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What does it mean to be an illustrator today? Why choose this profession? What skills do you need? What features does an illustrated album need to win over a publisher? All the answers to these and many other questions in a practical and clear book.

At a time of profound change in publishing, there is still room for those who want to put themselves to the test and realise their passions. But how to do it? You need an authoritative guide like Anna Castagnoli to accompany you step by step, from the creation of an illustrated album to the choice of school and suggestions on how to enter a competition and prepare a portfolio to present to a publisher. Not forgetting, of course, the trade fairs and exhibitions, the legal, contractual and economic aspects, as well as the secrets of how to make the best use of the Internet to promote yourself and thus transform a passion into a real profession.

This book teaches aspiring illustrators the importance of being curious and open to the most diverse solicitation, understanding the needs of the market, without letting themselves be distracted, however, in the search for a personal voice, capable of translating to children, with originality, the wonder of the world that surrounds us.


Graduated in Aesthetic Philosophy, she attended some courses in Sarmede and started an intense activity as illustrator, writer and critic of children\’s books. Her books, translated into several languages, have received many awards. Her stories have been illustrated by great names in contemporary illustration, such as Susanne Janssen, Gabriel Pacheco, Isabelle Arsenault and Carll Cneut. She edits Le figure dei libri, a reference blog for those working in the field.

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