Made by STFN
Stefan Smit is active as an artist, illustrator and writer under the name STFN aka Made by STFN. The abbreviation STFN of course stands for Stefan, as you could suspect. Although an internet search reveals that it could also stand for Stranger Than Fiction News. Fortunately, that suits my style just fine; sometimes my work is stranger than fiction. In short, you can go either way with me.
A little history
Born in Purmerend (nearby Amsterdam, The Netherlands) on September 25, 1975. After obtaining my HBO degree in Marketing, Communication and Graphic Design (Business Presentation course at InHolland in Diemen) I have always worked in marketing and advertising. However, my passion for art, drawing, writing and illustrating never disappeared.
Drawing and illustrating.
Now you must be thinking, drawing and illustrating, isn’t that the same thing? No. A drawing wants to be seen and an illustration wants to show something. In an illustration, everything should reinforce the communication like in a children’s book, for example.
My passion
True passion never dies. Making illustrations, cartoons, paintings and even writing children’s books makes me happy and I feel happy when I can create something. In addition, the creative thinking process also helps me in my daily work. For example, you think out of the box faster and look for new ways to achieve your goal(s).
Marketing background
From my marketing and communications background I can very well empathize with your problem, your target group(s). In addition, I am a conceptual thinker. Conceptual thinkers are good at making connections, thinking creatively, inventing new things and coming up with solutions. They think from big to small.
That can help tremendously with your challenges as an editor-in-chief, journalist, brand manager, marketer, communications expert or strategist. In fact, I can help you summarize this well in one or more illustration(s). You can use illustrations to make your product truly unique. It can also be a good way to generate media attention for a new product launch. Your own story is the starting point.
Visual content
An illustration is true visual content, with an image you give extra attention to the message you want to convey. Differentiate yourself in the marketplace with visual content, especially in a world that is becoming increasingly visual. It allows you to more easily communicate your brand design and content to your customers.
My style
I create cartoon-like, illustrative artwork. In a colorful and light-hearted way, I deal with social themes. My conceptual illustrations often deal with social themes with a touch of nostalgia. My cartoon illustrations often have an underlying message as well, but never too heavy. In all cases, my style is colorful, fresh and lighthearted. Mostly influenced by MAD Magazine, especially Mort Drucker’s drawings, but also Graffiti and Street Art, Comics and the bigger studios like Walt Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks. See more on ‘what do I do‘
Own character Huggybird
I have also created my own character by the name of Huggybird®. This blue bird plays the lead role in several picture books, of which I am also the author. The exception is the book “Huggybird and the magical magic balls”, because it was written by Edsilia Rombley (Dutch singer) The drawings in this book are made by myself though. Obviously in collaboration with Edsilia.
Huggybird has also collaborated in the past with Greetz, with an extensive line of cards, BeemsterKaas, with a children’s cookbook, and many other brands. Want to know more? Check out the Huggybird website (Sorry, Dutch only at this moment).
