Interview With Food Illustrator Koosje Koene

When I discovered  Koosje Koene’s YouTube videos , I knew I wanted to interview her and study food illustration with her. She is warm, funny and a fabulous teacher.

Koosje Koene, what passion came first for you? Food or drawing?

That’s a tough one. I think it was drawing, since I loved doing that as a kid. Later I got interested in cooking food, however as a kid I loved baking cookies too!

When did food illustration truly come into your life?

I used to work as a chef in a restaurant and drew a lot in my spare time. A friend of mine then pointed out the website www.theydrawandcook.com to me. It made me realize I am not the only one obsessed about yummy food AND yummy art!

You teach a free online drawing class called Draw Tip Tuesday. What inspired you to start teaching?

Draw Tip Tuesday is not exactly an online drawing class, however I like that you see it as one; I make a weekly video in which I share a random drawing tip, to inspire people to make awesome art.
I started teaching online classes because I took some online courses myself and realized that I could offer one myself. During my education for graphic design I learned a range of drawing techniques and I thought: why not share the knowledge?

Do you believe anyone can learn art?

Yes. As long as you really want to and put time, effort and practice in it.

How do you stay inspired?

I keep learning and keep developing my skills. I take classes to learn new techniques, buy inspiring books, meet other artists and pick their brains. There is SO much to explore!

Tell us about your upcoming online workshop: Draw it Like It’s Hot

‘Draw it Like It’s Hot‘ is a 4-week workshop for drawing food and illustrating recipes, in which I take participants through the process from sketch to final design.

By taking it step by step in videos, images and instructions, and with weekly assignments and exercises, both beginners and more advanced will work towards the final assignment: to design a completed illustrated recipe. It is fantastic to see the progress people make in just a few weeks time!

Is it similar to your YouTube classes or different?

It’s quite different. The YouTube videos are short 2-minute videos with quick tips. My online classes are not like that. They are in-depth and guiding you through the process by taking things step by step. The tone of voice however, is the same: I hope to infect you with my enthusiasm and to motivate you.

Where is it being hosted online?

It’s hosted on the online course platform www.ruzuku.com.

Who can/should take the class?

Anyone who likes to create things and is interested in food and art! This is suitable for both beginners and more advanced.

And most important of all: Cupcakes or cookies?

Cookies!

Thank you Koosje for this interview! I am really looking forward to studying art illustration with you at Draw It Like It’s Hot starting September 21, 2015.

Foodies, Koosje has graciously donated a spot in her class as a giveaway! As always, sign up for my newsletter to hear about the contest first.