Idris van Heffen is an artist and illustrator based in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Idris (b. 1985, The Hague, The Netherlands) has been passionate about illustration since childhood. After earning degrees in Illustration (WDKA) and Art Direction (St. Joost Academy), he honed his design skills with a range of editorial and commercial clients.
Those clients include:
BUCK, Citizen M, Clarify, Expat Valley, Follow the Money, Gemeente Rotterdam, Giraffe Coffee, Idee Magazine, JOGG, Nike, NRC, Positive News, Rijkswaterstaat, San Pellegrino, South Pole, Squla, Trouw, UWV, Valamis, Verve, Voicebooking.
Those clients include:
BUCK, Citizen M, Clarify, Expat Valley, Follow the Money, Gemeente Rotterdam, Giraffe Coffee, Idee Magazine, JOGG, Nike, NRC, Positive News, Rijkswaterstaat, San Pellegrino, South Pole, Squla, Trouw, UWV, Valamis, Verve, Voicebooking.
After more than a decade in illustration and animation, Idris sought a new creative direction. Inspired by his love of sci-fi and futurism, he envisioned A Newtype Future—a world of idealism, living technology, and natural beauty.
His latest work embraces abstraction, optimism, and mystery, reflecting this vision.
Now, Idris aims to bring A Newtype Future to life by collaborating with like-minded organizations and creating large-scale murals, paintings, and installations that inspire a better tomorrow.
His latest work embraces abstraction, optimism, and mystery, reflecting this vision.
Now, Idris aims to bring A Newtype Future to life by collaborating with like-minded organizations and creating large-scale murals, paintings, and installations that inspire a better tomorrow.
The love child of Dick Bruna & Charley Harper
‘Describing a fellow creative’s and good friend’s work is one of the most difficult objective things to do. Jokingly I'd say that Idris is the lovechild of Dick Bruna & Charley Harper, and that wouldn’t be far from hitting the mark in describing his work and ethics. Influenced by these ‘parents’, he walks the path of playful simplicity to find a universal language in his work without losing its craftsmanship and refinement. Everything is meticulously placed and arranged so it has function and maintains its aesthetic worth. All these traits make him an amazing creative spirit to watch or work with.’
- Simon Buijs, Head of Design Buck Europe
A creative futurist
with a vision
‘Idris, a creative futurist with a vision, blends art, technology, and the imaginary. As a graphic illustrator and visual artisan, his work showcases a mastery of both digital and traditional mediums, resulting in pieces that feel vibrant, relevant, and deeply evocative.
A powerful asset is Idris’ empathy. He isn’t just envisioning a future shaped by aesthetics or technology - he’s imagining one rooted in the human experience, built to connect with people on a personal and emotional level. Helping you to become the best version of yourself.
- D. Global, Agent
IMPACT PROJECTS
UN - An Elephant Story
Role - Illustrator
2021
Being part of the UN ‘Animal Communication’ group, I was asked to develop and illustrate a story communicated by a herd of Asian Elephants from Thailand. The story tells of Nina, Keanu, and the elephant rainbow tribe in their efforts to help African animals in need with the hope of inspiring a new generation of eco-warriors.
Role - Illustrator
2021
Being part of the UN ‘Animal Communication’ group, I was asked to develop and illustrate a story communicated by a herd of Asian Elephants from Thailand. The story tells of Nina, Keanu, and the elephant rainbow tribe in their efforts to help African animals in need with the hope of inspiring a new generation of eco-warriors.
Expat Valley - Helping Intl. Children
Role - Art Director
2019 - Present
At Expat Valley, we believe that international relocation should be an enriching experience that allows children and their families to thrive. As part of a team of global experts, we are committed to building an ecosystem that supports the needs and well-being of international mobile families.
Role - Art Director
2019 - Present
At Expat Valley, we believe that international relocation should be an enriching experience that allows children and their families to thrive. As part of a team of global experts, we are committed to building an ecosystem that supports the needs and well-being of international mobile families.
Makii - Animal Parade
Role - Owner & Production
2020 - Present
Believing that toys can be beautiful and sustainably produced, my Makii co-founder and I launched a circular wooden toy collection; The Animal Parade. By using wood from the Dutch Forestry Foundation (Staatsbosbeheer) and Dutch sheltered communities for labor, we did just that.
Litoraal - Bird Sanctuary
Role - Volunteer
2018 - Present
Being an avid nature enthusiast, I wanted to get my hands dirty and ‘practically’ help plants and animals in our current ecological emergency. I help maintain a nature reserve local to me, het Litoraal. Created in 2016, the reserve is now home to 54 species of birds, 8 mammals, and several amphibian species, enriching local flora and fauna.
Role - Owner & Production
2020 - Present
Believing that toys can be beautiful and sustainably produced, my Makii co-founder and I launched a circular wooden toy collection; The Animal Parade. By using wood from the Dutch Forestry Foundation (Staatsbosbeheer) and Dutch sheltered communities for labor, we did just that.
Litoraal - Bird Sanctuary
Role - Volunteer
2018 - Present
Being an avid nature enthusiast, I wanted to get my hands dirty and ‘practically’ help plants and animals in our current ecological emergency. I help maintain a nature reserve local to me, het Litoraal. Created in 2016, the reserve is now home to 54 species of birds, 8 mammals, and several amphibian species, enriching local flora and fauna.
