Jan Van Der Veken, illustrator

Illustrator Jan Van Der Veken was born in Ghent, Belgium, April 10th, 1975 and is still living in his native town.

He graduated in 1999 from St-Lucas Art institute where he studied graphic design and typography. His main interest however went to illustration.

After graduation he immediately settled himself as an independent artist which is what he’s been doing for almost fifteen years now.

In his work he goes back to the classical Belgian comic strip language and the Atomstyle, a trend that was popular in the 1950s (think the World Exhibition of 1958 in Brussels) and the classical Belgian comic strip language. The combination of the feel good atmosphere of the comics an the positive attitude towards technology and the unlimited possibilities in the future of the atom style is reflected in all of his works (editorial illustration, poster design, murals, stamps, record sleeve design, bookcovers, logo design, handlettering,…).

Other inspiration sources are his travel books that he keeps when he is abroad.
This combination of technology and exoticism influences his illustrations, and the use of color gives the illustrations a retro-effect, as if his work is drifting between the future and the past.