Marina Halak
Children's Illustrator
Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?
I draw since I learned to hold a pencil in my hands. My first artwork was a kind of abstract picture on white walls in my parent's house. I tried different materials and techniques for my whole life, but I never felt like I found the right thing and the right direction for me.
Two years ago, on a webinar about different creative jobs, I had heard for the first time in my life that illustration of books is a real job, and I just tried to learn more about it. I took one year of my life to learn this profession, and I felt a kind of..." klick!" in my heart. It feels like I finally found the thing I've searched for my whole life.
So, to become an illustrator was a decision and a goal of me.
How and why did you decide to pursue illustration as your career?
After studying architecture and working as an architect, I understood that I'm laying to myself and do the wrong job. I draw every day and just can't not do this. So, why not do the favourite thing professionally?
Did you attend art school or undertake any other formal artistic training?
Not really. I visited an art school as a child, for about 4 years, but I have learned only academical drawing. After I decided to become an illustrator, I bought different online courses about illustration and creating picture and children's books. I bought many books in all languages I understand, just to become a professional and be ready for my first client. And I was prepared as I got my first inquiry:)
Where do you currently live and where did you grow up?
I was born in a small village in Ukraine. 5 years ago, I moved to Germany because I wanted to reach my career goals and support my family in Ukraine.
What was your first commission as a professional illustrator?
I created a watercolour greeting card.
Describe your working technique and how you came to perfect it.
I'm working mostly in Procreate and Photoshop and create a digital illustration.
I started to learn it for about 2,5 years ago, I loved to use different graphic techniques before I bought my first graphic tablet because of their texture, and I still try to show the textures in my digital artworks. Two years ago, I got my first IPad as a gift for taking apart in a competition for architects, and then I started to learn much more about digital drawing. I followed many great illustrators on Instagram and watched how they work, and what they use. In this way, I learned to draw digitally.
Do you keep a sketch book?
I buy lots of sketchbooks, but don't use them!:)
Have you ever thought about trying out a different technique or a different style?
I experiment with my art style, brushes and technique continuing. If the artist stops developing his style, he becomes uninteresting and boring for himself and others.
How long does it take on average for you to finish a spread, from initial sketch to final colour?
Procreate counted 25 hours for one of the most detailed spreads I have ever done.
Are there any children’s classics you’d love to illustrate and/or re-tell?
Fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen, Astrid Lindgren and Lewis Carroll.
Animals feature heavily in children’s books – do you have a pet?
Yes, I have a dog, a Basset Hound. His name is Wolfgang. I draw him very often in my illustrations or even as a character on the books' background.
Who or what have been some of your major artistic influences?
I love books by Oliver Jeffers, Elina Ellis, Benji Davies, Rebecca Green, Isabelle Arsenault and artworks by beatrice Blue, Loish and Aveline Stokart.
Which 4 words would you use to describe your illustration portfolio?
Magical, childish, funny, fantastically
Outline your dream project.
I would love one day to collaborate with Bloomsbury, Pan Macmillan, Harper Collins and Penguin Random House. Don't ask me why, it's just a big goal of me, and I will reach it:)
But generally, my dream project is illustrating a story full of magic! No matter with which publisher.
Which area of children’s publishing excites you the most?
Picture books
What advice would you offer someone just starting out as a children’s illustrator?
Dream big and work for it.
Do you have a favourite soundtrack you listen to when you’re working?
The Harry Potter main theme! I even have a mini music box with this song.
Are you an author/illustrator?
Currently, I'm working on my own picture book. I hope to get it published soon, after that I will be an author too! haha
What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
There are two advices:
1. You can accomplish anything. There are no limits.
2. If you think nobody needs what you do - you're right! Do it because YOU need it.
What makes a good children’s book?
A good book makes a story with unexpected or funny end by the author and a creative illustration line. I don't like to illustrate only the words the author wrote. I think illustrator must add own details and own unmentioned characters to the book.
Which project are you most proud of?
Collaboration with Audible and Storytime Magazine
How important is it for you to be part of a creative community of people?
I'm a very introverted person. I love it to be by myself or with my family.
That's why it's hard for me to be between lots of people, to make some webinars or live streams, or even workshops, but I love it to read feedback or critique to my work. I love it to know that someone likes what I do, it's very motivating. That's why social media and online platforms are the best way to get in touch with people.
If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be doing?
Definitely a psychiatrist or a neurologist. It's so interesting!
How do you overcome a creative block?
I take a break for a day or two. Usually, I draw daily for about 5-12 hours (depends on orders and organisation work). Even on weekends or holidays, I draw a little, but sometimes body and brain need a pause and a few days without work is the best way to rest.
What are some of your favourite subjects to draw?
I love it to draw different magical things, kids and teenagers with superpowers, fantastic animals, and nature.