Only in 2022 did Framlingham, Suffolk native Kate Rolfe receive her MA in children’s book illustration.
A reading-impaired children’s book illustrator first thought her work “wasn’t very good” before going on to win a prestigious international prize.
For nine prizes in one year, she either took home the prize or received high praise.
In November, Ms. Rolfe, who is dyslexic, received the “best new talent” award in children’s publishing from the World Illustration Awards 2022, external.
She told BBC Look East from her Diss studio,
“I’m really delighted and thrilled to have won that.
Prior to completing her MA from the Cambridge School of Art this year, Ms. Rolfe held positions in marketing, graphic design, and theater.
In what is regarded as the Oscars of illustration, the 38-year-old faced competition from New York and Moscow for the prizes in November.
She acquired an agent, a publisher, and three children’s books during the course of the previous year.
Navigating Dyslexia, a picture book illustration by Ms. Rolfe that was inspired by her own experiences, was one of her entries for international prizes.
She created a picture of a toddler who was “lost in a jungle of letters” by combining letterpress and cyanotype processes.
According to Ms. Rolfe, who now works one day a week at a children’s bookstore in her hometown,
“When I graduated, I felt my work wasn’t very excellent.”
“So that external validation from individuals who have never seen me and who are knowledgeable about what they’re talking about, who have nothing to base it on other than simply my work on a piece of paper, has gave me so much confidence,” the author said.
Children with dyslexia or any other neurodivergence can be inspired by Ms. Rolfe’s efforts to open up to others about their issues.
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