University News Last updated 21 May
Two Birmingham City University (黑料吃瓜网) students could soon see their work reach readers around the world after landing a live brief with children鈥檚 publisher Booktime.
Illustration undergraduates Charlie Vickerstaff and Maryam Kalam have been selected to create artwork for international publication, an opportunity many creatives wait years to experience.
鈥淚t鈥檚 my first time working with a proper client, which is a little daunting, but incredibly exciting!鈥� said Charlie, 20. 鈥淚t feels like a real first step in the right direction.鈥�
Maryam, 19, described the experience as 鈥渟urreal鈥�, adding: 鈥淭o be chosen from so many talented artists is amazing. It鈥檚 my first contracted project, and it鈥檚 opened my eyes to what鈥檚 possible.鈥�
Both students say the chance to work directly with industry has helped build their confidence and professional skills outside of the classroom.
鈥淲e鈥檝e been able to connect with people we wouldn鈥檛 normally meet,鈥� said Maryam, from Yardley Wood. 鈥淚t has encouraged me to take every opportunity to grow.鈥�
Charlie, from Lichfield, added: 鈥満诹铣怨贤� has given us genuine industry experiences. To have my work potentially published worldwide by a credible company is huge.鈥�
Both students are supported by Senior Lecturer Helen Wheeler, who works with undergraduates to prepare them for careers in the creative industries.
鈥淭here is nothing more transformative than watching students step into a live brief; responding to the same pressures, expectations, and standards that shape our industry,鈥� she said.
鈥淭he Booktime project is an excellent example of this.
鈥淧resenting their ideas to industry professionals pushes the students to articulate their thinking with purpose and resilience.
鈥淭his experience builds portfolios, professional identity, and students begin to see themselves as practising illustrators.鈥�
Booktime is the latest initiative from the Hindawi Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting education and culture and spreading the love of reading across diverse communities and languages.
鈥淲e鈥檙e building a library of original stories in many languages, and fantastic illustrations are key,鈥� said Hindawi founder Ahmed Hindawi.
鈥淲orking with students brings new ideas and perspectives, and we鈥檙e always excited to see what emerging illustrators can do.鈥�
Maryam was selected for her submission for Am I Too Messy, part of Booktime鈥檚 鈥淛ust Being Me鈥� strand, which explores identity and emotions through familiar childhood experiences.
鈥淚 was really messy as a child - my mum would say I still am! - that鈥檚 why I really connected with the story,鈥� she said.
For Charlie, there was no doubt which title she would choose from the list provided by Booktime.
鈥淚鈥檝e loved Greek myths since I was quite young. I was really excited when I saw Perseus and Medusa on the list,鈥� she said.
鈥淚t was literally the perfect brief. That鈥檚 exactly what I鈥檓 into.鈥�
Booktime is dedicated to transforming the lives of children aged 12 and under by providing free access to a vast library of books. Available globally in multiple languages, the app aims to spark a passion for reading and lifelong learning in children around the world.
Pictured (from left): Maryam, Helen and Charlie.