With dreamy colour combos and a seemingly endless parade of snazzily dressed characters, the illustrated world of Aniek Bartels is never boring.

Hi Aniek! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to becoming a full-time illustrator?

I’m Aniek Bartels, born and raised in a small town in the Netherlands called Blaricum. As a little girl, you could always find me drawing somewhere in the house. I was a pretty shy kid, but drawing gave me self-confidence. That is when I decided that become an illustrator is my dream! This never changed, and I’ve worked really hard to make it happen. In 2010 I graduated as designer at the Graphic Lyceum in Utrecht and four years later I also graduated as an illustrator at the Art Academy Willem De Kooning in Rotterdam. Now a days you can find me working from my little home studio as a full-time illustrator. Where I live with my boyfriend Ziggy and bossy cat Tante Lien.

Your work is so playful and has so much gentle humour in it. Is there certain kind of person you have in mind when designing?

When I start with an illustration I always try to think like a child. Looking for that twist that brings a smile on your face. I think the power of drawing is that you can change reality, just like the imagination of kids.

I can recommend to everyone to bring out your inner child. It often makes certain situations much more fun than they are.

We love your sense of colour and your ability to combine pastels and more muted shades to delicious effect. How do you approach colour in your work?

Everywhere I come I keep my eyes open for the coolest color combinations. I make pictures to collect them for future projects. I like to combine bright colors and more pastel or saturated colors because this is how I can bring more contrast and accents to my work.

Much of your work features fun characters, usually animals in fabulous outfits and accessories! What is it about animals that is such a source of inspiration to you and what inspires you anthropomorphise them in such a way?

I think it’s so much fun giving animals human traits. The animals in my pictures smile contentedly, play an instrument or show their teeth - there is always something funny about them. Projecting our humanity onto them.

Isn’t this what we all secretly do sometimes with our pets? My cat for example always looks grumpy, but I’m sure she isn’t.

Your illustrations and prints have been featured on a huge array of products, from clothes and tableware to packaging and stationery. What is your favourite product to design for and are there any products you’d love to see your work on in future?

As I mentioned earlier I love animals, nature, and our gorgeous planet earth. In my own daily life, I try to live as consciously as possible, and enjoy working with brands that share my green goals.

For example developing eco-friendly products and projects that raise awareness and make a difference. I would love to create a sustainable kids collection for a big positive brand in the future!

What’s apparent in your work is a lighthearted approach and a desire to never take things too seriously. How important is this to you in your design work, even when working with big clients?

I have an aversion to things that are made more complex than necessary. I think that’s where my motivation comes from. As a designer and illustrator you can explain difficult topics in a clear and attractive way by using visuals.

I believe that even the heaviest subjects can benefit from a playful approach.

What’s next for you, do you have any upcoming projects you can share with us?

Yes! My biggest dream will come true because I’m working on a children’s book! It’s about positive thinking and will come out next year! (2022)

You can find more from Candice at aniekbartels.nl