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March 2026

-  Leipzig Book Fair  -

Book fairs are meeting places for book lovers and attract reading and language enthusiasts like magnets. Hundreds of readings take place here, authors talk about their work, and publishers showcase their programmes. I exhibited at the Leipzig Book Fair for the first time in 2012. I had just developed my new product – my Magnetic Bookmarks – and wanted to present them there as a trade fair innovation. But how do you make a big splash with small magnetic clips?

What I was missing was a presentation concept. Magnetic Bookmarks are used to mark pages and lines in books and are also 'art on books' because their motifs are my plein air paintings. The Berlin-based communications agency Stilblüte helped me to further develop my product – and Axel in particular helped me to design my exhibition stand. The dark MAJOBA red, complemented by white and light grey, became the colour scheme; glass, acrylic and light wood were added as further elements. The stand began to develop its own atmosphere – warm, clear, inviting.

"But something is still missing, something special that fits the book fair," Axel pondered aloud when the basic features were already in place. – "A book would be best," I interjected. – "Yes, of course: a book. Have you written one yet?" – "No, but I could." – "So quickly?" – "Why not?" – And so, almost overnight, my first booklet was created, "Gefühlspalette. 21 Momente des Glücks" (Emotional Palette: 21 Moments of Happiness). It was late in the evening, and everyone had already gone to bed. I opened my favourite images on the computer, one after the other, and typed in my thoughts about them – sometimes with my eyes closed, completely immersed in memories, images and associations. Then I arranged words and sentence fragments, deleting trains of thought that seemed less important to me. I searched for the emotional core that connects me to each image – and condensed it into a few clear words. After this intense night, I felt completely exhausted and fulfilled at the same time in the morning.

Holger from Stilblüte designed the book's content concept, while Katja took care of the presentation of texts and images. Together, we chose my poppy picture as the cover motif – a bright symbol of new beginnings and vitality, which has since been featured on all MAJOBA displays, signs and flyers. The 2012 Leipzig Book Fair motivated me to publish my first booklet. At the time, however, I had no idea that I had found a way to develop myself as an author through “stories behind the paintings.” Since then, I have been publishing stories in my web shop every month and continuously working on journeys of thoughts on topics that move me. Book fairs continue to inspire me to present new products – children's books, booklets or audio books – and for several years now, I have even ventured onto the stage for my own readings. But just as an aside: although these public appearances appeal to me, I almost die of stage fright and self-doubt shortly before they begin. But then I pull myself together. What could possibly happen? Maybe some listeners will be bored while I enthusiastically talk about my passion for travelling, painting and writing. But maybe a spark of inspiration will jump across – and it is precisely this moment that makes it worth taking on the familiar nervous tension again and again.

Over the years, the Leipzig Book Fair has developed a very special flair for me. The anticipation for this celebration of books is great. The Magnetic Bookmark I painted at the main station is my little thank you to the city of Leipzig. And just as I love standing behind the exhibition stand and talking to my customers about plein air painting and self-publishing, I enjoy letting myself be carried along by the youthful, colourful stream of visitors. There are so many stands, readings and special areas that four days at the fair are hardly enough to discover everything. And so, at the end, there is always this quiet, joyful certainty: I'll be back again next year.

> order magnetic bookmark motif  'Trade Fair City Leipzig'

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