Illustration undergraduates Charlie Vickerstaff and Maryam Kalam have been selected to create artwork for international publication, an opportunity many creatives wait years to experience.

Charlie said: “It’s my first time working with a proper client, which is a little daunting, but incredibly exciting. It feels like a real step in the right direction”.

“Maryam, 19, described the experience as “surreal”, adding: “To be chosen from so many talented artists is amazing. It’s my first contracted project, and it’s opened my eyes to what’s possible.”

Both students say the chance to work directly with industry has helped build their confidence and professional skills outside of the classroom.

Maryam said: “We’ve been able to connect with people we wouldn’t normally meet. It has encouraged me to take every opportunity to grow.”

Charlie added: “BCU has given us genuine industry experiences. To have my work potentially published worldwide by a credible company is huge.”

Helen Wheeler, senior lecturer said: “There is nothing more transformative than watching students step into a live brief; responding to the same pressures, expectations, and standards that shape our industry.

“Presenting their ideas to industry professionals pushes the students to articulate their thinking with purpose and resilience.

This experience builds portfolios, professional identity, and students begin to see themselves as practising illustrators.”

Booktime is the latest initiative from the Hindawi Foundation, a not-for-profit promoting education, culture, and a love of reading across communities and languages.

Founder, of the Hindawi Foundation, Ahmed Hindawi said: “We’re building a library of original stories in many languages, and fantastic illustrations are key.

Working with students brings new ideas and perspectives, and we’re always excited to see what emerging illustrators can do.”

Maryam was selected for her submission for Am I Too Messy, part of Booktime’s “Just Being Me” strand, which explores identity and emotions through familiar childhood experiences. 

“I was really messy as a child - my mum would say I still am! - that’s why I really connected with the story,” she said.

For Charlie, there was no doubt which title she would choose from the list provided by Booktime.

“I’ve loved Greek myths since I was quite young. I was really excited when I saw Perseus and Medusa on the list,” she said. “It was literally the perfect brief. That’s exactly what I’m into.”

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.