about

Aad Goudappel lives and works in Rotterdam (the Netherlands) as a freelance illustrator since 1996. Aad graduated from the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam (The Netherlands), and in addition followed courses at Camberwell College of Art in London (UK) and the Art Institute in Boston (USA). Over the years his work won over 100 awards in prestigious industry shows like the World Illustration Award (Gold) Society of Illustrators (Silver) 3x3 ProShow (gold and Bronze) Art Directors Club Germany (Silver and Bronze). To see the awarded projects please go to the Awards page on the site.

Aad is happy to share his knowledge, experience and passion for the profession in lectures, masterclasses, workshops and as a mentor. Since 2017 he is also a mentor for the BNO (Association of Dutch Designers)

Although he would be happy to spend the rest of his life drawing animals, or birds he likes the fact that his clients and audiences are very diverse. His work is published around the globe in virtually any field of illustration; editorial, institutional, corporate, advertising and book. A selection of clients: American Lawyer Media, Brandweer, City of Rotterdam, CVS, EdenSpiekermann, E*Trade, Herman Miller, Heijmans, Jeugd en Co, KrisKras Design, Mainpress, Managementboek Magazine, Marriot Alumni Magazine, New York Times, PostNL, Rotterdam Public Library, Stanford University, Thjnk, Toshiba, Total Design, Wall Street Journal, Wellesley College

testimonials

Machteld Goedhart, Art Director: ’Translating complex material conceptually into a very striking illustration, that is what illustrator Aad Goudappel does like the best. We have been working with him for years now. My job is to feed Aad with information: what is the subject, where does it rub? Always when I receive his sketch in the mail, I think 'yes, another bull's eye'. Aad's images communicate in a split second and that is exactly what the cover of a magazine should do.

Patrick Hoogenberg, Art Director: ’As a magazine Art Director I often come across conceptual complicated articles, It's not always easy to come up with an appropriate visualization. It's in these situations I'll contact Aad. He has a gift to set readers on edge by combining th eessence of an article with a monumental appearance. It really looks easy, but it's highly intelligent conceptual craftmanship.'

Marieke Griffioen, Design Director: ’At first glance his illustrations seem part ofa strong dutch graphic tradition with th elike of Dick Bruna. But when yougive them a second lookthey reveal their witty details and deeper layers of meaning. Whil eworking with Aad I was was often laughing out loudwhenever he send me his sketches'

Faith Stafford, Assistant Art Director: 'No matter the assignment, Aad always provides plenty of smart solutions and willingly accepts collaboration and direction when, on the rare ocassion, one needs some tinkering. He has a special knack for bringing wit andhumor to not-so-sexy, and often complax, health topics.'

Patricia Wetzel, Creative Director: ’I love working with Aad becauseof his wonderful (black) humor, his touching way to visualize people, their problems, fears feelings and the art of focussing in an uncompromising manner. Plus he's funny and a nice person. Handsome, too'