The super POP illustrations by Chiara Franzosi
“My life as an illustrator began in 2020 when I found myself at home 24 hours a day and the desire after more than 20 years to start drawing again revamped. I started following various profiles of more or less famous illustrators, and I decided to try to do something myself because I felt I still had a lot to express. I started with an Android app and then switched to using the Ipad. A world opened up to me and I still can’t do without it now, and at 42 years old I can proudly say that I am living a carefree second adolescence thanks to illustration!”
It often happens in your illustrations to see female figures drawn, what is your relationship with the female universe? I choose to depict the female world and women in all their personal and social issues, from bodyshaming to more social issues. Specifically my women are very fleshed out, I love opulent bodies, and the opulence of the female body itself in my opinion is wonderful to portray, especially in a world that imposes stereotypical models of perfection on us. My women are surrounded by flowers, this is because I live in the countryside and have a very strong connection with nature. I have always loved beautiful and strong flowers just like women are.
Your illustrations feature very pop colors in flat tones…tell us more about this ostentatious use? The choice of bright colors was natural and instinctive, I have always loved strong colors being also a characteristically passionate person (anything bright and powerful attracts me). Pastel colors are wonderful, but they are not the colors of my soul, too bright and strong just like the hues I use. Over time I think this has become a predominant characteristic of mine!
How important is it for you to let other illustrators inspire you? Letting other illustrators inspire me is so important to me! It spurs me to do better and gives me new lifeblood for future illustrations. I like to compare, to see the colors, the type of illustration and the idea that others have had, maybe for the same subject! I draw lessons, joy and amazement from it, and most of all I think it is a source of nourishment for the imagination.
Do you think you have reached your ultimate identity as an illustrator? No I don’t think I’m 100% there yet but I’m very close, I’ve changed styles and with the current one I think I’ve reached my perfect niche! I just need to challenge a few more things and take some extra steps, but yes, I feel very satisfied with what I have accomplished as an artist.
What do you think are the three main qualities an illustrator must have to be commercially appealing? Lots and lots of creativity, imagination, an elastic mind, as well as a willingness to put yourself out there with a lot of passion. I believe that technique is an important factor but does not ultimately make “the difference.”
Contacts: lachiarina80@gmail.com