Leon
Baaren

Concept, design, and visual storytelling.

Leon graduated from the Estor Studio School in 1990 and began his career at a creative studio in Wormerveer. There, he laid the foundation of his craft by mastering classic graphic and painting techniques — skills that would later play a pivotal role in his work as both an artist and an art director.

His talent for design, conceptual thinking, and visual storytelling soon led him to leading advertising agencies in Amsterdam, including Streamline Design, Compasso (Publicis Group), TBWA\Direct Company, and Rapp Collins (part of the DDB Group). In 2007, he transitioned to freelancing, a move that connected him with virtually all major advertising agencies over the following years.

He has worked for international brands such as Absolut Vodka, PlayStation, Nissan, Heineken, Rabobank, and Staatsloterij. His campaigns have garnered multiple advertising awards, including two JongeHonden awards and various silver and bronze Esprix awards.

In addition to his work in advertising, he established himself as a conceptual packaging designer for brands such as Heineken, SABMiller, FrieslandCampina, and Douwe Egberts. Operating under the name “The Artoonist,” he works as a satirical artist and media visualizer for independent platforms like De Andere Krant, translating current political and social issues into a sharp, distinctive visual language.

Following an inspiring journey through South and Central America, Leon co-founded “The Brixers” with Sharon — a platform dedicated to guiding (new) companies and brands as they grow across borders, markets, and continents. He is represented by Anekdote Creative Management.