The Bologna Children's Book Fair.
I went, I saw, I networked and I ate Pasta! And now I'm back!
And what a fantastic week it was.
An exciting adventure into the unknown but it was also the best event I've been to, to network as a children's book illustrator.
Like window shopping I walked past hundreds of publishers from all over the world. Stopping at only those that appealed to me and those that my work suited.
And then the hand shakes started and I got to speak to those behind the scenes of the publishing industry. And this was a fantastic opportunity because it's not that easy to get your foot in the door as an illustrator.
I also met some lovely and talented people and made a few new friends :)
Not only that, I also met some brilliant Art Directors who took a shine to my portfolio and we are now in contact.
The bonus of going to an Italian book fair, an investment but hopefully in the coming months I shall be Illustrating for some British and Dutch publishers, Yey!
Plus, I also have 3 publishers interested in a picture book that I have written and illustrated. One of which will be taking my manuscript to the London Book Fair this April. Fingers crossed!
