Joris De Raedt ASWLA

Statement

Joris De Raedt is a scientific illustrator, wildlife artist and graphic designer visualising the wonders of the natural world. With his illustrations Joris aims to connect people with the natural world in order to encourage respect towards nature and to show species and ecosystems worth saving.

"Translating my fascination with nature into aesthetic and functional content has always been my greatest passion. As a true believer in visual communication I aim to connect people towards our precious fauna and flora. Growing up in a family where exploring nature and observing wildlife was always the focal point of every holiday, I have been sketching nature for as long as I can remember."

During his master studies in graphic design he developed his own digital drawing technique. Although working with a graphic tablet, his style pays homage to naturalists of the 19th century. Since he graduated magna cum laude at the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts he works full-time for magazines, books, museums and nature reserves. His clients include National Geographic Magazine, Cambridge University Press and the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) of Sharjah (UAE). His illustrations can be found on information panels of multiple reserves and parks in the UAE.

Methodology

The ideal process of creating an illustration is through fieldwork. Though not possible for every illustration, De Raedt spends many hours in the field observing and sketching his subjects. Keeping a nature journal with field sketches helps me get familiar with the character of the species and makes it easier to capture its essence in the final illustration. Looking through a spotting scope De Raedt makes (visual) notes of the animals.

Back in his studio all studies and digiscoping footage collected in the field will help in making the final drawings. I will look for an optimal visualisation which shows all typical aspects of the species and translate it in a rough line drawing. Often the best ideas for a painting or illustration come to you when out in nature.

Bio

Since 2012 Joris has worked as a full time artist and natural history illustrator for nature reserves, zoos, nature conservation societies, national post and different publishers. Field trips took him to different places on six continents.