Going to Mecca, my first full-size picture book written by Na’ima B Roberts with publisher Frances Lincoln, is nearly ready to go to print!
Through poetry and pictures the book takes us on a pilgrimage to Mecca, as seen through the eyes of two children.
As a friend suggested, illustrating this book has represented for me a metaphorical pilgrimage on a creative and professional level.
The thorough preliminary research and the complex scenes with lots of characters and architectural references implied a big shift from the way I’m used to work (normally a few, strongly stylized characters who belong to the realms of fantasy and float in simple, geometrical compositions).
Thrown out of my comfort zone, the initial reaction was panic (is it part of an illustrator’s job description regularly having to overcome the fear you won’t be able to fulfil the brief?!). Like it happens with challenges though, it turned out to be a great learning curve. Looking back now I’m happy to see my style has been pushed to find new strategies and learn a different language.
I’m looking forward to seeing my first book out on the shelves soon!
