Valesca van Waveren describes herself as an illustrator and surface pattern designer trying to slow down and create joy – which is something we should all strive for. Based in Amsterdam where she shares a home with her husband, son, and cat, van Waveren’s illustration style is in many ways a reflection of her life philosophy.
Considerate, minimal, and soft, her work features cozy themes that include nature, botanicals, and home life. “Sometimes I work in watercolor and pencil, other times I make line drawings with ink, or I work with clay,” she explained her work process in an interview with the Flow blog. “While I can work out my designs in all kinds of different ways, the main ingredients are always time, love and attention.”
Kindness is equally important — in her work as well as in her approach to mistakes. “I love the imperfections that are inherent to handmade work,” said van Waveren. “It shows a kind of vulnerability so that it is easier to make contact with the object when you look at it.”
You might have seen some of van Waveren’s watercolor paintings and drawings featured in magazines and books, or printed on wallpapers, stationery, fabric, and packages. But you can also own a piece for yourself by heading to her Etsy shop.
