Page 1: This 'other' has a nose.
Artist: Weronika Kubak.
Page description and purpose: I discovered Weronika through her UAL graduate profile, which showcased her work in 3D Design. At the time, I was seeking an artist capable of creating an abstract nose character sequence for a proboscis monkey, and her portfolio demonstrated the necessary skill set. The proboscis monkey's strikingly distinct nose makes it the perfect character not only for this page but also as the book's opening image. People from different backgrounds are often treated as alien—as different as another species—and are dehumanised through derogatory animal terms like "monkey." Using this character feels like a subtle yet direct way to introduce the subject of othering. The simplicity of this initial image focuses all attention on the single character, creating room for amazement as the visuals grow more complex throughout the book. From the very beginning of the book, we introduce the concept of othering, which extends beyond the human species to include other life and beings on this planet, by immediately prioritising an animal. This is not only to marvel at its fascinating feature but to relate to it, making a simple point of connection through the feature that sits in the middle of each of our faces. The changing nose creature image is, of course, fictional and absurd. I hope this serves as a playful way to show just how absurd othering is and how sneakily it can infiltrate our judgements of others.
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Welcome, Weronika. Happy to have you as the starting point of this book's journey, and I'm truly delighted to be working with you. Rose​​
“The 3D illustration highlights the monkey's distinct features and captures its playful essence. The enclosed composition and lush jungle backdrop setting, bursting with colours, aim to spark curiosity and invite young readers on an enchanting adventure.” - Weronika
Weronika Kubak is a multidisciplinary designer specialising in motion and graphic/illustration design. Her designs are infused with personal experiences, resulting in meaningful storytelling through characters that evoke emotion and personality. Drawing from a diverse background in interior and interaction design, Weronika seamlessly combines aesthetics with functionality, ensuring her creations engage users in a memorable way.
Weronika's fascination with psychology and theatre adds a profound layer to her designs, allowing her to craft narratives that resonate on an emotional level. This unique blend of interests enriches her work, making it both relatable and impactful. Weronika’s portfolio shows her versatility and dedication to the craft as she continues to push the boundaries of her artistic explorations. Beyond designing, she is a big fan of coffee, video games, rock & metal concerts, and handcrafts.
