About

 

Hi there, I’m Koosje!

pronounced "Kosha"

I am an artist, illustrator, writer, and art teacher.

As a creative entrepreneur, I worked as an award-winning professional photographer for 10 years and eventually started to focus more and more on drawing and painting. As I developed as an artist, I  strongly felt the need to share my experience and learnings with others. 

 
 

By developing and teaching art classes and workshops online and offline, I wholeheartedly teach people why drawing, painting and creativity makes you happy, and how it can change the way you see the world - and yourself. 

When you draw, you can get into a creative flow, giving yourself permission to play and have fun with your art supplies. No matter the result, you’re making something that wasn’t there before. As the ink of your pen soaks into the paper, you clear your head and forget about time and about your to do list. And along the way, you learn and grow. Not just your drawing skills, but as a person too.

My mission is to encourage people to draw, without being precious about each drawing. I believe  - and I know for a fact - that everything is interesting when you draw it. When you draw, you start to look, and when you look, you start to really see.

In my weekly YouTube series Draw Tip Tuesday, I offer free tips on drawing techniques, and advice about developing a creative habit. I’ve been doing this since 2013.
Since 2021 I am offering even more guidance through my Patreon Page.

In my daily posts on Instagram, I set an example for my followers, on how drawing can be a form of meditation, and I share tips and advice on how to start and maintain a creative habit.

In 2014 I co-founded Sketchbook Skool, an online art school designed to inspire creative storytelling through illustrated journaling. Sketchbook Skool encourages its global community to draw and make art, nurture creative habits, and keep a sketchbook regardless of skill level.

Born and raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, I live with my husband alternating between one apartment with windows looking over greens in Amersfoort, and another one with a view on Rotterdam’s skyline.