I came upon the wonderful work of
Doeke Van Nuil at a
Spring Market. I bought a tote bag, and from admiring his illustrations I decided to contact him for this series. I really liked the playful and naive quality of his drawings and paintings. When you meet him you realize why it is he draws the way he does, he is a child at heart. To me that is one of the best qualities someone can have because a lot of people don't get to carry it on towards adult life.
Doeke thought he would be a graphic designer, but changed his mind very quickly, and became an illustrator instead. His last year of studies were done in Barcelona, where he says; "Opened my eyes completely and taught me very different ways to work."
He shares his studio with his
girlfriend, who is also an illustrator, and I think together they make a wonderful team.
1.
First Crafty Memory?
I actually have two memories. One from when I was 4 and we went to a swimming pool, afterwards
I made a drawing with an aerial view of it, and nobody got it, no one understood my drawing, which
made me feel a bit strange (my mom still has the drawing). The other one I remember drawing
Donald Ducks everywhere, I was a bit obsessed.
2.
Favorite Craft you've ever made?
I'm very proud of those little comic books that I made. I have 3 books now - I really like the
short stories and illustrations I made for each. I'm also very proud of the fact that I'm doing what I
like, and that to me is very important.
3.
Favorite material to work with?
My main tool is just a pencil, any type. I also love screen printing and obviously I have boxes filled
with pencils, markers and gouaches, but in the end I go back to a pencil.
4.
Inspiring words you like?
"Stick to the things you like." To me it is very important to make the things you like, because it will
show in your work if you don't.
5.
Favorite Color?
This two combined, and he shows me two markers (one is a soft green, the other turquoise). I love
pastel colors. Most of the times I color my drawings on the computer because it gives me the colors I
want.
6.
Coffee or Tea?
Ohhh both, -(his girlfriend laughs in the back, as if she knows something), I love both!! Clipper
Chai tea and cappuccinos, I love cappuccinos!
7.
Mountains or Beach?
Both. I went as a kid to the Davos, all my holidays were spent there. I also love the beach life. For
the year I lived in Barcelona, I really took advantage of the beach.
8.
Where do you find inspiration?
From coffee, I get a lot of inspiration from it. Also conversations on trains, listening to people. The
really small things, to make stories out of things that don't really matter.
9.
What do you collect?
Uuuyyy, a lot!!! Stones, pencils cases, action figures, plants, chairs, I go to a lot of second hand
stores and spend all my money there!
10.
What do you like to make that you haven't yet?
Several things; Patterns for textiles, I love collaborations. I would also love to have a big
assignment with a big company like Nike, that will take me all over the world to show my work.
Thank you
Doeke for taking the time to be a part of this series. Your work is amazing and I hope it takes you all over the world.
You can also find Doeke's work at
Koko Coffee & Design.
Have a great weekend.
Giova.
