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CRISTINA POP COLLABORATION
In 2024, I had the chance to collaborate with a published author, Cristina Pop, on her forthcoming book about life in communist 1980s Romania. This project pushed me beyond my usual projects, diving into the world of book illustration. Here, I’ll share my experience and what I learned from this collaboration.
MY FIRST BOOK ILLUSTRATION PROJECT
In the spring of 2024, I embarked on one of the most exciting and challenging projects of my career—illustrating a forthcoming book by Cristina Pop. Cristina is a professor specializing in medical anthropology and medical humanities at Creighton University. She is also a published author known for her insightful works on culture, history, and personal narratives. Her notable publications include:
-"The Cancer Within: Reproduction, Cultural Transformation, and Health Care in Romania" (under contract with Rutgers University Press for the series Medical Anthropology: Health, Inequality, and Social Justice): This work explores the intersections of health, culture, and the healthcare system in Romania, examining the challenges and transformations in reproductive health under political and social pressures.
-"The Anthropology of Magic Incantation" (2002, Cluj: Casa Cărții de Știință, published in Romanian): This work was nominated for Best First Book (non-fiction) by the Romanian Writers Association in 2002. It dives into the anthropology of magic and ritual practices in Romanian culture.When she reached out to me about this project, I was immediately intrigued.
Her upcoming book, set for release in 2025-2026, weaves together a series of fiction and nonfiction stories about individuals living in communist Romania during the 1980s. This was a deeply compelling subject, rich with history and emotion. It was an honor to be entrusted with visually bringing these narratives to life.What made this project particularly special was the contrast between my usual work and the tone of Cristina’s stories. My most popular commissions are pet portrait illustrations, often with a whimsical, humorous touch. This collaboration, however, called for a shift in my artistic approach—exploring a more serious and historically grounded style. Pushing myself in this new direction was both a challenge and a deeply rewarding experience.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this project was the spirit of collaboration. Cristina’s incredible storytelling paired with my illustrations created something truly unique—a fusion of literary and visual art that highlights the power of multiple creative disciplines coming together. Throughout this process, I gained invaluable insights into book illustration, thanks to Cristina’s guidance and expertise.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the highly collaborative nature of book illustration. From discussing Cristina’s vision—style, tone, energy, and subject matter—to working with the publishing team on technical aspects like print size and color usage, every step was a learning experience. It was incredible to see how illustration, storytelling, and publishing all come together to create a finished book. More than anything, this project expanded my skills and deepened my appreciation for the art of bookmaking.
I Loved This Working Opportunity
This is my first book illustration project, but it certainly won’t be my last. I cannot wait to hold the finished book in my hands and see how readers connect with Cristina’s brilliant storytelling. This experience has ignited a passion for publication projects, and I look forward to future opportunities to bring stories to life through illustration.Stay tuned for updates on the book’s release—I can’t wait to share it with all of you!
COMING SOON
ILLUSTRATIONS
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@andrewhouserart
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