About

I am inspired by nature and create surreal digital art as a way to express my imagination. With passion and precision, I craft animals into landscapes and other elements.

Tangible daydreams

When an idea excites me, I feel compelled to bring it to life, regardless of complexity or time. I search for the right balance between concept, composition, and aesthetics, refining each piece until it feels complete. For me, the process is as meaningful as the result.

Step into my world

Creating has always been a core part of who I am. I’m grateful for the responses my work receives from people around the world. Many share that they begin to see animals and hidden forms in unexpected places after viewing my work, something I enjoy inspiring.

My work has been featured in an Adobe Photoshop campaign, including an Instagram takeover for a week (day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5) where I shared my creative process and technical approach to digital image making. Several pieces have also been included in UNESCO exhibitions focused on nature conservation.

Background

Born in 1979 in Winterswijk, the Netherlands, and raised in Aalten, I have always been driven to express imagination through drawing and building.

Over time, this evolved into digital art and visual storytelling. Traveling inspired me deeply, especially the forms, structures, and rhythms found in nature, architecture, and design. After studying graphic design, I worked in the design industry and have been freelancing under the name Tref since 2010. I also published an art book and a children's book independently.

~ Martijn