Date of Birth: August 23, 1927
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: February 16, 2017
Biography
Hendrik Magdalenus Bruna, widely known as Dick Bruna, was a celebrated Dutch author, artist, and graphic designer. He was born in Utrecht, Netherlands, and is best known for creating the beloved character Miffy (Nijntje in Dutch), a small female rabbit featured in a series of children’s books. Bruna’s career spanned several decades, during which he wrote and illustrated over 200 books. His minimalist style and vivid use of colors have left a lasting impact on children’s literature and graphic design. Bruna began his career in his father’s publishing company but soon found his passion in creating children’s books. The first Miffy book was published in 1955, and the character quickly became a global sensation. Bruna’s work extended beyond children’s literature; he also designed book covers, posters, and logos, showing a versatile talent in various forms of visual arts. Throughout his life, Bruna remained dedicated to his craft, working from his studio in Utrecht and continuing to create until his retirement in 2011.
5 Interesting Facts about Dick Bruna
1. Dick Bruna wrote and illustrated over 200 books, with his most famous creation being Miffy.
2. Miffy was inspired by a rabbit Bruna saw during a family vacation in 1955.
3. Bruna’s minimalist style was influenced by artists such as Henri Matisse and Fernand Léger.
4. He worked in the same studio in Utrecht for over 30 years.
5. Bruna received numerous awards, including the Silver Brush award and the Max Velthuijs Prize for his contributions to children’s literature.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dick Bruna
1. “I spend a lot of time on each page, and I try to say as much as possible with as few words as possible.”
2. “I want Miffy to be a friend to all children.”
3. “The simplicity of drawing is what I enjoy most. Less is more.”
4. “I believe it’s important for children to recognize emotions in the characters they read about.”
5. “My work is my life, and my life is my work.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Dick Bruna’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Dick Bruna had three children with his wife, Irene de Jongh. Their names are Sierk Bruna, Madelon Bruna, and Marc Bruna.
Relevant Links
1. [Official Miffy Website](https://www.miffy.com
2. [Dick Bruna at the Utrecht University Library](https://www.uu.nl/en/university-library/dick-bruna
5. [Dick Bruna’s Legacy – BBC Article](https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-38980006
