Hi There!

I'm Sandy van Helden, a Dutch illustrator based in Amsterdam. Since founding my studio in 2015, I’ve partnered with ad agencies, design studios, and global brands. Working on projects ranging from retail environments and murals to campaigns, packaging, and brand activations.

My clients include Uniqlo, Nike, Spotify, IKEA, Google Home, and Benefit Cosmetics. I work both locally in the Netherlands and internationally.

elected clients of Sandy van Helden including Uniqlo, Nike, Spotify, IKEA, Google Home and Benefit Cosmetics
Sandy van Helden spot illustration — grapes in signature bright green colour palette

“Sandy has an eye for visualizing generational characteristics through her alluring curved lines.”

It's Nice That logo — Sandy van Helden featured in It's Nice That

My signature style uses curvy lines and bright colours. A playful yet sophisticated visual language that I've developed across more than a decade of commercial work. Whether I'm designing an illustrated window display, painting a large-scale mural, or creating a campaign for a global brand, I bring the same attention to storytelling and craft. I work in both a full-colour style and a refined line style, which can be used separately or blended together depending on the project.

About My Work

Sandy van Helden window display illustration for Bimba Y Lola

I create illustrated murals, props, and window displays for retail environments, bringing brand worlds to life at the point where customers actually meet them.

Illustrated prop design for retail environment for Uniqlo by Sandy van Helden

Recent retail projects include a window display illustration for Bimba Y Lola, in-store props and large scale mural for Uniqlo.

Services
Learn more about my services

  • Illustrated environments for stores, pop-ups, and brand activations. From concept and art direction to large-scale execution, for retail brands worldwide.

  • Make your advertisement stand out by using illustration and animation to tell your brand's story.

  • Develop a set of signature illustrations alongside your brand identity to expand personality and recognition.

  • Creating artwork on the spot is a fun and interactive way to engage guests at events. Services include live mural painting, live portraits, and other illustration formats.

  • Add movement to illustrations for a more memorable impression. I handle simple animations directly and collaborate with specialist animators for complex projects.

  • Add a visual dimension to a piece of writing in a magazine, journal, or newspaper.

  • A set of simplified illustrations to guide people through physical and digital spaces.

Sandy van Helden live portrait drawing at an event — freelance live drawing services Amsterdam

I provide a variety of live drawing services for events, such as mural painting and portrait sketching.

Sandy van Helden illustration styles — full-colour and line style, shown side by side

I offer two illustration styles, a full-color style and a line style that can seamlessly blend together.

Selected clients

Uniqlo, Nike, Spotify, IKEA, Google Home, Benefit Cosmetics, and more.

Selected press

It’s nice that, Eye on Design, Wrap magazine, Teen Vogue, Sight Unseen, Urban Outfitters, Fontanel, &C, Het Parool

Selected talks, awards, and exhibitions

Highfive - Talk - Den Haag
Glug - Talk - Amsterdam
3x3 Awards - Honorable Mention

Want to work together?

I’m based in Amsterdam, but I’m available for projects across the Netherlands, Europe, and worldwide. I like working directly with brands as well as through ad agencies and design studios. I would love to get in touch!