Believe in Dreams, Choose a Goal, and Work to Reach It - Marina Halak



It’s funny that the more art I create the more memories come back to me. I always loved nature, cosy places, homemade food, familiar ambience, and book. Please give me so many books as possible! Ha-ha! 

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I am Ukrainian, and I have studied architecture in my country. After moving to Germany and working as an architect, I have understood that architecture is a great thing, but this is not for me. I want to do only one thing in my life – to create art. 

Two years ago, I decided to learn everything about children’s book illustrations and become an illustrator. This decision brought many changes in my life. But I love every challenging and stressful moment that I experienced in my life. My current job is definitely worth it, to be an illustrator is a big gift for me! 


2. Who is your favourite artist and why?

I can’t choose only one! I like worlds created by Oliver Jeffers, Elina Ellis, David Sierra Listón, Júlia Sardà, Benji Davies, Isabelle Arsenault, and Rebecca Green. I said “worlds” because an illustrator is not just a person who is creating a picture. Illustrators create worlds! 

The worlds of these artists are full of childhood memories, naivety, and humour. Their stories make me return to my parent’s house, my grandma’s bookshelf, and the warm summer breakfast made by my granny. 


3. Is it a financially stable career?

It depends on how much the artist is ready to work. Only creating books is not enough to pay all bills at the end of the month. 

Artists should have more income sources, for example, creating art for stocks, creating their own courses, selling licenses, etc. In this industry, professionals can’t take long breaks because creating new content must be as regularly as possible.
 
To be a freelance illustrator means to work more than an average office worker because we all are searching for jobs ourselves, and it needs more time and effort. 


4. Where do you get inspired to create art?

I am most inspired by my childhood: adventures that I have experienced and things that I used to believe as a child – these all I try to translate through my illustrations. 

It’s funny that the more art I create the more memories come back to me. I always loved nature, cosy places, homemade food, familiar ambience, and book. Please give me so many books as possible! Ha-ha! 


5. What kind of book do you prefer to read?

I'm a picture book freak - almost every month, I go to the book shop and buy one or two new picture books. It's crazy! I can't read e-books, I need paper in my hands, I love the smell of the new book. I want to feel the book cover's texture - this all is very important to me because time with a book is like meditation for me.  


6. What piece of advice would you like to give to the future aspirants?

Believe in dreams, choose a goal, and work to reach it. 


Interview by - Pallavi Surana