We grabbed Lina Schubert, one of the illustrators behind the project, for a chat to find out more.
Tell me about Illustrators Against Covid-19 – what’s the idea and who is behind it?
“The project Illustrators Against Covid-19 provides free printable sheets to color in, from illustrators around the world. It aims to help with keeping kids happy and parents relaxed during self-isolation.
“In our hometown Vienna we have rapidly developed a lot of precautions to slow down the spreading of coronavirus. Staying and working from home was one of them. That also meant that schools and kindergartens were closed and parents all over Austria now have to work and care for their kids at the same time.
“I have a three year old girl at home, she is an only child who loves kindergarten and really misses her friends. So I had to think about ways to support her during these crazy times. I came up with the idea while doing the dishes and asked my former colleagues from my Graphic Design studies if they wanted to provide the first few sheets.
“My friend and colleague Lisa Vietze was immediately on board and is now operating the project with me. We’ve been collaborating since our studies and really complement each other with our skills. My partner Florentin Berger-Monit is also helping out a lot. And of course my biggest thanks go out to all the amazing illustrators providing their work for free! Thank you all!”
When did you launch?
“We actually launched just over two weeks ago, on Monday 16th. The idea came up just a few days before that and we really quickly developed the concept, the overall look and everything else within 2 days.”
How is it going so far?
“It’s going very well! We’ve quickly received tons of submissions and a lot of people offered to help. We’re still overwhelmed – in a very positive way that is!”