Hi! My name is Joost Oosterwijk and I started illustrating when I was 34 years old. Before that I worked as an architect and lighting designer in The Netherlands and abroad. I was always fascinated by the stories that might play out in my designs and through this fascination I found my way to illustrating. Atmosphere and environment remain an important aspect in my work and are often found as characters in my stories.
After my daughters were born, I rediscovered picture books and developed a love for this way of telling a story. I illustrate and write primarily for children, but anyone who is open to other ideas and worlds may join me in my exploration.
I grew up in the nature of Drenthe and have lived in the Netherlands, Spain and Qatar. Now I live with my wife and two daughters in Brussels.
In July 2022 I won the international illustration competition Picture this!
