Bio

Profession: Illustrator | Location: Middelburg, Netherlands

Ruth Hengeveld was born and raised in the Netherlands. While studying Social Pedagogy in school, she realized that she wanted to infuse more creativity into her life. She attended art and design school at AKV St. Joost, where she graduated in 2011 as an illustrator. Now she enjoys working in her own illustration world of ecoline, pencil, and ice cream with caramel sauce.

What Inspires Your Work?

I would say everything! Nature, other illustrators, writers and artists, colors and color combinations, going to the museum and personal interests. I really love to use my own interests like camping, design and nature in my illustrations. Actually, I don't think that's a choice ;)

What Are Your Favorite Mediums And Tools To Use?

I often use ecoline, a liquid watercolor. It dries within minutes and it has bright colors. I love to combine the watercolors with other textures like (mechanical) pencil, colored pencils, paper and some digital touches.

What Is One Word You Would Use To Describe Your Studio Space?

Inspiring, at least that's what I hope ;)

What Is Your Favorite Thing About Your Studio Space?

Oh that's hard to choose. My large desk with my iMac on one side, and plenty of space for my light tablet and drawings on the other. The brightness, my collection of favourite picture books, the view from my window...

What Are Three Items In Your Workspace That You Can’t Live Without?

Hm that would be my iMac, my Wacom tablet and my scanner, but also my pencils, paper and watercolors. I always start my illustrations with analog materials. 

What Does A Day In The Life Look Like For You? What Are Your Daily Habits?

I start the day with tea and breakfast.  And during the day there is always a full thermosflask with tea or hot water in my kitchen, which ensures a little walk when my glass is empty. In the morning I try to catch up with my email and start a to do list. After that, I'll work on my illustration jobs, acquisition or administration. 

I love to work from home, especially around lunchtime, when I can make a fresh lunch in my own kitchen. After lunch, I often go outside for a walk. 

I try to work for at least 8 hours a day, also regularly in the evenings when I don't have other plans. But I try to work productively and affectively to have some free time in the evening. 

How Do You Practice Self-Care Throughout The Day?

I try to go for a walk each day and I take time to make healthy and fresh meals. My thermosflask with tea stays in the kitchen on purpose, so I force myself to get out of my chair. I also try to make use of the advantages of being my own boss with flexible work hours, and allow myself to join interesting illustration courses or training sessions.

How Do You Store Your Artwork?

I store my illustrations in big envelopes and I back up my digital illustrations. And I have a big secondhand drawing file cabinet with lots of envelops and loose papers. 

You can find more of Ruth’s work here:

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