Happy Friday

Written by AnnaDenise on Friday, May 17, 2013 at 10:05

Extensive studies have proven that this really is the only right way to ever consume raspberries. So glad we cleared that one up.

Follow me on Instagram, yall.

Home II

Written by AnnaDenise on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 08:26

I am not a big believer in faith, or destiny. And by that I mean I don't believe in it at all. I don't think there's a bigger plan, or even that some things are meant to be. Coincidences are, in fact, most likely, just that.

Nevertheless, some things sometimes just turn out too darn perfect. And by that I mean just right. And, coincidentally, lately things in my life have been going just right a lot. Very right, in fact, most of the time.

An example (not random, nor the most important): When I decided to move back to The Netherlands earlier this year, Kim Welling, an Etsy seller whose work I've been a fan of for so many years (see her shop here) reached out to say she'd be interested in subletting her apartment in the center of my native town of Utrecht. I dropped by for tea, gaped at the place, we shook hands, and the deal was pretty much done.

Two weeks later, we both signed on the line that was dotted - and I moved in. And, well, for lack of a better word - it's just been awesome. Kim (who has an amazing blog filled with her superb illustrations, great tips for creative entrepreneurs, and gorgeous photos, so go read!) has a wonderful sense of style and it's just been a perfect fit. It has felt like home to me from the second we dumped those 30-some boxes (ugh! how did that happen! why do I own so much shit?) in the middle of that superbly yellow-wallpapered living room. It's been the perfect place to unwind, read, listen to music, love, and chill in between travels and work.

I have so many things to be grateful for, and this place is one of them for sure. Thank you, Kim!

Home

Written by AnnaDenise on Saturday, March 09, 2013 at 16:50

It's been a weird, tumultuous, couple of months.

Ash and I decided to break up, after almost a decade. Which, needless to say, has been the most heartbreaking thing to ever happen to both of us, even though I am completely convinced this is the right decision.

At the same time, it has also been a very exciting time filled with new things, thoughts, people, places, and plans.

So bear with me during this period of flux, levitating between countries, homes, and moods. Although the private pages of my sketchbook will most likely never see the light of the scanner, believe me when I say that drawing has been a great source of sanity and joy and I am sure to return to this blog soon (meanwhile follow me on Instagram for my superfabulous updates on biking through the rain in Holland!).

Stay awesome, everyone. And remember: Bring a sketchbook with you, where- and whenever you try to pick up broken and fresh pieces of home.

The Ass of Winter

Written by AnnaDenise on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 22:12

See, January always does this to me. Somehow my brain won't understand that winter is not over after new years. Not only is it not over, it's merely the beginning of the dreaded circus of frost bitten toes, red noses, layers and layers of ugly clothes (the horror!), boots, and cracked skin. Jippee-fricking-doodle.

My mother told me that when I was born, it was 30ºc outside. Which is freaky, for March. Good thing, too, because I am pretty sure that if it were just a little less hot, I would have just stayed inside. Also, it was my grandmother's birthday that day, so at least I knew there was a party getting started somewhere around nah. 40+ people, booze, and cake. Now THAT's what I call a welcoming committee.

Anyhizzle. I stayed in today, only dragged my sorry ass outside to get said behind into the hot room (yah, it's no coincidence I like Bikram yoga. 40ºc suits me just fine, thankyouverymuch).

And that's all. I worked. That was fun.
How about you?

Real Rockstars Make Cards on Friday Night

Written by AnnaDenise on Sunday, January 06, 2013 at 19:13

As some of you may have noticed, I revamped the blog last Friday night. Yeah, never let anyone tell you that the life of a part time illustrator isn't glamorous.

Inspired enough, I spent the hours between 2 and 4 AM drawing a bunch of postcards and within 24 hours the things were ordered, printed, shipped, and delivered to my doorstep by a particularly hairy DHL man. Yes!

So here they are, my new postcards! Order them quickly from my Etsy shop, as I got a good deal and I now have over a million of them sitting in (otherwise spotless?) studio space. For real. A million. :-|

Absolute Beginner

Written by AnnaDenise on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 23:08

My life has gotten a complete makeover these past few weeks, months...how long has it been even? The dust has yet to settle down, but being a absolute beginner at something again is both totally terrifying and oh so thrilling.

So thrilling in fact that my trip to San Francisco last/this month seems far away already. I kept a journal, but haven't been able to upload any of the drawing yet. But I've been having fun with Instagram lately, so I can at least share those with you. It was awesome. Yes.

Walking around Haight Ashbury


Stuffing myself at my favorite sushi place in Berkeley


Sales at Anthropology FTW!


Bay Adventures with Danielle


Cake at Tartine Bakery


Victorian Home Walk & Lunch at La Boulange


Wine, champagne and sunshine in Napa


Fun & games w/ Megan at SFMoma


Burgers & Obama!

Weird September Dream

Written by AnnaDenise on Saturday, October 06, 2012 at 23:20

I had a lot of very weird dreams in September. Which I usually just interpret to be the result of my very vivid imagination + crazy neighborhood sounds, but it seems I am now also a natural genius at dream interpretation. *Sigh* so many talents, so little time.

Sleep Colored

Written by AnnaDenise on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 22:03

I promised to show you this drawing again in color, and most of you have already seen the side-by-side comparison on Facebook or Twitter, but just in case you're a Google Reader type of person - here you go!

And here they are side by side. Click on the image for a larger version.

Which one do you like better?

Portfolio: 'Mag ik u boeken?' illustration

Written by AnnaDenise on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 23:54

Here's an illustration I did for an event organized by some colleagues of mine. It's a railway-themed literary event in Antwerp where people can bring their favorite books to discuss with each other in speed dating format. More info on the event is here. As usual, you can click on the image to see a larger version.

Journal Pages: Lago Maggiore, Italy

Written by AnnaDenise on Tuesday, September 04, 2012 at 23:00

So I went on vacation to Italy and didn't tell you about it beforehand because I read about that one couple that put their holiday plans on Facebook and then got robbed while away. I of course still love all of you long time - I just don't trust you one bit (ah, the consistency of dysfunctional relationships). BUT! Of course that doesn't at all mean I will now stop sharing all my most intimate thoughts and secrets with you by means of my journal pages! Here they are. Enjoy!