LOCAL HEROES
Marloes de Vries She’s won awards and has written her own book. She illustrates for popular magazine Flow and draws children’s books. She’s a hand-lettering queen and she lives in Rotterdam. If you haven’t yet heard of multi-talented graphic designer and artist Marloes de Vries, it’s about time you did. Words by WOUTER VOCKE Pictures courtesy of MARLOES DE VRIES
It’s remarkable that someone from a rural, quaint part of the Netherlands leaves everything behind and moves to a big city like Rotterdam. So, why Rotterdam? Because it was the biggest difference from where I’m from.
them didn’t even know me! This city suits me better than a small town. I’ve got everything I need right here: friends, art, good food, buzz, inspiration. When I miss my family, I just drive up north.
I grew up in a small town in Drenthe, in the northeastern
What are your favorite spots in Rotterdam?
part of the Netherlands. I wasn’t used to big cities, but I
Vroesenpark is right around the corner from my house.
felt ready for a change. The biggest change I could think
I love walking there, or having a picnic there in the
of, the opposite of a small town, was Rotterdam. So I
summer. I live in the northern part of the city, and it
moved here quite impulsively without really thinking it
has that village feeling to it, which I really like. Lof der
through. Best decision of my life, though.
Zoetheid is one of my favorite spots to eat cake. The owners, Anastasia and Elena, are lovely. I used to go
Did it take long to adjust?
to art school with Anastasia, so I knew her cooking and
I felt at home the minute I came here. I had been to
baking skills were amazing. I love Picknick for lunch,
Rotterdam twice before moving here, so I had no idea
you must try the pulled pork there.
what to expect, but neighbors and locals made me
Okay, enough about food! I also love grabbing my bike
feel welcome. I couldn’t find a house at first, because
and just cycling across the city really fast. There is so
I didn’t have a lot of money. Literally over 100 people
much contrast between the different parts of the city:
helped me through Facebook, and through a network
nature when you bike up north and the city skyline near
of friends and family, to find a place to live. Many of
the south.
“I needed to move because I have the need to feel inspired. Where I live is essential for me to create.” ROTTERDAM
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