Your story is not too complex.
It just needs the right image.
Book covers, editorial illustration and packaging design
for stories, research and products with character.
I create illustration, art direction and design for books, research,
editorial projects and products that carry more than facts.
Your story is not too complex.
It just needs the right image.
Book covers, editorial illustration and packaging design
for stories, research and products with character.
I create illustration, art direction and design for books, research,
editorial projects and products that carry more than facts.
I look for the image underneath the story.
I look for the image underneath the story.
For stories that need more than a beautiful image.
Some stories do not reveal themselves immediately. They sit in research, memory, flavour, grief, care, place or small details.
I like working there.
I read, question and search until one visual thread starts to appear.
Then I translate that thread into illustration, art direction and design. So the story does not only become visible. It becomes felt.
Some stories do not reveal themselves immediately. They sit in research, memory, flavour, grief, care, place or small details.
I like working there.
I read, question and search until one visual thread starts to appear.
Then I translate that thread into illustration, art direction and design. So the story does not only become visible. It becomes felt.
When an article, book or research project carries a layered story, the image has to do more than fill a space.
It needs to hold the idea.
Set the tone.
Make something complex feel human.
I work with editors, publishers, researchers and thoughtful brands to find the visual angle behind a story, then translate it into illustration, art direction and design.
Clear enough to understand.
Specific enough to remember.
Book covers
Book covers
Book covers
For novels, non-fiction, theses and publications that need one image to hold the story.
For novels, non-fiction, theses and publications that need one image to hold the story.
Editorial illustration
Editorial illustration
Editorial illustration
For magazines, articles, essays, healthcare stories and research-based publications.
For magazines, articles, essays, healthcare stories and research-based publications.
Packaging design
Packaging design
Packaging design
For coffee, tea, cacao and thoughtful products with a story behind them.
For coffee, tea, cacao and thoughtful products with a story behind them.
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Process
From layered story
to clear visual direction.
I start with what you made: the text, research, product or idea. Then I look for the detail that can carry the whole story.
Look closely
I read, listen and look at what is already there: the story, the context and the feeling behind it.
Look closely
I read, listen and look at what is already there: the story, the context and the feeling behind it.
Look closely
I read, listen and look at what is already there: the story, the context and the feeling behind it.
Find the thread
Together we search for the visual thread. Sometimes it is a place, a tension, a symbol or one small detail.
Find the thread
Together we search for the visual thread. Sometimes it is a place, a tension, a symbol or one small detail.
Find the thread
Together we search for the visual thread. Sometimes it is a place, a tension, a symbol or one small detail.
Shape the concept
That thread becomes a clear visual idea, with sketches, colour, composition and direction.
Shape the concept
That thread becomes a clear visual idea, with sketches, colour, composition and direction.
Shape the concept
That thread becomes a clear visual idea, with sketches, colour, composition and direction.
Make it work
The idea becomes an illustration, cover, packaging or visual system that feels connected to the story.
Make it work
The idea becomes an illustration, cover, packaging or visual system that feels connected to the story.
Make it work
The idea becomes an illustration, cover, packaging or visual system that feels connected to the story.
/
Services
Book covers
1
One strong image for books, theses and publications with a layered story.
Cover illustration
Thesis covers
Book jackets
Concept development
Typography
Print-ready artwork
Editorial illustration
2
Conceptual illustrations for articles, magazines and research stories that need more than a literal image.
Magazine illustration
Thesis cover
Editorial illustration
Visual metaphors
Cover illustration
Conceptual illustration
Packaging with character
3
Illustrated packaging for coffee, tea, cacao and thoughtful products with origin, flavour and feeling.
Packaging illustration
Label design
Origin stories
Chocolate
Tea
Specialty coffee
Visual direction
4
A connected visual language for larger projects, series or brands.
Visual concept
Art direction
Illustration system
Style guide
Creative consulting
Visual direction
Book covers
One strong image for books, theses and publications with a layered story.
Cover illustration
Thesis covers
Book jackets
Concept development
Typography
Print-ready artwork
Editorial illustration
Conceptual illustrations for articles, magazines and research stories that need more than a literal image.
Magazine illustration
Thesis cover
Editorial illustration
Visual metaphors
Cover illustration
Conceptual illustration
Packaging with character
Illustrated packaging for coffee, tea, cacao and thoughtful products with origin, flavour and feeling.
Packaging illustration
Label design
Origin stories
Chocolate
Tea
Specialty coffee
Visual direction
A connected visual language for larger projects, series or brands.
Visual concept
Art direction
Illustration system
Style guide
Creative consulting
Visual direction
Book covers
One strong image for books, theses and publications with a layered story.
Cover illustration
Thesis covers
Book jackets
Concept development
Typography
Print-ready artwork
Editorial illustration
Conceptual illustrations for articles, magazines and research stories that need more than a literal image.
Magazine illustration
Thesis cover
Editorial illustration
Visual metaphors
Cover illustration
Conceptual illustration
Packaging with character
Illustrated packaging for coffee, tea, cacao and thoughtful products with origin, flavour and feeling.
Packaging illustration
Label design
Origin stories
Chocolate
Tea
Specialty coffee
Visual direction
A connected visual language for larger projects, series or brands.
Visual concept
Art direction
Illustration system
Style guide
Creative consulting
Visual direction
/
Work
Selected work
/
Testimonials
Nice words from clients
Nice words from clients
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
5.0/5
It is a real pleasure working with Maren. She always contributes creative ideas and works quickly, meticulously, and professionally. Highly recommended!
Marc Kluijver
Koffietcacao
5.0/5
Maren Bruin creates distinctive designs that give your service, product, or organization a unique identity. She surprised me with an original idea that also seamlessly aligned with the briefing. Maren is a truly creative professional.
Paul Dral
Conference Nederland Digitaal
5.0/5
Amazing illustrations; a creative thinker who always comes up with various ideas and proposals. A pleasure to work with, and the results are always fantastic.
Henri Blommers
Hello Gorgeous
5.0/5
Maren always puts you in a good mood! Her designs and use of color are always a perfect fit for the project. Working with Maren is a real pleasure—she’s quick to respond, creative, and professional. Highly recommended!
Evelien van Damme
Municipal of Amsterdam
Not sure what your story needs visually?
Not sure what your story needs visually?
In a free 30-minute call, we’ll look at your book, article, research project, product or brand together. You do not need to know exactly what you need yet. We’ll find the best starting point together.
In a free 30-minute call, we’ll look at your book, article, research project, product or brand together. You do not need to know exactly what you need yet. We’ll find the best starting point together.