Max Velthuijs' Work

His education was for graphic designer/painter. After his study he worked as an office-clerk and a salesman in a hat-store and also was a teacher at the Art Academy in The Hague for several years.

He drew political images, stamps, record and book-covers, and made some TV-adds as well. He designed all kinds of posters and prints, while working in the advertisement business for many years. His drawings appeared in several communist-leaning publications until 1953 when he left the party.

The first illustrations for a children's book dates back to 1962. He published a book with old folklorists rhymes. His work was appreciated right away and the book was chosen to be one of the best 50 books of that year. This sped up his career as an illustrator in this branch. In 1964, his new books with illustrations established a connection with a Swiss publisher and many of his books were published in co-production. He wrote the books himself as well, and the ability to write and illustrate was a golden combination.