Elisa Ferro
Children's Illustrator
Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?
I’ve always loved to draw, when I was a child I spent whole afternoons painting and looking at picture books! Growing up I thought that becoming an architect would give me the chance to draw a lot, but after few years I realized that it wasn’t my path because I didn’t feel happy. So, I completely changed my goals and I started working to become an illustrator… and I’m so glad I did!
What is your favourite medium to work with and why?
I love to draw with gouaches and colored pencils, but when the deadlines are tight I usually do backgrounds with gouache and I digitally finish my illustrations. Initially working digitally was a drama, but now I love it because it allows me to optimize my schedule without compromising the result!
Do you keep a sketch book?
I’ve never been consistent with sketchbooks, I never got over the stressful thought of ruining them with a bad drawing, haha! I prefer to sketch on single sheets and keep them all in a pink folder!
How many times do you tend to draw a character until you are happy with it?
I see that there’s no firm rule for this, sometimes a character convinces me immediately and sometimes not because it doesn’t reflect what I have clear in mind. Usually, after having made the first sketches, I wait until the next day to have a fresh mind to fix them!
What do you do in your spare time?
On gloomy days I like to stay at home baking and reading books, but often during the springtime I relax with gardening. When I have some time I love to spend a few hours in my favorite bookshop and take long walks! My husband and I try to visit a city we’ve never seen before at least once a year, I think these trips are a great source of inspiration and when we come back I always feel regenerated and full of new ideas!
Do you have a favourite soundtrack you listen to when you’re working?
I listen to a lot of french house, but a year ago I discovered a beautiful site, noisli, where you can set background sounds to improve focus. I tried to recreate the sound of the forest and it remains one of my favorites to work with!
What are some of your favourite subjects to draw?
Animals, plants and flowers, kitchenware and dessert!
If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be doing?
Definitely a baker or a pastry chef!
