Brigit Hoogenberk

Hi there! My name is Brigit. I am an illustrator, a storyteller, and a teacher. Delighted to meet you! My world is full of stories waiting to be drawn and shared, inspired by the beauty of nature, the art I encounter, and the new experiences I see through my son's eyes.

As a child I loved picture books; the illustrations helped me overcome my reading challenges and sparked my joy for storytelling. Now, I hope to pass on that spark to young readers, using art to help them understand and love stories as much as I did.

In my illustrations, I aim to craft stories and unfold new adventures. I hope to inspire a sense of wonder in children, to kindle a curiosity about the world around them. My art is an invitation to imagine, to dream of possibilities, and to find joy in the simple act of seeing. I hope to bring a smile to people!

Materials
I love getting my hands dirty with various materials. Watercolors are my go-to for their softness and unpredictability, perfect for spontaneous and playful illustrations. I often add in touches of gouache, ink, acrylics and pencils to bring out the details and textures that make each piece special.

While I enjoy creating on real paper, I do not shy away from digital tools. They have their own unique advantages, especially when it comes to playing with layouts and designs. But no matter the medium, I strive to maintain that handmade, heartfelt quality in all my work.

Background
Born and raised in the Netherlands, I am now soaking up the tranquility and inspiration in Oslo, Norway. Drawing and painting has always been my favorite way to express myself, from the art classes in high school to studying Industrial Design Engineering.

I had the joy of being a high school teacher for nearly ten years in physics and a course on research and design. It has been a journey of its own—rewarding, challenging, and full of learning experiences, which I hope my students experienced as well.

In 2018, I started to carve out more space for illustration in my life, setting aside one day a week to focus on what I love most. It was a small step, but it set the stage for bigger dreams. That's when my Instagram, @brgt, took off and I started sharing my work. I began selling my artwork, running watercolor workshops, and accepting commissions.

My journey into children's book illustration began with "Kikkers in de klas" ("Frogs in the Classroom"), a project that was close to my heart and published in 2021 in the Netherlands. It is a symbol of my dedication to bringing stories to life through art.

Please check my website. I hope you enjoy exploring my work as much as I enjoy creating it!