Tuesday, 11 October 2011

Intl' giveaway: Antara by Marilena Mexi


Today I'm happy to say that we have author Marilena Mexi with us. She is here today to tell us a little bit about herself and her first illustrated novel called Antara. Do take a look at the stunning illustrations included in this post, Marilena sure knows how to create beautiful illustrations.

Author/illustrator Marilena Mexi.
Author Marilena Mexi was born in 1986 and now lives in Athens, Greece. She studied graphic design and illustration in Akto of Middlesex University - Athens, and she has been working as an illustrator for the past few years for book publishers – magazines and fantasy board and card games. She is also an awarded illustrator from various CG community sites, and she has been featured in a few magazines from around the world.

Her artwork reflects her own personality; it is emotional, romantic and dreamy, and it can touch the viewer’s soul.In her spare time she likes reading books and listening to symphonic music.Her love for books led her write her own which she illustrated, too. This process has been very time-consuming and difficult, but it also was a journey to the land of dreams. ‘Antara’ is her first illustrated novel, and it includes 26 illustrations,'Ninemia' is her second book and sequel of 'Antara' and includes 15 illustrations.

Illustration used with permission from Marilena Mexi.
Antara
I come from Greece and Greek mythology has inspired me, along with symphonic metal music. Also, my grandfather was a fisherman, and many times he's been telling me stories with mermaids when I was a child, and I adored them. So, my first story couldn't have been anything else.I started making the illustrations first, while I still had the story in my mind. One day, I decided to write the whole story down and create a book, where the reader could read and see the concept art as well. I had initially created more illustrations, and in the end I picked the best ones to be included in the books. I wanted to create the world of Antara as good as possible, and then describe it as beautifully as possible. I don't want the readers to just read the book, I want them to travel to a magical world, and feel like they are a part of it. For me, writing and illustration are two sides of the same coin. I create a world with my imagination and I transfer that as good as I can to the readers.

Marilena has kindly offer to give away a e-book copy of her first illustrated novel, Antara. Enter the giveaway below this beautiful illustration.

Illustration used with permission from Marilena Mexi.




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