I spent a lot (and I mean a lot) of time on what I tought was a quick, fun and easy job. The concept was pretty simple: some very basic storytelling based on the idea of interchangeable loops of dancing graphics, mixing the 'Brazzmaverse' themes and style with a film-noir-ish atmosphere. But once I got started, drawing with ink, scanning animating experimenting with rigs and whatnot in After effects I couldn't let go... At one point (the album release deadline more precisely) I just had to finish things up. It was another great learning experience, and I would love to find the right budget and the right team to do these things properly. A friend mentioned: did you at least make a 'making of' video, because no one will believe it was made without AI generated stuff. Well, here it is:

At the end of last year (2025), I was commissioned by Marlinks and Fluves to create a holiday illustration for their end-of-year communication. Both companies work in subsea and infrastructure cable monitoring, using advanced technology to keep critical systems running safely and efficiently. This post gives some insight into how the illustration was made — and what I learned along the way. From Humorous Concepts to a People-Focused Group Cartoon In the concept phase, I explored several playful ideas, including robots and mech suits for cable monitoring — deliberately humorous exaggerations of the highly technical world Marlinks and Fluves operate in. Fun to draw, but not the right fit for the message they wanted to send. The final direction shifted away from technology and towards people. Personal ‘Maarten Vanhoucke-style’ over brand guidelines… Lucky for me, I didn’t have to adapt the illustration style to the brand guidelines (as I did happily for my previous assignment). No this ti

For this year’s New Year holiday greeting card, I had the pleasure of creating a custom illustrated cartoon for Daniel Freund and his team at the Group of the Greens / European Free Alliance. From the very first contact, the collaboration was refreshingly nice and colloquial — the kind of exchange every illustrator hopes for. The briefing was clear, the instructions precise, and the feedback rounds fast and constructive. There was plenty of room for humor and storytelling, which made it possible to develop a strong visual narrative instead of just a decorative image. And yes — the illustration was made by a human, not AI generated 😉 The cartoon, titled “Suspiciously Festive,” shows Daniel in full investigator mode, examining a set of rather questionable holiday presents. Each gift subtly represents a familiar culprit — Philip Morris, Nestlé, and Qatar Airways — visualizing the real political fights Daniel and his team have taken on over the past year against corrupt corporate influenc

Some projects take time. Not because they move slowly, but because they deserve time. That was certainly true for the series of illustrations created to bring to life the four strategic goals of Avansa Halle-Vilvoorde. Avansa Halle-Vilvoorde is one of twelve regional social and cultural organizations in Flanders and Brussels. Together, they work towards a sustainable, inclusive, solidary, and democratic society. It’s an ambitious mission — and rightly so. The challenge was to make these broad ideals not only understandable in words, but also visually clear and engaging. From Thinking to Drawing What began as a pile of notes, concepts, and diagrams gradually evolved into a visual story. How do you translate abstract themes like knowledge and skills, diversity as a strength, social cohesion, and active participation into images that speak, connect, and stay with you? The process unfolded through sketches, pencil strokes, and conversations. At times, the drawing seemed to require as much

In a medical emergency, clear thinking and calm action can make all the difference. Whether someone is unconscious but still breathing, or their heart has stopped, knowing what to do — and being able to picture each step — can save a life. That’s why Securex commissioned a series of instructional illustrations that guide viewers through the essential stages of PLS (Recovery Position) and RCP (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR). The goal of the series is simple yet vital: to make lifesaving first-aid procedures accessible, memorable, and visually clear. The illustrations show the progression of actions anyone can take in an emergency: Assess the situation – Check for responsiveness and ensure safety. Call for help – Alert emergency services and gather support. PLS (Recovery Position) – If the person is unconscious but breathing, gently place them in a stable side position to keep their airway clear. RCP (CPR) – If there are no signs of breathing or circulation, begin chest compress

Continuous subsea cable health monitoring for offshore turbines – Marlinks.com For Marlinks I had the pleasure of creating a series of animated illustrations that bring their innovative services to life. The assignment focused on continuous subsea cable health monitoring for offshore wind turbines – a vital part of ensuring efficiency and reliability at sea. The visuals include: * An offshore turbine turning steadily in the waves * An offshore substation connecting energy to the grid * A monitoring screen showing real-time graphs and warnings of subsea cable health To develop these assets, I started with analog pencil sketches for concepts and storytelling, and then moved into Adobe Illustrator for clean vector design. The animations were crafted in After Effects, keeping them in harmony with the Marlinks brand guide. This project was not only a design challenge but also an opportunity to learn more about the complex world of subsea monitoring and how visual storytelling can help commu