When Marianne was still a child, she wrote in her classmates’ friendship books: “I want to be an illustrator when I grow up… and a teacher, and a mother.” Although not in that exact order, she managed to fulfill all those dreams.

Drawing has always been a constant thread in Marianne’s life. Sometimes this thread was clearly visible, other times less so. After being a primary school teacher for 11 years, the urge to draw started itching again. That’s how she ultimately ended up where she is happiest: a full-time illustrator.

Marianne lives in the Netherlands with her husband, two sons, and a cat. In addition to illustrating children’s books, she also does a lot of illustration work for magazines. She works both traditionally and digitally and enjoys adding humor or a twist to her work.

When she’s not illustrating, you can find her in her garden where she cultivates the most beautiful flowers. She enjoys playing games with her family and friends and is devoted to reading to her children daily.