in the castle of Breda.
The nice thing about drawing historical illustrations is that I really have to do research to get the drawing right. What did the people eat?, What did the interior look like? What were they wearing?
Together with my imagination this leads to new illustrations of what it would have looked like at that time.
Breda Castle. Drawn as it may have looked in the past.
Today, the entrance is located in a different position.
illlustration: The Statue of Kesteren
Each illustration for Bredase Volksverhalen is hand-drawn.
This photo shows all the illustrations before they were sent to the designer and printer.
Inside of the book Bredase Folktales in Spot UV (special printing technique with transparent ink)
Find out more about this illustration and the process of this special children's book here
In 7 steps to a rich life - Iris Brik
Am I the person I want to be, or am I the person I want others to see me as?"
For financial planner Iris Brik, I created the book and the 12 illustrations for her book 'In 7 Steps to a Rich Life': a step-by-step plan to lead a rich life (not just financially). The book is available at various bookstores, including Donner in Rotterdam, and of course, online. Below is an overview of a few illustrations featured in the book.
The text of the book is purposeful, light-hearted, and written with humor by the author. The graphic design of the book by www.estherwerkt.nl is clear and transparent. I have drawn the illustrations with a playful touch and clean lines. By approaching the subject of the text from a different angle, the illustration doesn’t become explanatory or instructional, but instead encourages you to read the text.
The book: "7 Steps to a Wealthy Life" in the bookstore.
Can you already picture your book on the shelves of a bookstore?
The text of the book is purposeful, light-hearted, and written with humor by the author. The graphic design of the book by www.estherwerkt.nl is clear and transparent. I have drawn the illustrations with a playful touch and clean lines. By approaching the subject of the text from a different angle, the illustration doesn’t become explanatory or instructional, but instead encourages you to read the text.
Illustration: Narcissism.
For example, on page 169, I created the illustration about narcissism. I deliberately chose to approach this intense subject in a more humorous way, rather than focusing on fear. In the illustration, a sense of awareness emerges, which the text then elaborates on. (Narcissists, of course, can also be women.)
Illustration: The influence of Social Media
A very familiar situation for many people. (p.33)
Illustration: Focus
On page 95, I created an illustration about "not being able to say no" or trying to keep all the balls in the air.
I also created all 12 other illustrations in this same style.
Illustration: Fear
On page 69, I created an illustration about separation anxiety. When even the bear rug wants you to stay.
Illustration can be used in so many different ways...
Book illustrations for the Voor de Kunst Magazine Book.
"Parents in the lead"
I created a series of 7 book illustrations for this bookazine, in black and white combined with colored pencil in the colors of the brand's house style. (Graphic design: Studio-10)
Illustration for a book cover for the Whitepaper
'Breaking barriers
A white paper on sustainable organizational change.
Drawn in ink, combined with colored pencil.
Graphic design: Tineke Kooistra & Boudewijn Boer
Illustration as a cover on a cycling map.
For 076 Bicycles, the Municipality of Zundert, and Sjees, I created an illustration on behalf of Sunshine Apples about the cycling routes on this map.
Copywriter @pmvangentbreda
Illustration for Moleskine printed in a limited edition of 1000 pieces for a fine client from Switzerland.
More information about this illustration and assignment can be found here.
During the exhibition of the Red Dot Design Award, I saw the book for which I created the illustrations and graphic design (picture below).
Two of my books received a Red Dot Design Award, and another book won a European Design Award. I would love to collaborate with you to determine what your story or book cover needs.
The role of book illustrations is incredibly versatile—ranging from supporting and additional illustrations to standalone artwork. Informative and hand-drawn infographics are also an option. I create custom book illustrations for every project.
Email for more information
Behind the front door
A fairy tale book with folk stories about Breda. The book cover is in color, and the other 22 illustrations are drawn with black pen. Through hatching, perspective, and shadows, the illustrations become a bit deeper.
Book cover illustration for the book: Behind the Front Door
I created a series of 6 book illustrations for this book, one of which appears on the book cover.
Illustration for the story: Beastly Chaos
In this scene, Magreet visits a new client and accidentally knocks the birdcage off the shelf. The result is a mess, with teacups flying through the air. The dog is not too happy about it either.
Illustration for the story: Winter Weather
Illustration for the story: The Final Party
Illustration for the story: Afraid
In this scene, a boy is afraid of society. He has a large stockpile of water and bulletproof vests in his house.
Illustration for the story: Animals, More Animals
agreet visits a new client who has a house full of animals, including birds and dogs.
Let's Connect!
Would you like to have a book illustration created? Are you interested in my style and approach?
Let’s discuss the possibilities for your project today. I’d love to collaborate and brainstorm with you
