Illustrations That Make Brands Stand Out

We see thousands of images every day. Most disappear as quickly as they appear. So how do you make a brand stand out?

Original illustration gives brands a recognisable personality and helps communicate ideas in unexpected ways.

I’m Dr. TiqueStar, a freelance illustrator, art director and concept developer based in Amsterdam. I create original illustrations, hand-drawn lettering and visual concepts for brands, agencies and creative projects.

For me, it’s about giving an idea character. Or…giving character to an idea.

Why Original Illustration Matters

Custom illustration gives brands the freedom to develop their own visual language. It can introduce humour, create recognisable characters, explain complex ideas or give a campaign a completely different perspective.

I like illustrations that make you look twice. Something unexpected that catches your attention and stays with you.

From a Brief to an Original Idea

Every project starts with a conversation. I want to understand the idea, the audience and what the work needs to communicate.

My background in art direction and concept development helps me approach a brief from different angles. I like to challenge the obvious, explore ideas and develop visual solutions that fit the project.

I work with advertising agencies, design studios and brands, sometimes joining an existing creative team and sometimes developing a concept from scratch.

I enjoy that part of the process as much as making the final artwork.

A Distinctive Visual Style

My work combines hand-drawn forms, expressive lettering, unconventional characters and a sharp, sometimes sarcastic take on contemporary life.

I like humour, unexpected details and images that don’t take themselves too seriously. Strange combinations and characters with a personality of their own often find their way into my illustrations.

Over the years, I’ve worked on projects for brands including Nike, Adobe, Heineken, Levi’s and Adidas. Each project brings its own creative challenges and opportunities to experiment with different ideas and techniques.

Illustration for Brands and Creative Projects

My work includes editorial illustration, advertising campaigns, character design, packaging, murals and hand-drawn typography.

Some projects involve a single illustration, while others grow into a complete visual concept with multiple elements.

As a freelance illustrator and art director, I can help develop the initial idea, create the artwork or contribute throughout the creative process.

Let’s Make Something Worth Looking At

Looking for a freelance illustrator in Amsterdam? Or someone to help develop a visual concept for your next project?

Check out my portfolio and get in touch. Tell me what you’re working on.

Let’s make something worth looking at.