Meet the Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger

Alexandra Boiger has illustrated over a dozen children’s books, including the popular Tallulah series. This October, she released Max and Marla, the first picture book she has both illustrated and written. In this installment of Meet the Illustrator, Alexandra shares what it was like to write her first book, how the mountains of Bavaria inspired the setting of Max and Marla, and what kids can learn from the two adorable, aspiring Winter Olympians.

You’ve illustrated children’s books for over a decade, but this is your first time writing a children’s book — can you talk a little bit about what the experience has been like?

When I illustrate a story written by somebody else, I start by reading the manuscript many times. That way I get a good sense of the characters, the storyline, the hidden connections, the time and place of the setting, the rhythm of the story, and how I might want to break up the pages. I begin to fall into the story. Working on different manuscripts gives me the opportunity to explore subject matters, eras, and characters, which I might never have otherwise explored. I treat them with respect and curiosity. I try to bring the script visually and emotionally to life by adding many layers. My starting point, however, is OUTSIDE OF MYSELF — I did not create the story.

Being both author and illustrator is an entirely different experience. Writing and illustrating a story starts clearly from WITHIN MYSELF. The story comes from hidden places. Some are conscious, others aren’t. In most cases they have much to do with my own childhood — one way or another. Here I am completely free in my exploration and it is highly personal. Expressing myself that way gives me huge satisfaction. There is an organic playfulness in the development of the connection between image and word. The art comes from new places deep within, because the story does, too. Image and story go hand in hand. I don’t have a written manuscript first, rather a movie in my head which I put on paper.

Moving on to final art brings another challenge. I am trying very hard to improve those first sketches, which came from a place without judgment; yet at the same time I desperately try to keep their raw freshness. It’s a tricky balance, I find, and doesn’t always work out.

What inspired you to write a book about two little aspiring Winter Olympians?

The answer to this question has many layers. I’ll try to touch on some. I grew up in Munich, Germany. The surrounding mountains and forests of Bavaria are a part of my core. (I have an especially soft spot for Schliersee.) [This setting] seems to have become the backdrop of Max and Marla’s life together.

I remember playing for hours with the sled in the snow together with my best childhood friend until it was nighttime. Coming inside, taking off the wet clothes, trying to warm up my completely frozen feet could only be remedied by a steaming cup of hot cocoa.

As a child I also loved watching the Olympics and still do today. When I followed some particular sledding teams during the recent Winter Olympics, I already had started to develop the two characters Max and Marla. Not on paper yet. They were still shapeless. I only understood their emotions and what they would be to each other. Two parts of one whole. One night the Olympics on TV sparked something — the idea for the story started to unfold. Rapidly. Imagination, perseverance, unexpected events. How to deal in a creative way with what might be perceived as failure, and above all, friendship, are at the heart of my book, Max and Marla. They turn obstacles into victories. Mind you — I didn’t think any of that, I just started to sketch and feel it.

The Olympic spirit shows up in many aspects of our lives. My daughter was born [in the United States]. She grew up with three languages and that’s a wonderful gift. But when she first started to learn how to read and write it wasn’t always easy for her. Moving and starting a new life in a new culture took courage and imagination for my husband and me. These are just some personal examples. I am sure everyone has their own.

The possibility of any big or small achievement starts with a dream. Setbacks are certain on the path of life. How we deal with those is what I find interesting. Max and Marla have found a positive way and they have each other.

What does your workspace look like?

Many times my workspace is messy. It has a lot of light, a lot of dust, and it’s cozy. A cup of tea is usually somewhere. After I finish a book, I give my studio a good polish (see photo). But, alas, the dust and the mess return. I can always count on that.

Oh, I think I just spotted another teacup imprint and a couple of cookie crumbles on my desk. Too bad.

What artistic materials do you most like to use?

I like to use pencils, colored pencils, pen and ink, sharpies, watercolor, gouache, the computer. And then of course the paper! It makes a huge difference which paper I use! I found Fabriano watercolor paper to work out best for me in most cases.

What writing or design resources would you recommend to young artists?

Reading a lot and falling into stories. Listening and watching what goes on around you. I would also tell a young artist to draw what he/she feels — to stay innocent in that way. Be honest with yourself and try to understand your world. A hike in the woods or walking through a city and making up stories is fun and a great tool. Visiting museums and reading about people who inspire you. Looking at the design of a leaf, a wave … you name it. Natural light and patterns. Imagination and sensitivity, somebody to share your ideas with.

The rest is just paper and pencil and many hours of dedication.

What illustrated book from childhood has stayed with you over the years?

Die Kleine Hexe (The Little Witch) by Ottfried Preussler is one such book. This story about a little, good-natured witch, who is only 127 years old and therefore not yet taken seriously by the older witches, is utterly charming. The illustrations by Winnie Gebhardt-Gayler remain as fresh and expressive as ever.

How do you get your daughter excited about art?

My husband and I are both artists. We also have many artist friends. So, my daughter is constantly surrounded by that world. She has sat with me in my studio since early childhood. I really try not to get in her way (maybe she would tell you a different story — don’t forget, she’s a teenager!), not to push her, but rather let her explore by herself. And she does.

What has your daughter taught you about books and reading?

Children are very smart and intuitive. They have their own taste, agenda, and timing. They connect to a strong character and a clear story the same way an adult does. Specifically, if they can find a part of themselves in that character.

What’s the best name for a color that you’ve ever heard?

“Rosenrot” (Rose Red). I simply love how it sounds and what it evokes.

Alexandra Boiger grew up in Munich, Germany as the youngest of seven children. She studied Graphic Design at the Fachhochschule Augsburg before working in Feature Animation at Warner Brothers and Dreamworks. After working in animation, Alexandra decided to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a children’s book illustrator, gathering a following as the illustrator of the popular Tallulah series. Max and Marla is her debut title as both author and illustrator. Alexandra now lives in Northern California with her husband and daughter.