The World of Imagination - Lisbeth Zwerger

"Much has happened since I began working with Michael Neugebauer . My books have wandered around the world , people have liked them, and have been kind enough to award me prizes.
 I haven´t had to starve . Once, every word in public was agony for me, today I can sometimes handle appearing in front of small  groups or teaching.
Time has certainly taken its toll, but I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by people  Always  ready to help me. This has by now almost become a tradition.
The publishing industry has changed enormously , as has the entire book-Market . Looking back , my beginnings appear to have taken place in a better world . However , although we both have received our bumps and bruises , Michael Neugebauer has repeatedly managed to steer his boat safe Waters . Ouf of necessity ( but not only because of it ) new and fascinating  encounters have developed : with Japanese advertising people, Viennese kindergarten teachers , and Indian film producer, a famous Austrian writer and many other interesting people.
Sometimes there is discouragement but as time goes by you realize that if you let destiny run its course and continue to work steadily , taking your time , things will  Always sort themselves out. And this is the most wonderful thing: again and again, just when hope is almost extinguished , there is something new and fresh that strikes you: a poem, a story or a fairy tale. And that , though you may not to be conscious of it in the ups and downs of everyday life , is the crucial thing in the undertaking of Becoming  an Illustrator."