contact

Hello and thank you for visiting my portfolio. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to get in touch for commission enquiries, questions, collaborations or to catch up for a cup of coffee.

hello@dorienbellaar.nl

+31 (0)6 1840 1700

Feel free to start following me on Instagram or Facebook.

Me in a nutshell I am Dorien, illustrator and graphic designer based in Amsterdam. I grew up in a tiny village, surrounded with my dearest parents and sister, cats, dogs, cows, sheeps and a lot of birds. I’ve been drawing and making all sorts of things eversince I was able to hold a pencil. Career wise, I got lost in the world of television for several years, but luckily I have found my way back to what I love most doing: make art and tell stories.

Strengths? A variety of artistic skills that I am able to combine in one project. Empathy. Legs. Favorite media: watercolor, gouache and acrylic paint, colored pencils and digital equipment.

My work is mainly focused on illustration for children, character design, editorial illustration, personal branding and handlettering.

Select client list Pearle Opticiens | Uitgeverij Horizon | Gemeente Amsterdam | Ranzijn Tuin en Dier | Mo’s Daughters | Universiteit Antwerpen | Value Support | Care for Mediation | Booklover’s Tours Amsterdam | Roland Berger Amsterdam | Berend Dubbe voice-over | the flower of life | Flink Kindercoaching | Nijdam Osteopathie | Bauer Music | The Neighbour’s Magnolia Hotel | Captain Jack Yachting | Veldhuis Schrijft | Ondertussen in de Spaarndammerbuurt | Zeker Jezelf | Tugela 85 | Intersema CH | Waterlife Rotterdam | SKH Kinderopvang.

Don’t forget to have some fun every day, and to make more art! Welcome to Dorien’s playground/sketchbook to see sketches and work in progress.

dorienbellaar

Hello from Amsterdam, dear peeps. Let’s talk abo

Hello from Amsterdam, dear peeps. Let’s talk about #character today. What’s your experience with creating a character? Let me share my process of developing the main character of ‘Taart’. It all started with the story, written by Meneer Zee, who came up with this baker. His character traits? The baker is a kind, sensitive, shy, hard working person, who’s very proud of his beautiful cake creations.

My turn! I presented five potential bakers. One of them was unanimously chosen by the author, publisher and myself. Next steps: change his jacket from a scientist jacket into a bakers’ shirt, give him a little extra weight, and turn him around. Oh, and sketch his bakery.

Once approved by the executive committee, I added some color and a serious cake, and there he was!
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Swipe to the right to see the process.
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Btw: the book is available (in Dutch) in my webshop! Link in bio.

#characterdesign #sketchbook #picturebook #ff #prentenboek #cake #taart #bakery #bakken #patisserie #meneerzee #horizonboeken

Illustrating a picturebook, piece of cake, isn’t

Illustrating a picturebook, piece of cake, isn’t it? Oh no, not at all. It’s a bumpy road sometimes, to get the whole book done!
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The most recent picturebook I have illustrated, ‘Taart’, written by Meneer Zee, asked for a specifiek development of the characters. Both the main character and all side characters. And in the story a change of atmosphere takes place, which I’ve tried to capture with differences in color tones.
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Besides, I made these illustrations by hand, which was the first time for a whole book. And yes, I had to start all over again sometimes, working every single spread. Took me extra time, heading a pretty tight deadline. 😳 I did manage to stay calm most of the time, but I also felt a bit nervous every now and then.
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So, there have been ups and downs during this process. Therefor, I had to distance myself after finishing all spreads (and cover and end pages). But in the end, it’s always such a special moment to finally hold the printed book!
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Are these things recognizable to you? Please tell me about your experiences on illustrating a picturebook, or a similar project!
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#prentenboek #picturebook #kidslitart #process #ff #art #illustration

It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that sw

It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing. So true. Whatever you are doing, please make sure there music in it. Just because it brings everything alive, yeah! It makes you move, it might move you.
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Do you like music in general? Do you like to work while listening to some music? I do sometimes. Not always. Sometimes it’s a great way to (re)set my creative energy or mood. I like all different genres in music. This song is one of my favorites. Composition by Duke Ellington, lyrics by Irving Mills. I really like Nina Simone’s performance of this song. Inspired my to do some shaking and swinging handlettering!
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#handlettering #swing #music #mixedmedia #illustration #ff #fun #energy #mood

Why not spice it up a bit, y’all? Let’s add so

Why not spice it up a bit, y’all? Let’s add some color, flavor, some aroma to your sketchbook! So yummie for the eyes, you can almost smell and taste them. My top five? Basil, oregano, garlic, turmeric and za’atar. How about you? Oh, I see, you are a seasoning yourself! Bringing flavor, color and aroma to other people’s lives, and to a party or whatever occasion. Cool! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#seasoning #spices #sketchbook #color #illustration #ff #mixedmedia

Hello from Little Miss Nosy! Would you like to sha

Hello from Little Miss Nosy! Would you like to share something about your clothing behaviour? Do you have difficulties chosing clothes that feel right? What does ‘right’ mean to you in this context? If your clothes match your identity or personality? Or if they match your profession? Or is your first concern if your clothes are comfortable?

