Getting To Know The Bees! Marina Halak

17 February 2022

Tell us about where you live and work?

Six years ago, I moved from Ukraine to Germany. Now I'm living and working in Sindelfingen near Stuttgart.

What inspired you to be an illustrator?

I always loved books and drawing, so being an illustrator means combining two of my biggest passions. What a jackpot!

If you could illustrate any book, what would it be?

Definitely Harry Potter and The Little Prince! I'm also dreaming of illustrating fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen (one more opportunity to reread them!).

What Beehive project are you most proud of?

I'm currently working on a few projects, and each of them is a great challenge. The books are not published yet, but I'm proud of collaborating with two of my favourite publishers.

How do you get inspired to produce a piece of artwork?

Before I start working, I reread a few picture books from my small collection, create a new pinboard on Pinterest and save inspiring pictures and textures. I also like to read the new manuscript a few days before drawing (if it's possible), so the story and characters appear and live in my head for a couple of days before they are ready to meet the paper.

What is your favourite place on the planet?

Where my family is.