Illustrations by Prof. Florian Bayer for “Katzentage” (Cat Days), a book by Ewald Arenz

Illustrated stories for adults are a rarity. Prof. Florian Bayer was delighted, as he said, when he received the request to collaborate as an illustrator on Ewald Arenz’s new book. The illustrated story “Katzentage” (Cat Days) will be published on September 16, 2025, by Dumont Verlag. Prof. Florian Bayer created 30 full-page color illustrations during his collaboration with Ewald Arenz.

Prof. Florian Bayer describes his approach:

The icing on the cake: the story is set in Würzburg, a city with which I have a very close connection. I studied there, worked there as a lecturer for many years, and always enjoy returning. So I went for a long walk and followed the route that Peter and Paula—the couple in the book—take on their special days. This allowed me to research countless motifs in advance and soak up the atmosphere of the city. This allowed me to research countless motifs in advance and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

With the printed manuscript in his bag, he drew countless small pencil sketches around the text – wherever passages of text evoked images in him. After the first draft with sketches, Prof. Florian Bayer made a selection and worked out the designs. In an inspiring back-and-forth process with the editor, further variations were created until the final selection was made.