Next question: are you working from home these days? Having a lot of online meetings? Joining in your joggings or pyjama pants? Or does that influence your state of mind to much?

There are days that I change clothes two or three times a day, just because they don’t match my mood. Or I have a meeting and I am trying to dress up a bit, so I feel more comfortable and confident. Working from home, I rarely wear joggings or pj’s, because it seems to affect my professional attitude, my mindset.😆👩🏼‍🎨

Interesting, isn’t it? That’s why I made this editorial illustration about this subject.

#clothing #identity #editorialillustration #pro #stayhome #confidence #comfort #ff #illustratie

Hello! Happy Friday! Time to relax already? I am c

Hello! Happy Friday! Time to relax already? I am curious to hear what is the perfect way for you to relax. I’ve listed a few that work really well for me, in random order. What’s your top 3? Do you miss any?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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1. Sleeping 😆⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2. Having a walk (with or without my imaginary dog)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3. Having coffee or dinner with a friend⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4. Drawing/painting⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
5. Cooking ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
6. Reading⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
7. Gardening⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
8. Doing sports⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
9. Taking a bath⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
10. ........⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Yes, cooking is on my list! And then drawing the recipe. Or the other way around. And guess what? I will be hosting my first workshop Illustrating Recipes tomorrow afternoon. Looking forward to that! Will relax afterwards. 😉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#relax #weekend #cooking #drawandcook #illustration #coffee #friends #ff #friyay

#CHARACTER and #PORTRAIT Hey peeps, today it’s

#CHARACTER and #PORTRAIT

Hey peeps, today it’s throwback Thursday! I choose for some portrait art, my dear second cousin @berenddubbe asked me to make a while ago. In this awesome afro-american barbershop-sign style please!
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Berend is a very talented and experienced voice-over, including many years spent as the voice of Dutch television. He voices narrations, commercials, audio books, cartoons, dubbing, and corporate materials. Besides, he’s a wonderful singer and composer (yes, go check his website berenddubbe.com and listen to his music on #spotify!)
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So, Berend asked me to paint/draw a portrait of himself, or actually a few different portraits which would visualise a variety of his voice over skills. This barbershop-style was somewhat new to me, but I loved it instantly (still do). This inspiring style Berend asked for, together with the fact Berend is a very interesting and grateful character to draw, made this commission fun to do. It’s one I am still really happy with!
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#throwbackthursday #ff #mixedmedia #voiceover #singer #afroamerican #hairdresser #skills #portret #dutchillustrator

Did you like reading when you were a kid? What did

Did you like reading when you were a kid? What did you like most, the words/story, or the pictures?
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I liked both the words/story and the pictures. Still do. Their collab telling a unique story, is so interesting! That all starts with the collab between author and illustrator of course. A intens and fun process. For ‘Taart’ I was lucky that a was linked to a real storyteller, Meneer Zee! By telling his story to me for the first time, I immediately hang on every word.
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The book is published now and I am really curious about what kids think about it! Do they like the story, the illustrations, both? Kids are always so straight with their opinion. Love that! I can tell you, these brothers did like our book! 🤗
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‘Taart’ was written by #meneerzee and published by #uitgeverijhorizon. It’s available in my story, link in bio.
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Picture by @sharonvanderaa 🙏🏻❤️
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#prentenboek #taart #picturebook #story #illustration #ff

How do you like your coffee? Filtered? Nespresso?

How do you like your coffee? Filtered? Nespresso? Ristretto? Latte macchiato? Regular? From a percolator?
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#coffee #handlettering #percolator #music #bobdylan #black #ff #illustration #sketchbook

#RECIPE ILLUSTRATION . What’s your favorite ingr

#RECIPE ILLUSTRATION
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What’s your favorite ingredient for a simple but delicious tajine dish? Do you prefer veggies and herbs only, or do you like to add some chicken or fish?
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What’s your favorite subject to draw? Vegetables? Fruit? Meat?
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I really like to draw vegetables and fruit before putting these colorful ingredients into a comforting dish. Cause drawing and cooking are a yummy to combine!
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Music by Arif Sag.
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#foodie #illustration #illustratie #animation #veggies #cooking #recipe #ff

#EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATION . Do you know Wabi Sabi?

#EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATION
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Do you know Wabi Sabi? It’s the Japanese philosophy that will help you embrace change and accept the past. A while ago I did this editorial illustration, a prompt for an online MATS-course. I’d love to do more editorial illustration again!
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#mats #makeartthatsells #editorialillustration #wabisabi #magazines #bethkempton #imperfect #mixedmedia #ff #feckperfuction #illustration #illustratie #handlettering

Do you feel ‘m? Weekend vibes are there, beware!

