BLACK AND WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS

Black and white editorial illustrations 

Anything is possible. My illustrations are always based on ink and lines, but in this collection, you'll notice they go beyond simple line drawings. These illustrations feature more black, added details, and crosshatching to create depth and texture. I also enjoy playing with light, depth, and perspective to bring the idea to life.

On this page, I’d like to give you a sense of a selection of illustrations I’ve created, all drawn with black pen. My black and white illustrations can range from simple line art to more intricate and detailed designs. For each project, I carefully consider what’s needed and what will best suit the purpose.
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Below, you’ll find a small selection of the work I’ve created in recent years. Would you like to know more, or do you already have an idea in mind? I’d love to collaborate and brainstorm with you. Feel free to send me an email or call my agency (+31) 6-24286745 for more information.

Black and White illustration New York
Bathroom New York 30 x 40 cm (11.81 x 15.75 inches)
Illustration from the series:
What does New York look like if you’ve never been there?

In this series, I first draw locations from around the world and then visit them in real life. There’s something magical about studying and drawing a place before finally seeing it in person.


High detailed black and white illustration New York
New York Rooftop
I enjoy working in a larger format, and this illustration is an example of that. When scaled down to a smaller size, it creates a refined effect.
I create some illustrations in large format: 16.53 inches x 22.9 inches. This illustration is one of them. 

Handmade high detailed black and white drawing

New York Rooftop (Making of)
When I create an illustration in black and white, my hatching and patterns become my 'colors.' Through crosshatching, I can create shadow, light, and depth within the illustration.

black and white french illustrator
Illustration: Pastry shop
A shop window of a Paris patisserie during Halloween. This illustration clearly shows that black and white can also be warm and atmospheric without the use of color.
contrast in zwart-wit illustraties
Illustration: Spirit

Minimalistic black and white drawing
Have a handmade black and white illustration made
humorous black and white illustration Melanie Drent

Illustration: Inspiration is Everywhere.

black and white illustration raven

Illustration: Raven

animal illustration in black and white

Illustration: Live Stock

Overview of highly detailed black and white illustrations

Overview of the 22 drawings for the book

Breda Folktales.

black and white Christmas illustration

Illustration: Christmas dinner

Emily in Paris as a black and white illustration
Café de Flore is an old restaurant in Paris. In the past, many high-profile writers and philosophers came here. Café de Flore also features in the currently popular series "Emily in Paris" on Netflix. I drew my sister and me my sister and myself on the terrace with the waiter.
black and white illustration clowns hand drawn

Illustration: Pressure

black and white editorial illustration nutcracker

Illustration: Stuck

black and white editorial for a magazine

Illustration: Hotel Central in Rotterdam during the Rotterdam Film Festival

I made this Black and White editorial illustration for the Column 'Was Getekend' in the Newspaper Vers Beton

black and white drawn illustration Alice in Wonderland

Illustration: Alice in Wonderland

Illustration asthma in black and white

Illustration: Big Elephant.


Many people have an elephant in their lives. Some are big, others small and scared or commenting from a corner. For example, a chronic illness such as asthma can sometimes be so invisible to the other person. I made that with this illustration visible

black and white illustration about marriage proposal Paris

Illustration: Marriage Proposal
In Paris, I saw two people hiding from the rain under a tree on their way to the Eiffel Tower. I had to look twice under my umbrella. I thought to myself, "Hey, is this really happening?" I thought it was fantastic. There were more of these trees, and it was striking that the tree suddenly had five trunks. What were they doing there? It seemed like the perfect place for a secret meeting, a hidden kiss, or even a marriage proposal at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. How would it feel, just the two of you, under such a tree?

black and white drawn illustration childerensbook

Illustration: Knot

flower illustration drawn in black and white
detailed black and white illustration lumberjack
detailed black and white illustration Switzerland

Let's connect!


Do you want to have a black and white editorial illustration made?

Discuss the possibilities for your project today. I like to think along with you and look forward to making it tangible.


info@melaniedrent.nl






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Melanie Drent, illustrator of childern's books, books and magazines
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