Loes Riphagen
Yes, Coco can!

Children's Publishing

Commissioned | Professional

Why did you make this work:
I wanted to make a sweet, heart-warming picture book that includes important messages that are relatable to young children. I created a book which, through humour, tackles an important subject in a light-hearted way. In addition to providing a wholesome reading experience, I also hope this book can help young children in overcoming their fears, learning that not everything goes well at once.

How was the illustration used:
Picturebook by Gottmer. It depicts Coco unsteadily balancing on a branch trying to gather courage. She weights the pros and cons of flying. After the encouragements from mama bird, Coco is shoved out of the nest. (a literal ‘kick in the ass’) A world full of colour opens in which boundaries broken and where danger can lurk. A world of limitless possibilities and growing confidence with each flap.

How did you make this work:
I wanted to challenge myself, so I took a lot of time to develop and try something completely new. I’ve worked with a combination of new techniques. Arranged handicrafts such as pencil drawings, gouache, and papercut in Photoshop and then illustrated over it digitally in Procreate. This creates a cohesive, dynamic drawing that highlights the craftsmanship while also providing a fresh, modern feel.

Commissioner Company :
Gottmer Publishing Group

Social Media:
twitter.com/LoesRiphagen
facebook.com/LoesRiphagenKinderboeken
instagram.com/loes_riphagen

Personal Website:
loesriphagen.nl
Agent Website:
https://kbizz.nl


Currently Based:
Netherlands

Biography:
Loes Riphagen (1983) grew up among the animals on a farm in Oene, a small village in the Veluwe. Together with her twin brother, she moved to Rotterdam to study Illustration at the Willem de Kooning Academy. Loes currently lives and works in Amsterdam.Loes Riphagen made her debut in 2008 with her book Night-Time-Bedroom-Creatures. With her cheerful and idiosyncratic illustrations, she always impresses the public, the press and juries. Loes is widely recognised for the beauty and sense of detail in her illustrations. Her latest books have received multiple awards. 'Yes, Coco can!' received the prestigious Picturebook of the Year Award in the Netherlands. For her book ‘Got Your Nose’ she received a Global Pinwheel Award of Excellence in China and the Silver European Design Award 2018. This special book was also the winner of The Hong Kong Print Awards 2018 and the Global Illustration Honorary Mention Award 2018.Her work has appeared in various countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Germany, America, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Denmark, China, Korea, Taiwan, Portugal, Japan and Slovenia.

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