A few months ago I was feeling adventurous and decided to book two tickets to Bologna. Although I am a fan of Pasta Bolognese, my main reason for visiting was the Bologna Children's Book Fair - heaven on earth for illustrators and publishers alike.
As it was my first time at the fair and the information about what to expect there is very limited, I was in the least to say unprepared. Thats why I decided to conclude this list in order to warn people what kind of mistakes to avoid.
Accomodation:
Airbnb or a hostel if you are looking for something more social. We stayed in this one and it had a really cool vibe to it.
The city offers some incredible airbnb apartments and rooms at a reasonable price, if you book in advance. And when I say that I really mean is well in advance.
Optimistically, I decided to book our accommodation two months before the fair and I was unpleasantly surprised - there were no rooms left within our budget. Turns out most people book 6 months in advance!
Flight:
As the accommodation, the same goes for the flight - book well in advance. Once you land, you can take the bus from the airport to the train station and from there everything is within walking distance. (if you are carrying too many business cards and your suit is heavy - one of the buses that stop in front of the train station should take you where you want to go)
Ticket:
I bought a pass for just one day, but I wish I got the three day one because there is so much to see! Every day there are talks, portfolio reviews and so many stalls to look at!
And you know what is the best part? If you send them 5 original drawing you get a free entrance! (something I wish I knew before I bought my pass)
Prep before the fair:
Business cards and a flawless portfolio should be first on your list. Once you have these, you can try and arrange meetings with some publishing houses, but don't get too disappointed if it doesn't work. Most publishing houses are there to meet with the big fish of the publishing business and illustrators are kind of left behind. Anyway, some stalls have illustrators' portfolio reviews, where you will get the chance show your work and make connections.
Don't forget your charisma too! And some packed lunch!
At the fair:
The first thing you see when you enter the venue is a massive exhibition with all the shortlisted illustrations (remember when I told you about the free tickets?) I found it so inspirational and wanted to stay there the whole day.
Next is the illustrators' wall. Here you can put any kinds of business cards or flyers to promote yourself. The scale of it is mind-blowing and at this point you can really start seeing the reality of the freelance illustrators.
Take a map and mark all the talks that you would like to attend. And they will be a lot!
On the map you can also see the publishing houses and where to find their stalls. Depending on your purpose you can go to a few or visit all of them.
Since I only had a day I weighted my priorities and tried to see as many as possible. I looked at each one's style and wrote down the ones that though would be interested in my illustrations. I was also giving away business cards to the front desk ladies. (they are usually assistants, but if you make a strong impression they might pass a word to someone higher in the chain).
Take in consideration the amount of illustrators each publishing agent has to speak in a day. Some of them frown just by the sight of a portfolio. Thats why its better to have a chat, exchange business cards and contact them after the fair when all the madness has passed.
Nevertheless, its good to have a portfolio with you, even if its on a tablet or your laptop. There are organised portfolio reviews where you can get an opinion by a professional.
The fair seems to be more focused on publishers, translators and copyrights, but don't feel overwhelmed and take in everything you see - you will feel inspired and full of creative energy at the end of the day.
And last but not least - don't forget to pop in the bookstore - the books in english are limited, but you will have the chance to see one of the top picture books of the year.
And last but not least, after all this walking and talking, you will get VERY hungry. But after chatting with a few locals I found the ultimate favourite to every Bolonesian (is this a word?) - Osteria dell'Orsa. A humble place where you can try an authentic Pasta Bolognese for just a few euros. It might not look like much, but there is an underground floor with picnic benches, so expected to be seated with strangers and don't be shy to make some friends!
Walking and talking might also get you thirsty so I have just the place for you - A bar buzzing with creative energy and some really good choices of wine that change regularly -
Take a map and mark all the talks that you would like to attend. And they will be a lot!
On the map you can also see the publishing houses and where to find their stalls. Depending on your purpose you can go to a few or visit all of them.
Since I only had a day I weighted my priorities and tried to see as many as possible. I looked at each one's style and wrote down the ones that though would be interested in my illustrations. I was also giving away business cards to the front desk ladies. (they are usually assistants, but if you make a strong impression they might pass a word to someone higher in the chain).
Take in consideration the amount of illustrators each publishing agent has to speak in a day. Some of them frown just by the sight of a portfolio. Thats why its better to have a chat, exchange business cards and contact them after the fair when all the madness has passed.
Nevertheless, its good to have a portfolio with you, even if its on a tablet or your laptop. There are organised portfolio reviews where you can get an opinion by a professional.
The fair seems to be more focused on publishers, translators and copyrights, but don't feel overwhelmed and take in everything you see - you will feel inspired and full of creative energy at the end of the day.
And last but not least - don't forget to pop in the bookstore - the books in english are limited, but you will have the chance to see one of the top picture books of the year.
Food:
And last but not least, after all this walking and talking, you will get VERY hungry. But after chatting with a few locals I found the ultimate favourite to every Bolonesian (is this a word?) - Osteria dell'Orsa. A humble place where you can try an authentic Pasta Bolognese for just a few euros. It might not look like much, but there is an underground floor with picnic benches, so expected to be seated with strangers and don't be shy to make some friends!
Drink:
Walking and talking might also get you thirsty so I have just the place for you - A bar buzzing with creative energy and some really good choices of wine that change regularly -
