It’s a wrap. Just came home from the fourth and final day of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2026. I just wanted to share some of my honest thoughts.

This year was my third year at the fair — and the most intense so far. I managed to secure 2 workshops and 2 portfolio reviews from the Illustrator Survival Corner, another 3 I emailed in advance, and another 7 I got by waiting in line, which brings the total to 12 portfolio reviews (that’s a lot of feedback).

What I did differently this year

The first year I came to Bologna was the year I found a direction — when I decided to leave law behind and focus all my energy on making art.

Last year was the first time I decided to present myself as an illustrator, even though I had only started drawing with the idea of building a portfolio 2 months before the fair (crazy, I know). I drew most of the illustrations traditionally and used a physical paper portfolio to present my work.

Was it scary? Very.

At that time, I only did 2 portfolio reviews, and the feedback was brutal.

Presentation — bad.

Character consistency — 0.

Composition — needed work.

Everything was extremely on point.

This year

This year I prepared much more intensely. I used only digital illustrations, printed them myself, made the book binding, and even created a dummy book.

The feedback was very diverse. Some people really liked my ideas, some pointed out technical mistakes, and some wanted to see more diversity in my illustrations.

It takes a lot of courage to get feedback

Did I get a book deal? No (even though you never know). That was not my purpose.

During the process of building my portfolio, I felt like I didn’t manage to achieve everything I had on my list. And that’s okay.

Anyway, I went there and allowed myself to be vulnerable — letting other people evaluate my work.

One good thing was that, by mistake, I had a portfolio review with two illustrators who had also seen my portfolio last year.

The feedback was much better.

“I love bad feedback.”

I think I just feel so privileged that I could receive so many different opinions and suggestions in such a short time — feedback that can help me improve my work so fast.

In the real world, a portfolio review can cost around €60–70 minimum. At the fair, you get the chance to do it and to interact with some of the biggest publishers in the world. You can ask questions, see what their style is, and understand what they are looking for.

“You still need to work”

If I’m being completely honest, I did maybe 3 portfolio reviews with people whose style was completely different from mine.

Even though it was hard to hear their words, even from them I had a lot to learn. I was clearly at the wrong table.

What I realized

I used to think the fair was the zero point — that I do all the work during the year, and then the fair is the moment where I either succeed or fail until I get another chance next year.

It’s not like that.

Publishers go there mainly to sell rights and to network with other professionals in the field.

The success comes from all the small things you do throughout the year.

What’s next

I’m going to continue working on my drawing style, posting more, and sending a lot of emails — because this is how it works.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments.

Be kind,

Stefana