We recently announced that the Klaus Flugge Prize announced the so-called "long list" of debutants in the field of children's books. Among the selected ones we also have a Bulgarian participation in the person of Maria Gyulemetova, who personally told us a little more about the surprise.
How was “Beyond the fence” born?
The story was born during my MA studies in Cambridge. It started with the appearance of the image of the wild boar. Although he is not the main character, his role is very important.
How did you manage to find a publisher, in this case – Child’s play?
Every year, graduates of the program exhibit their work in London for 3-4 days. The program sends a catalog and an invitation to a large number of children’s book publishers and many publishers eagerly await it and visit it. The book fair was the place where I was able to show my portfolio and stories to several publishers. I was very lucky to intrigue Child’s Play with it.
Tell us a little more about the book – concept, story, illustrations, working method and reactions after its release.
Except for minor edits to the text, the story remained unchanged until publication. Originally, the piglet lived with a girl, whom the publishers wanted to change to a boy. Coming up with the boy's appearance turned out to be the hardest part, as did the task of making him recognizable in all 14 illustrations he appeared in. This took many months. Not to say a year, because that sounds like too much.
You graduated from the National Academy of Arts, and then from the Cambridge School of Art in Children’s Book Illustration – what happened to your creative career after that?
The biggest thing was working with a publisher. The other important change for me was that from the moment I decided to prepare for the program, I started drawing from nature. And I haven’t stopped since. I graduated from the art academy in textiles, and my intention to become an illustrator meant developing my drawing skills much more.
You live in the USA. Do you have an insight into children's books in Bulgaria and what is your opinion?
I am fortunate to come home to Bulgaria every summer and look at the books that are published. There are beautiful books by both Bulgarian authors and illustrators, and many classic works are being republished. Children's books by the most acclaimed contemporary illustrators are also being translated. The book industry seems to be alive. I really like the work of Tochitsa Publishing House.
Can you share what the market is like (or at least your experience) in America.
It is difficult for me to talk about the market in America. As you can guess, it is diverse and huge. To the point that it is difficult for one to even keep track of everything that is published. The city library is the main place where I do this. I go every week and take children's books without limiting myself to the newly released ones.
The interview was conducted by Milena Radeva
Add comment