This book I illustrated following Andersen’s story The Steadfast Tin Soldier is my independent project, one of the first explorations in this vein that I did. Here I tried to apply all of the things I see as important in art (and in illustration as well), to remain faithful to my drawing techniques (pen-and-ink, watercolor) and to the approach I usually employ, while giving my own view of this classic fairy tale. With some details, I tried to “draw between the lines”, to introduce details of my own daily life into the context of the tale, and by alternating between richer and sparser illustrations and the way I designed the layout, I tried to create a visual dynamic that would provide another narrative flow in and of itself.

The book and 6 original illustrations were presented in selection of Croatian contemporary illustrators Aquamarine Selection, one of the exhibitions that were part of presentation of Croatia as a guest of honor country at the Bologna Children's Book Fair 2015, under the project name Living Waters, Living Stories. They were also exhibited on reinstallation of the exhibition in Zagreb (Klovićevi Dvori gallery) folllowing presentation in Bologna. 

 Also, I am very happy that 5 original illustrations were accepted for 6th Croatian Illustration Biennale and have been shown on the exhibition in Zagreb in June 2016.