Judges' comments

A series of illustrations wrapped in dark magic. Interesting compositional solutions, elegant colors, and graceful lines. Margo managed to create a gothic atmosphere but at the same time depict the characters as surprisingly attractive. Yes, this is a scary fairy tale, but you don’t want to hide from it. It calls you like mermaid songs, which are impossible to resist.

Ekaterina Borodacheva

Very dreamy and poetic visual language—there’s a clear story being told. I can feel the emotions in the compositions. However, some pages feel a bit quiet in terms of contrast or rhythm. You’ve got a strong base—just a little more visual tension or variation would help keep the viewer fully engaged throughout. Still, lovely tone and mood overall.

Max Liu

The facial expressions of the characters vividly convey their personalities and emotions, adding depth to the illustrations — especially the expressions of the shrine maiden and the fox, which leave a lasting impression. The layering of opaque colors creates subtle tonal variations and gives the artwork a rich sense of historical atmosphere.

Moon Q

Margo’s work presents a distinctive visual world — poetic and slightly surreal. Her compositions skillfully combine decorative detail with negative space, creating a sense of theatricality. Stylized characters and recurring natural motifs add a narrative depth, while the contrast between cool and warm tones guides the viewer’s eye.

Nadiia Zhelieznova

The artist's re-interpreting of Grimm's fairy tales in her own artistic style differs from previous book illustrations of the same genre. While retaining the main elements that construct the story's visual narrative, it continues the childhood inclination to explore enchanted, imaginary worlds. It is also appealing in its grasp of the mystical atmosphere.

Yimin Wang

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