The SCBWI Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards recognise the talent of Australian children’s illustrators in visual narrative for picture books and graphic novels from early childhood to young adult. The Awards are managed by SCBWI Australia East and are funded by the Copyright Agency. There are two categories – Established and Emerging Illustrator with prize money to assist with the creation of a new visual narrative picture book or graphic novel.
It’s challenging to put into words just how grateful I am for the recognition and creative support behind my Highly Commended for the SCBWI Emerging Illustrator Award. It's hard to believe an Australian-Italian without words, right?
This particular story has been in my pocket as a work-in-progress since 2017, and the heart of it lies in the threads of stories retold by my family all my life. How they left their homeland in the hope of a better life, but most importantly, for love. As the custodian of valuable family artifacts and treasures, I quickly realised that this project was greater than a personal bedtime story; it was a rich time capsule of Italian-Australian culture in North Queensland.
In truth, at first, I did not know where to start. This personal, biographical story became my gateway into the world of kid-lit, my sole purpose and mission to become a children's book illustrator and emerging author. A way to share and archive a slice of North Queensland Australian history through art in the format of a book, which can be treasured and read with a steaming hot cup of espresso. Don't forget the biscotti!
The SCBWI Illustration Award has gifted this story a chance to exist, a wholehearted nod of recognition to keep going. The winnings allowed me to seek author mentorship from Story Art Coach and Publisher Margrete Lamond, as well as a much-needed art supply injection. I'll take a set of Caran D'ache Neocolor II Aquarelle and Pan Pastels, thank you!
Unbeknownst to me, my story has a life journey of its own. Originally envisioned as a picture book, it has recently been signed by a traditional publisher, Perentie Press - as a beautiful graphic novel. Now, the real work begins!
"Illustrating is like composing a classic Italian dish – it takes a dash of love, a whole lot of lyrical hand gestures, and is best enjoyed with others!” Kristen Willis