Creating space for wonder
Aniek Bartels is an illustrator with a love for playful storytelling and character-driven design. She creates work that opens the door to the imaginative world of children, while offering adults a gentle, thoughtful way to connect with it.
Across her collaborations with publishers, brands, and creative partners, she brings a clear mission: to create illustrations that inspire wonder, encourage kindness, and help shape a caring, curious generation.
Where play meets purpose
Her illustrations are rooted in the belief that creativity can help children grow: expressing emotions, discovering curiosity, and learning to care for the world around them. With bold colors, subtle humor, and a deep understanding of how children see things, she turns complex feelings into simple, engaging visuals that invite exploration.
Every illustration begins by hand, giving her work a warmth and authenticity that children instantly connect with.
Doing good . going green
Nature and sustainability are woven naturally into her illustrations. Animals, landscapes, and environmental themes appear not just because she loves them, but because they reflect the conscious way she lives and works. She enjoys collaborating with brands and organizations that share this mindset, whether through eco-friendly products or projects that raise awareness and make a positive impact.