Bologna Book Fair Day 1

 

First day at the Bologna Children's Book Fair. I'm totally exhausted, so I'm not going to be able to write much, but here is a description of what you can see in the picture (at least):
*We're alive!
From lefto to right: the entrance hall at the Bologna Childrens Book Fair, me (at the beginning, still smiling), my friend Martina at a portfolio interview, Martina and me, the winning illustrator's work (wonderful btw!), my most-recent book project at one of the publishing stands. 

Will keep you posted!

Before Bologna Take Off / Tips on How to Present Yourself at the Bookfair

Before I leave for the Bologna Children's Bookfair http://www.bookfair.bolognafiere.it/home/878.html I wanted to show some of the promotional materials I made to take along. As I have visited the Fair last year, I tried to take into consideration what the publishers appreciated and what not. Not every one of them has the time to sit down for a portfolio interview so is't always good to have something with you to leave around for the art directors - they can get back to you after they return to their offices. 

That's why I decided to print out these booklets. I printed out 60 pieces to leave to the publishers either after

the interview or only to take home to the art-director. Last year I had a package - a few samples of my work in a white envelope with a couple of stickers on it, and I think the envelope is not as good idea as it seems (not much to catch one's eye and trouble with opening and taking out all of the goodies). I believe this is a better option :-)

Of course, I made a couple of postcard designs. I printed 60 of each and plan to give these out and leave some at the illustrator's wall on Monday morning, together with a poster of my work. Which I haven't printed yet, aaaaah!

And at last, but not least, I made a portfolio. Actually two of them, as I didn't want to mix up the two illustration styles that I do. These are just plain A4 formats bound in a wonderful book-workshop here in Bratislava. Nice ladies, they always do such a wonderful job! 

 

 

Hope this helps! Good luck everyone and maybe see you in Bologna!

My Very First Book Went off to Print

I am so excited - my very first book (I am both the author and illustrator this time!) went off to print Today. It is a Czech-Slovak picture dictionary for children called "Jak velbloud potkal tavu". The book should be published on 7th of April. I really enjoyed the cooperation with the publisher - Albatros from Czech republic. Everyone was very nice to work with. Special thanks to a patient graphic designer Martina Rozinajova at www.rozinajova.sk
Yay!

Children's Theatre

It's just so nice to finally hold the actual book project in my hands. Children's theatre is finally moving on to see the world! Keeping my fingers crossed!

Cute Animal Characters for a Board Book

Yellow Submarine

I wasn't going to publisht this one, but my mom liked it. So I changed my mind :-) This illo comes from a teacher's guide book (preschool). It's actually been very much fun to work on!

My Work in 1000 Illustrations for Children!

It's been over a year since I got an email from the 1000 Illustration for Children book author Julia Schonlau saying she would like to include my work in her book. I almost forgot about it until my good friend Lenka http://issuu.com/portfoliolenka messaged me she found my illos in a book she just purchased :-) What a nice surprise! It really is a beautiful book! Thank you Julia, thank you Lenka!
You can buy the book here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/000-Illustrations-Children-Julia-Schonlau/dp/1592538525/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391088622&sr=8-1&keywords=1000+illustrations+for+children

Going to Bologna and Frankfurt this year!

Hi there! This year, I am planning on visiting both Bologna Book Fair and Frankfurt Buchmesse! If you'd like to meet me there to discuss my work or porjects, please don't hesitate to contact me at maria.neradova@gmail.com

Looking forward to meet you there!

Fairies from a recent book project

Hope you have a Merry Christmas!