Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?

When i was attending art school, a teacher took us to an exhibition of illustration, in Treviso (Italy).

I do not know, I fell in love: the illustration has chosen me!

I heard a fire and found my way...

Even today, i think it's a great privilege to touch the heart and imagination of people with an image!

How and why did you decide to pursue illustration as your career?

I decided to become an illustrator because i like communicating with others: drawing and writing stories are the most congenial means.

I love drawing: drawing allows me to reach many people, it's beautiful!

Where do you currently live and where did you grow up?

I live in Italy.

I grew up in the countryside with my cats.

Who or what have been some of your major artistic influences?

I love artists like Manet, Monet, Gauguin, Toulouse Lautrec: their works are full of charm, life, vibrations...

What was your first commission as a professional illustrator?

A picture book for an italian publisher: "Quello che conta" (Kite edizioni, Italy)

I remember it with great affection, it was my first step.

It's the story of two friends who combine their skills to build something together.

Describe your working technique and how you came to perfect it.

I use acrylic painting and colored pencils: i love how the brush slips on the paper.

But i use also Photoshop: with some pictorial brushes, it seems to work by hand!

What piece of software or hardware could you not live without and why?

Photoshop and Indesign, they are indispensable

Do you keep a sketch book?

I keep a lot of sketc book: small or big, to draw at home or on the road.

You never know when a good idea will come...

Did you attend art school or undertake any other formal artistic training?

I studied painting in the art school of my city, Padova.

Subsequently, I attended various illustration workshop with established professionals.

But above all, it was essential to practice alone: I had to find my voice

Have you always loved to draw?

Yes!

When I was a child, I was always drawing: I still have some of my artwork...

Which books from your own childhood really stand out?

I think of a book with fairy tales of H. C. Andersen: it was an unexpected gift and i loved the illustrations, mostly Thumbelina.

I really hope to illustrate it one day...

How many times do you tend to draw a character until you are happy with it?

Many times!!! The character is so important!

Especially if it is the protagonist of a story written by me: i'm demanding.

What do you hope children take away from your drawings?

It's a hard question.

I wish they would open their hearts to magic, they must have confidence in themselves and believe that nothing is impossible.

Maybe something will be difficult but not impossible

Which 4 words would you use to describe your illustration portfolio?

Poetic, sweet, full of color, surreal.

Are you an author/illustrator?

Yes!

I'm working hard to give life to my stories: i have many ideas, writing allows me to express myself to the maximum.

My first book as a writer is published by Kite edizioni (Italy): i'm very proud!

The title is "La colazione di Orso" (The Bear's breakfast).

It's thrilling and i'm already working on the second one.

What are some of your favourite subjects to draw?

Flowers, animals and princesses!

Are there any children’s classics you’d love to illustrate and/or re-tell?

Thumbelina, Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland and The secret garden!