who is helen b?
A Ghent illustrator who draws as she lives: honest, playful, and a bit rebellious. She started drawing during an intense period of her life, during the illness and loss of her mother. Drawing became an outlet, a way to give her feelings a place and at the same time create something beautiful. Since then, she lives by her motto: ‘now or never’.
personal project
After twenty years working in the social sector, Helen decided to follow her heart. What started as a small, personal project gradually grew into helen b: an international brand with now 650 points of sale in 38 countries. Yet everything still feels warm and small-scale. Because alongside creativity, humanity always remains central.
SPREADING SMILES
The goal of helen b is simple: to put a smile on your face. Whether that is through a coffee mug, a bath mat, or a large mural, each design wants to make your day a little lighter and happier.
Playful illustrations of recognizable situations
Helen finds her inspiration in the small, recognizable moments of everyday life. She draws what she sees, what touches her, and what makes her laugh. Sometimes these are memories of childhood, sometimes current events. Her drawings often contain a subtle wink or a message, without wanting to be preachy.
I draw as I live: honestly, playfully, and a bit rebellious ;)
SOCIAL ECONOMY.
Helen works together with a sheltered workshops in Ghent, a conscious choice that perfectly fits her roots in the social sector. This collaboration not only ensures that the production is social and fair, but also gives the brand a heart and a story.
slow living
When she is not drawing in her Ghent studio, you will often find Helen in Portugal. There she visits the textile suppliers, works on new designs, and lets herself be inspired by the slow rhythm of the South. In their holiday home, she enjoys moments of slow living – drawing in the sun, walking, having aperitifs with a natural wine, and her favorite paprika nuts. She does not like cooking, but fortunately, there is a fantastic cook in the house.
Curious about Helen’s world?
