The article profiles Bosnian-Herzegovinian professor and artist Nejra Turadinović and her renewed focus on cartoons and illustrations for children. Turadinović has illustrated more than twenty children’s books for domestic and foreign markets and has a distinct, recognizable style.
The text places her work in a longer history: the first caricatures appeared in 16th-century Italy and later became popular in France and Great Britain. Caricature and illustration have often been part of print media, used for satire and political expression, and at times cartoonists have faced persecution.
Turadinović holds a master’s degree in civil engineering and works as a high school teacher and college assistant. She draws daily, makes small illustrated greeting cards she describes as mostly humorous, and accepts custom commissions in her cartoonish style. Meeting with artists Sabina and Zdravko Cvjetković helped her return to drawing. She calls drawing an escape from reality, meditation and therapy, and aims to become known for her style.
Difficult words
- caricature — drawing that exaggerates people's features to make funcaricatures
- satire — use of humor to criticize people or ideas
- persecution — treating someone cruelly for beliefs or actions
- illustration — picture that explains or decorates textillustrations, illustrated
- commission — work ordered and paid for by a clientcommissions
- cartoonish — looking like a simple funny drawing style
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think an artist's distinct style helps in children’s books? Give one reason.
- The article says drawing can be therapy. Have you used a hobby to relax? Describe briefly.
- Why is it important to know the history of caricature and illustration when making new cartoons?
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