My Story And Career
My name is Ildiko Hankoszky. I am a freelance illustrator (a widowed mother of two boys, a grandmother of two cuties, and a survivor) living in Wiltshire, United Kingdom, originally from Hungary. I just love the nature here in the Kingdom, the old architecture, the air I breathe in, and so much more, including the society. Growing up in a communist regime, I always wondered what the Western world and a monarchy looked like from the inside. I am very grateful that today I am not just wondering but living that dream.
Drawing and forming by hand have been together on my path from my childhood. I am a former wood sculptor and conservation assistant. I have never stopped experimenting with new materials, but unfortunately, I had to finish these wonderful jobs due to both of my hands needing surgery for carpal tunnel. I also worked for years as a cartoon animator and graphic designer. (OMG, I sound like an oldster! Haha!) These jobs taught me to be precise, and patient, and to take good care of the details of my work. I illustrated and edited two children’s books that were published in Hungarian. You can find some of my past projects here on my website.
A few years ago, when the COVID lockdown started, I had to shield myself as a member of the most vulnerable group. There was plenty of time to think about my abilities and what I wanted or what I needed to do in the future. So, after praying over it, I immersed myself in drawing and also started studies about children’s mental health at Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College, and North Hertfordshire College. Mixing the knowledge with illustrations, I am almost done with publishing my first children’s picture book and activity book as an author and illustrator. The latest good news is that I feel privileged to have a wonderful pedagogical psychologist joining my children's book project from now on! Yay! I have been waiting for this to happen for eight years, so just imagine how happy I am!🌟😍🥰 With her deeper insight I am shaping this story from the Blue Forest and also the future ones, for a wider audience to enjoy. 🤩🤓💛
I had already recognized the consequence of bad mental health many years ago, way before my motherhood started. Already in primary school, I planned to become a children’s psychologist. Or an animator. Or a sculptor. Then, despite starting the uni with math and programming to have a “normal 9 to 5 job”, I ended up in the art field. Never regretted it.
If you like my illustrations, please, follow me on Instagram for the newest posts. Also, you can buy my paintings on products from my Redbubble shop. Some of those are on JIGSAW PUZZLES in my Contrado shop (these are awesome!!).
In the ‘MENTALHELP’ menu, you can find links to mental health services and useful web pages about children’s brain, emotional, and mental development. I would be delighted if I could add a little bit to your or any child’s mental well-being.
Thank you for your attention.
I appreciate your time spent here. :)
Fairy Tales
For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by the enchanting allure of fairy tales and intrigued by their profound impact on young minds. As adults, we often ponder the deeper meanings hidden within these timeless stories, questioning their relevance and value in shaping the tender hearts and curious minds of children.
The allure of fairy tales lies not just in their captivating narratives but also in the underlying "horror" that we, as adults, perceive. Yet, despite our apprehensions, we find ourselves drawn to these tales, compelled by a desire to unravel their mysteries and understand their enduring appeal.
As I delved deeper into the world of children's literature, I realized that the question of why fairy tales matter is not merely academic but deeply significant. In a world where reading is akin to nourishing the soul, the stories we choose to serve our children become paramount. Like a carefully curated meal, the tales we offer them must be rich in substance and meaning, nurturing their imaginations and instilling valuable life lessons.
So, dear reader, let us embark on this adventure with open hearts and inquisitive minds, for the wisdom we seek lies not just in the stories themselves but in the journey of exploration and discovery that awaits us.
Fairy tales offer crucial psychological insights to children, shaping their understanding of the world and themselves. Through psychoanalytic lenses, these stories reveal hidden meanings and teach children to interpret symbols, fostering empathy and resilience. By immersing in tales like Hansel and Gretel, children learn to navigate complexities and confront challenges, preparing them for life's adversities. Moreover, fairy tales stimulate imagination and problem-solving skills, empowering children to confront their fears and anxieties.
Rooted in the unconscious, these narratives instill profound lessons that endure into adulthood, nurturing a more empathetic and perceptive generation. In a society increasingly reliant on subtlety and nuance, teaching children to decipher hidden meanings becomes essential for fostering a compassionate and understanding future.
Ongoing research continues to shed light on the multifaceted effects of fairy tales on children's development, encompassing cognitive, social, emotional, and cultural dimensions.
Cognitive Development: Some studies have investigated how exposure to fairy tales influences children's cognitive development, including language skills, imagination, and problem-solving abilities. Researchers have found correlations between exposure to complex narratives like fairy tales and enhanced cognitive development in children.
Social and Emotional Development: Other studies have focused on the social and emotional impact of fairy tales on children. They explore how exposure to characters and storylines can help children develop empathy, understand moral dilemmas, and navigate emotions.
Parent-Child Interaction: Research also examines the role of parent-child interaction during shared reading of fairy tales. Studies suggest that the discussions prompted by fairy tales can deepen parent-child bonds and provide opportunities for meaningful conversations about values and emotions.
Cultural Influences: There's ongoing research into how cultural variations in fairy tales affect children's development. Different cultures have their own sets of fairy tales with unique themes and messages, and researchers are interested in understanding how exposure to these diverse narratives shapes children's worldviews and values.
Educational Applications: Some studies explore the use of fairy tales in educational settings. Researchers investigate how integrating fairy tales into curriculum activities can enhance learning outcomes across various subjects, including literacy, social studies, and character education.
