(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) is committed to partnering with Qatari, Arab and international artists to illustrate and design covers for their rapidly growing collection of books.
Their collaborations provide artists everywhere a platform to share their work and opportunities to showcase their creativity in a local and international context. 'We are always on the lookout for new artists, illustrators, and designers with whom we can partner to bring to life the content of our books, many of which explore international values and themes, as well as those from local Gulf and Mena culture, explained Zeyad Abu Irshaid, Production and Digital Specialist.
'Whether the artwork they provide is a cover design or illustrations, by partnering with various artists using different mediums, we can ensure that the images in our catalogue of works authentically reflect the content when presented to international audiences. The variety in design and style strengthens our publishing house's standing as a worldclass publisher.
Breaking into the publishing industry can sometimes be as simple as having a strong online presence, submitting your portfolio to a publisher, or being recommended by an author you've established a relationship with.
HBKU Press constantly scope out illustrator directories and social media platforms in an effort to connect with new and raw talent that have the potential to illustrate children's books being published.
Inna Ogando's online presence, for example, is exactly what led her to establishing a lasting relationship with HBKU Press over the past three years. The artist from the Ukraine had a profile on a popular illustrator's directory and her portfolio was considered for an upcoming publication. 'I was actually contacted by HBKU Press just a few days after I created my online portfolio on a popular website for illustrators, Ogando explained.
The book, A Recipe for Home, went on to win the 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Award in several categories in part due to her creative illustrations. 'Illustrators and other artists should definitely make sure they have a strong online presence as it's a great tool you can use to promote your work and make connections.
Being proactive. That being said, if left to chance, there is no guarantee one will be discovered. Submitting your portfolio for consideration by publishers is a great proactive way to establishing your career as an illustrator.
Just as an author would submit a submission package, an illustrator would do the same. Some of the most famous artists are recognisable based on their collaborations with specific authors, for example, illustrator Quentin Blake made his mark in the world of children's literature through his famous sketch-style drawings that marked his collaborations with Roald Dahl.
Reem Al Askari, an art instructor based in Qatar, has established her career as a children's book illustrator for the past 20 years. She has illustrated over 40 books, and most of them come as a direct result of being specifically recommended for projects by an author.
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