Veerle's blog

After a long search I finally found someone from Belgium again that I am proud to feature here.

Hi There! My name is Maarten Vande Wiele, I'm 29 years old, live in Gentbrugge, Belgium and I'm an illustrator/ comic book artist.

Maarten's illustrations are cheerful, even with a touch of humor, I like that. Women are definitely his favorite subject and the use of fixed simplified shapes in combination with a vibrant color palette is what sets him apart. Also the way he plays with the big eyes in most of his drawings makes his work very recognizable.

Has drawing always been your full time job and was it hard to get your name known in Belgium or abroad so that you could make a living out of it?

No, it hasn't always been my full time job. When I came fresh out of school I had to take all sorts of misereable part-time jobs and drew in my free time, but as years progressed I was able to get more work as an illustrator. No start is easy, but you just have to keep on going. The more work you get, the more you are making a name for yourself, but I'm still not anywhere near where I want to be. The sad truth is, not many illustrator's get famous. There are no real superstars.

Can you explain a little how a typical illustration comes together. I mean the workflow from coming up with the idea till finished piece?

It's always a struggle between what you want to draw and what the client wants to see. I want to have a little fun while I draw, but the client has to be happy too. Usually I get inspired by all sorts of things, like a movie or a great picture. It could be an elegant pose... anything really. I usually work very fast, so I get the idea, I start sketching, try to find an interesting composition. I usually do my commercial work in 'Illustrator', so I scan the sketch and redraw it in 'Illustrator'. 'Illustrator' is wonderfull, you can tweak the design, play with the colours as long as you want. I love it. It's a great tool.

Your art always has a nice color palette. Any tricks you like to share on how you come up with them?

Look at everything. Ads, other people's work, comic books and steal, steal, steal! After a while you'll be able to work out what colors work good toghether and which ones are a disaster. The color has to fit your illustration and the mood you are trying to give it.

Does your working environment has an influence on your inspiration or work?

Yes, a little. If my desk is messy I'm not able to work. Your working environment should be a fun place, because work should be fun. I don't believe in being miserable, because when I'm miserable I can't work. Period.

What's your ultimate dream project as an illustrator?

Working for 'Vogue' or 'Vanity Fair' would be fabulous. Are you reading this Anna?

More examples at Maarten's website Dollywood and while you are at it take a look at Maarten's blog Champagne Cat Fight too.