Do you feel ‘m? Weekend vibes are there, beware!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Okay, let’s just do it. I am planning to share a tiny bit of my personal life every now and then. My illustration life. My personal illustration life. Because I much appreciate to get to know more about my fellow artists. About how they got into illustration business, how they cope with several issues they run into, about what and who inspire them. That sort of things. And hopefully one or two of you are interested in my behind the scenes. If not, don’t worry and feel free to skip these kind of posts! 😆 Or ask me a question, if you like to. 🤗⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, let’s talk about my weekend vibes. Tomorrow morning I’ll be heading to the gym first, because I’ve got to move it, move it! Very important source of inspiration, and to keep the flow going. And I love listening to podcasts about creative life. Creative Peptalk bij @andyjpizza for example.
After the gym, I’m of to my dad to have some quality time, planting flower bulbs. Sunday is reserved for a coffee date with a friend and some easy drawing (yes, together with some easy listening music). Sounds pretty okay, don’t you think. What about your plans? Tell me! Please?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#weekend #vibes #illustration #share #issues #personallife #ff #behindthescenes #sketchbook #life #illustratie #dutchillustrators

Look what’s available in my Etsy shop now: ‘Ta

Look what’s available in my Etsy shop now: ‘Taart’! Written by Meneer Zee, illustrated by me.🤗 This is your change to buy a signed copy of this delicious book. Pick up in Amsterdam or will be send by post. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Link in bio!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#picturebook #taart #cake #prentenboek #uitgeverijhorizon #meneerzee #childrensillustration #ff #mixedmedia #kinderboekillustratie #dutchillustrators

#CHARACTER DESIGN⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Are you into character design, or do you like drawing/painting people? Yesterday I ran into a character I have been drawing for the latest book i’ve illustrated, ‘Taart’. It’s great fun to meet your character in real life. And it’s confusing too. It happens the other way around more often. I get inspired by people. Random people I don’t know. But also my relatives and friends. (Beware!😆) If it’s about a character in a story, it’s whole body is involved. And the way they move. So interesting!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Lately I’ve been asked to design different kinds of characters to represent different kinds of companies. That asks for a slightly different approach of designing your character. The company knows what their character has to radiate, and they ask a visual artist to translate all features (both physical and social) into an image. Together we search for a character that fits perfectly to the company. Love that process, love creating characters!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#people #characterdesign #identity #design #inspiration #ff #illustration #womenwhocreate #wip #process

... lived a baker who was really good at baking. .

... lived a baker who was really good at baking.
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#taart #cake #bakery #prentenboek #artonpaper #picturebook #kidslitart #kinderboekillustratie #illustratie #ff #meneerzee #horizon #mixedmedia

in a big grey city full of big grey houses... . .

in a big grey city full of big grey houses...
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#city #grey #bakery #taart #cake #meneerzee #ff #picturebook #prentenboek #artonpaper #mixedmedia #horizon #dutchillustrators

#HANDLETTERING . Are you into handlettering? Do yo

#HANDLETTERING
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Are you into handlettering? Do you like classic calligraphy? Or traditional bullet journal handlettering? I prefer some kind of funky, playful handlettering. At least that's what happens to me all the time. And I kinda like it. 🤗
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#handlettering #illustration #calligraphy #bulletjournal #funky #fun #lettering #ff #portfolio #womenwhocreate #mixedmedia #berenddubbe #bethkempton #kingprawns #ninasimone #play #happinez #flow

A piece of Sunday afternoon Jazzz! An oldie made w

A piece of Sunday afternoon Jazzz! An oldie made with Illustrator. I use that programme very rarely for my illustations. Do like the image though.
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What’s your preference: Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator or traditional art?
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#adobe #digitalart #jazz #sunday #keys #playtime #illustration #creativewomen #music #piano #ff #adobe

The art of moving along is essential nowadays. It

The art of moving along is essential nowadays. It won’t be a surprise that children’s books festival Kabaal 2020 is postponed due to the current 🦠 situation It’s a pity though! We were looking forward to do a delicious performance.
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Good luck to the organization, stay safe, and take care!
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#kabaal2020 #childrensbooks #festival #postponed #picturebook #prentenboek #lifedrawing #kids #ff #meneerzee #kinderboeken #illustratie #kinderboekillustratie #antwerpen

‘Taart’, the making of. 🙃 It's all part of

‘Taart’, the making of. 🙃 It's all part of the process.
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‘Taart’, written by #meneerzee, published by @horizonboeken, illustrated by @dorienbellaar 🤗
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#taart #cake #process #prentenboek #picturebook #childrensillustration #kinderboekillustratie #womenwhodraw #wip #ff #sunday #tmo #mixedmedia

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