From Magic Pencil (Csodacereuza) Magazine

    I was born in 1977, and since a very young age, books have fascinated me. I was a distracted, daydreaming baby and little girl (and I am still those now), not very attached to the practical things of life.  Because of this, the pages of books have always been an exceptional path into the world of imagination.

At my elementary schools, I wrote and drew stories that the teachers read and showed to my schoolmates.  I used to say that I wanted to become an author and to illustrate my own books.

Following my dream, I graduated from the Institute of Art in Riccione, and later, from the European Institute of Design in Milan.  In 1999, while still a student, I illustrated my first book, for a publishing house in Taiwan.  Then, I made a three-book proposal that was immediately accepted and published by a small Italian press.

In this way, notwithstanding the uncertainties, the complexities and the skepticism this kind of work provoked in those around me, and notwithstanding the initial difficulties, I began being an illustrator.

Full time:  morning, noon and night.

            For four consecutive years (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) I was selected to exhibit in the illustrators exhibition at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, and I have exhibited in various illustrator collectives.

I began collaborations with houses in the USA, Germany, Japan, and in Italy.  The book, The Crocodile's True Colors (Edizioni Arka), of which I am also the author, has been translated into 6 languages and was a finalist for the "Best Illustrated Book" prize.

I have worked with magazines and with publicity agencies, making calendars, posters, etc.

Actually, I am now working on a new book, the story of which I also authored, for Michael Neugebauer Press in Switzerland, and I am very satisfied with the continuous progress of my work.

I have many friendships with illustrators and artists, which gives me an excellent opportunity for exchanges and discussions on subjects that unite us.  Among those illustrators whose work I admire for quality, skill, and output, who have succeeded in this difficult field, are, without doubt, Nicoletta Ceccoli and Anna Laura Cantone.

Nicoletta, who lives and works in the Republic of San Marino, received her degree in animation arts at the Institute of Art in Urbino, and after a specialized course in the same field, she began publishing her first books, in Italy and abroad.  She has participated in numerous exhibitions, among which are the Bologna Book Fair, the Biennale of Bratislava, the Biennale of Young Artists of Rome, and the show, "Images of Imagination," in Sarmede.  In 2001 , she received a prize as the best illustrator of the year.

Anna Laura lives and works in Milano, but her books are published by the most important houses in Italy and abroad.  She received her degree at the Institute of Art, and then at the European Institute of Design in Milan, and she has participated in one-man and collective shows.

©Magic Pencil (Csodaceruza) Magazine