Brave Good Shippers at Bologna - we shoved a microphone in these illustrators faces 😆 (part 1!)
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In this lively and candid episode of The Good Ship Illustration, host Katie dives into the energy and chaos of Bologna Children's Book Fair, capturing raw interviews with illustrators navigating their first or third visit. Paulina shares her ongoing struggle with overwhelm despite growing confidence, while Kate reveals her nervous excitement and strategic approach to portfolio reviews. Both emphasize the importance of pacing, preparation, and not comparing oneself to others in the sea of talent. Lorna Bert offers a powerful personal journey—from feeling flat after a disappointing Bologna experience to rediscovering her authentic voice through the Freak Flag course. She highlights how embracing creative freedom, rejecting rigid industry boxes (like mandatory bears), and doing thorough research on publishers led to meaningful feedback and renewed confidence. Her story underscores the transformative power of self-trust and the value of courses that prioritize personal expression over commercial trends. The episode celebrates resilience, authenticity, and the long-term impact of supportive creative communities.
Arrive late on your first day to avoid sensory overload and give yourself time to acclimate.
Research publishers and reviewers beforehand—quality over quantity in portfolio meetings.
Embrace your unique voice; the most memorable work often comes from unfiltered, joyful creation.
Feedback isn’t universal—some advice may reflect the reviewer’s personal taste, not your worth.
Courses like Freak Flag and the Picture Book Course provide lifetime access and practical tools for navigating the industry.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to Bologna: Chaos, Energy, and Microphone Confessions
Host Katie welcomes listeners to the first part of her Bologna Fiera interviews, apologizing for audio quality due to the bustling fair environment. She introduces the raw, unfiltered nature of the recordings and sets the tone with enthusiasm and humor.
Paulina & Kate: The Overwhelm of Bologna and First-Time Nerves
Paulina reflects on her third consecutive Bologna visit, admitting she’s still unprepared and overwhelmed despite progress like bringing business cards. Kate shares her first-time jitters, arriving late to avoid the chaos, and her excitement about securing portfolio reviews.
Lorna Bert’s Bologna Breakthrough: From Doubt to Authenticity
“The work that people have really loved and sort of connected with since I've been here is all the work that I actually poured out of me since doing the Finding Your Creative Voice course.”
The Power of Research and Trusting Your Creative Self
“You just have to find your people... less is more. Try to see the right people because you can lose heart if you see somebody and get some unhelpful feedback.”
From Fashion Designer to Author-Illustrator: A New Creative Identity
Lorna reveals how the Picture Book Course equipped her with industry knowledge, leading to her acceptance into the Golden Egg Academy mentorship. She now presents herself as an author-illustrator, bringing both manuscripts and art to Bologna.
“The work that people have really loved and sort of connected with since I've been here is all the work that I actually poured out of me since doing the Finding Your Creative Voice course.”
“You just have to find your people... less is more. Try to see the right people because you can lose heart if you see somebody and get some unhelpful feedback.”
“No rules. No rules. Just go. No panicking. Use as many different media as you like or just one, whatever. There's no rules and just enjoy it.”
Host
Guests
Lorna Bert
person
Freak Flag
other
Katie
person
Paulina
person
Kate
person
Bologna Fiera
place
Finding Your Creative Voice
other
Picture Book Course
other
The Good Ship Illustration
media
Golden Egg Academy
organization
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