KEY COLORS 2012 GOLD MEDAL WINNER

Why does Anne Schneider love making picture books? 'Drawing and reading have always been my main hobbies. But as a child, I had no intention of making my living with them. I wanted to be an actress! I used to write, direct and act all the time, and I was determined to go to the academy of dramatic art. But I was too young for that when I finished my secondary education, so I got the idea to attend a secondary teacher training in drawing for one year and then switch to a school of acting. But I enjoyed my studies so much that I forgot all about my original plan, finished my education, got a job as an art teacher, and started a small business in illustrations and wall paintings. In 2012, I won the Key Colours International Illustrators Award and I felt like a real picture bookmaker. In picture books I combine all my passions: I draw and paint, I make up stories and characters, and I direct how they get to appear. That’s why I love making picture books.'

KEY COLORS 2004 PUBLIC PRIZE WINNER

Ruth Wielockx never imagined that she would become a writer and illustrator of children’s books. She studied Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Leuven (Belgium) and Southampton (United Kingdom), and went on to get a degree in education. After years of teaching, Ruth realized that she really liked drawing and painting. She took this new passion and combined it with her love of children’s books to begin a very successful career as an author and illustrator.