About me

I am Daniel Napp and I write and illustrate children's books. If you click on the characters on the edges you can look at my books. For crafts and activities to my picture books go to the Download page. You find all news in the blog. Become a fan of my Facebook page. Have fun reading and looking!

Short biography

Born 1974
in Nastätten, Rhineland-Palatinate

Kindergarten, school, Abitur (upper secondary school leaving certificate granting access to universities),
Civil service at the hospital

1996-2002 Design program at
Münster University of Applied Sciences
with a major in illustration

I received my university diploma in
spring of 2002

2001-2006 Atelier Raum3
am Hawerkamp, Münster

Since 2006 in the studio community at Hafenstraße, Münster

How does one become an illustrator?

I have studied at the Faculty of Design in Münster with Professor Marcus Herrenberger. My first commissions were to illustrate school books for Cornelsen Verlag. At the same time, I illustrated my first picture book »Herr Jambus und der Elefant«. This was a semester project.

Two years later, I finally received my first commission for a children's book. The Swiss editor, Hans ten Doornkaat, sent me the story »Bauer Beck fährt weg« by Christian Tielmann. One year later, the book was published by Sauerländer Verlag. It was in the truest sense of the word a picture perfect start. This book has developed into a long seller. In addition, the following year, I was able to publish »Herr Jambus und der Elefant«.

I earned my diploma with the illustrated book »Dr. Brumm versteht das nicht«. This book was published in 2004 by Thienemann Verlag, which has published all my own children's and picture books to this day.

My Workplace

This is the building in Münster where I and my colleagues rent the upper floor for our studio. Come by and have a look during the "open door" event.

In addition, we have a kitchen in the hallway. Here, you meet a few of my illustrator friends during coffee and cake.

Take a peek in my studio, which I share with Michael and Günther.

And this is my workspace. However, you won't find me there that early in the morning.

I paint with watercolors, which I use straight from the tube; I mix them in a large palette. I rarely use more than five or six colors for most pictures.

I have way too many brushes, because I can't part with them. All the way in the front you see my favorite paint brush: it's a large brush made of squirrel hair (size 14) to cover huge areas.

Whenever I have time or during my vacation, I love to paint directly in front of the object. You can view my studies on my blog.

Awards

Bologna Illustrators Exhibition
selected 1999, 2001, 2003, 2009

Paderborner Hase 2008
»Schnüffelnasen an Bord«

Eule des Monats 01/2008
»Dr. Brumm will' s wissen«

Erstlesebuch des Monats 10/2009
Borromäusverein
»Dr. Brumm gibt Gas«

Kinderbuch-Couch-Star 08/2006
»Geschichten von Drache und Bär« (Illu.)

Shortlist Eulenspiegelpreis
2006 »Dr. Brumm steckt fest«
2002 »Bauer Beck fährt weg«

Buch des Monats 07/2002
Deutsche Akademie für
Kinder- und Jugendliteratur
»Bauer Beck fährt weg«

A picture book is created

In the beginning, I draw a storyboard, a miniature version of the story. This way I maintain my overview. Do you recognize which one of my picture books this is?

It's still just an idea: an otter sits at the lake and fishes.

First, I create the character.

Then, I draw the background on a new sheet. So, my character is safe in case I have to erase something.

Both drawings are scanned. Cover closed!

Now, I can put both drawings together with an image editing software on my computer …

… and I can change them for as long as it takes until all fits together.

I print out an enlarged version of the finished image – the same size it has later in the book.

The light table enables me to transfer the printed image easily onto my art board.

However, before I start painting, I make a quick color sketch. This is kind of a final rehearsal for me.

I have made it! At 2 am, the picture is finally finished. I need about four months to complete a whole book.

Did you recognize the picture? No? Then go ahead and check out the Dr. Brumm page.

About me

How does one become an illustrator?

My Workplace

A picture book is created

Links