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"I am an illustrator because I must illustrate, and I am
a book designer because I love books. Obviously the
field in which the two meet is the one which makes me
the most happy -- children's books. I can usually find
something in most stories which makes me excited; be it
a locale or period of time requiring great research, or
a sense of fantasy which permits me to exercise my own
fantasies pictorially, or great writing which forces me
to try to match it in visual images.
"I am particularly fond of epics and folk tales.
I don't care how many times they have been illustrated
before; the challenge is to find the truth for myself
and depict it. When I illustrate I am aware of many
things; storytelling, graphic design, sequence of images
and my own interests in which I can indulge. I never
'draw-down' to a projected audience. I feel children
are most surprisingly capable of meeting a challenge
and instinctively understand a drawing. Perhaps it will
lead them to ask a question or wonder in silence --
either will help them to learn or to extend themselves.
I have experienced that if I am satisfied with one of my
books, both children and adults will often get from it
more than I ever realized I was putting into it.
"My interests include reading, theatre, films and travel.
I find each in its own way provides inspiration when I
begin to illustrate a book. A sight, sound, idea or
anything-you-want is very often the key to a drawing.
It it is experienced and remembered, all that is
necessary is to put it to work for you. That is why I
enjoy all of the above." -- Charles Mikolaycak
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Charles Mikolaycak (pronounced
'Mike-o-lay-chak') has been one of my favorite
illustrators for over twenty years. His work is some
of the most romantic and emotionally appealing I've
ever seen. 
Mikolaycak lived in New York and was a guest instructor
in book illustration at Syracuse University. He was
married to writer Carole Kismaric on October 1st, 1970.
