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Judith Van Den Hoek
Hair Sketch I
Judith demonstrates
her technique using a
mechanical pencil.
I love to experiment and discover
myself and who I am. I embrace
my mistakes.
Judith Van Den Hoek
HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ILLUSTRATOR? I have been drawing since I was a little
kid. My parents and both my Grandmas used to draw, one of them drew fashion like
me. ANY FORMAL TRAINING? I studied graphic design at Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam
followed by a one-year course in fashion illustration in Amsterdam. WHERE ARE YOU
FROM? Gouda in the Netherlands. I still live here. I used to have wild dreams about
moving to Amsterdam or Paris but for me there’s no other place like Gouda. WHERE
IS YOUR STUDIO? In my apartment and it’s a mess. When I expect visitors I make the
effort to clean it, but a few days later it’s a big mess again with papers, pencils, paint
laying around everywhere. DESCRIBE THE VIEW. I see my favourite parts of Gouda; a lot
of rooftops, a windmill, trees and an old library. WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
René Gruau. I love his work. HOW DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS? Fashion blogs, fashion
magazines, the street. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING? Really inspiring images. Mostly
illustrations. About one year ago my mother bought me postcards from René Gruau
in London. ANY INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF ILLUSTRATION? I love to ride my bicycle. It is
a beautiful way to clear my head and find some peace and quiet. WHAT IS THE FIRST
RECORD YOU BOUGHT? Destiny Child’s Say My Name. I was very little. TELL US ABOUT
A FAVOURITE RECENT PROJECT. I illustrated a box for Charles Heidsieck’s Rosé Réserve
Champagne. I like the idea that if the champagne box is empty, you can use it a jewellery
box! WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM JOB? Working for a really big fashion brand like
Dior, Chanel, Armani. HOW WOULD SOMEONE WHO KNOWS YOU WELL DESCRIBE YOU?
I always hear that I am a very calm person, but also like to laugh a lot. WHAT’S THE
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? No isn’t no. It means, try again and try different
things. I love to experiment and discover myself and who I am. I embrace my mistakes.
They make me who I am and only can make me stronger.
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